Please keep the 100 victims, the survivors, and the families in your prayers.

Post your comments, condolences or random thoughts.

God Bless Our Lost Roadie Brother Jeff Rader

God Heal Our Roadie Brother Robert Rager

An on-line memorial to the victims

FALLEN ROADIES

     Jeff Rader Family Fund                           Robert "Hairball" Rager

                 Jeff Rader Tribute Page                                                                                

Photo

KNAC.COM

Victims List HERE

Great White's performance rider

Interview with Roadie "Pyro Pete"

Great White Fire Sequence of Events

R.I. Tragedy-As the Smoke Begins To Clear

The Station Fire: 100 days - 100 lives      An editorial by Karl Kuenning

Dan Biechele - Tour Manager for Great White

Jeff Derderian - The Station nightclub co-owner

Michael Derderian - The Station nightclub co-owner

Dan (Great White's Tour Manager after me) and the 2 club owners of "The Station" recieved 200 counts EACH of involuntary Manslaughter charges. Needless to say, they are going to go away for a very, very long time.

Full story is online at: http://wcco.com/topstories/topstories_story_343145644.html

I've also included it below as well.

Three Charged In Deadly R.I. Club Fire

Dec 9, 2003 1:55 pm US/Central
WARWICK, R.I. (AP) The owners of the nightclub where 100 people were killed in a fire last February were indicted on involuntary manslaughter charges Tuesday along with the tour manager for the heavy metal band whose pyrotechnics ignited the blaze.

Club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian and Great White tour manager Dan Biechele were each charged with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter — two for each death. The three men were arraigned Tuesday.

Attorney General Patrick Lynch planned to meet with reporters later Tuesday to comment on the indictments. He was not available for immediate comment.

The indictments came after the grand jury issued a report on its nearly 10-month investigation into the fire at The Station nightclub on Feb. 20. The blaze, caused by heavy metal band Great White's indoor pyrotechnics display, also injured about 200 people.

Many of the dead and injured were trapped in the smoke and flames during the crowd's rush for the exits.

Several lawsuits have been filed against the band and the club owners.

Great White was a popular band during the 1980s heavy metal era, with hits such as "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" and "Rock Me."

The band's guitarist, Ty Longley, was among those killed the fire.

The fire in the blue-collar community of West Warwick, about 12 miles south of Providence, seemed to touch everyone in this small state.

"They say there are six degrees of separation in this world. In Rhode Island, there's a degree and a half," Lynch said after the blaze. "The pain rips through this community quicker than any other."

Authorities investigated the blaze for more than nine months, picking through the charred remains of the site for evidence and interviewing witnesses. They seized computers, documents, club records and appointment books from band members and the club's owners. Investigators also took inspection reports from the town and receipts from a foam manufacturer and collected dozens of items from the site of the fire, including club doors, wiring, spray paint and foam samples.

In the wake of the fire, Gov. Don Carcieri called for emergency inspections of all public buildings similar to The Station nightclub, and the state formed a commission to investigate the blaze. State lawmakers passed stringent new fire-safety standards, including stricter rules on sprinkler requirements for older buildings.

The blaze also led other states to propose tougher fire regulations for nightclubs and prompted finger-pointing among local officials. Fire and building inspection reports released by the town of West Warwick never mention the foam that surrounded the stage, and the club had passed its last inspection — two months before the fire.

Jeffrey Derderian was a longtime television reporter in Rhode Island and Boston, and known to many in the region. He was at the club during the night of the fire.

Great White recently wrapped up a five-month tour to raise money for fire victims. The band raised just under $64,000, but its tour was criticized by family members of victims who blamed the band for the fire and said the tour was self-serving.

Ron Schreiner

Today, Tuesday, December 9, 2003, a RI grand jury returned indictments against Station Nightclub owners, Jeffrey and Michael Derderian and Great White Tour Manager, Dan Biechele. Each was charged with 100 counts of misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter and 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter as a result of negligence. Biechele, who lives out of state, was required to post $100,000 surety or $10,000 cash bail. His passport has been surrendered. The Derderian brothers, who were both born, raised and currently reside in RI) were both required to post $50,000 surety or $5000 cash bail. They are not to leave the state without permission. All entered not guilty pleas. The pre-trial hearing is scheduled for February 9th.

Families and friends of the victims were gathered together shortly before the announcement and told first. Although, many are relieved to have this portion of the criminal case decided, there is some upset as to the lack of an indictment for Great White front man, Jack Russell.

I am happy to keep our touring community posted with any significant updates.

WARWICK, R.I. - The owners of the nightclub where 100 people were killed in a fire last February were indicted on involuntary manslaughter charges Tuesday along with the tour manager for the heavy metal band whose pyrotechnics ignited the blaze.

Club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian and Great White tour manager Dan Biechele were each charged with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter — two for each death. The three men were arraigned Tuesday and could face up to ten years in prison for each charge..

I don't think anyone posted this article from the Providence Journal.....

http://www.projo.com/words/20030619_st.htm

Great White played Atlanta few days before and tried to sneak pyro into the show.  It was confiscated by the house crew. Ill check to see what exactly they were. They called me the night of the show here and asked me whether to allow it. Knowing the ceiling height and the amount of fuel there is on and around the stage I said "Hell no!" What the hell were they thinking? Pyro is all about safety. Rule #1 No one gets hurt. Rule#2 Revert back to rule one. Its all so very sad...

Frank "Puffy" Kendall

All I read is how Jack Russell feels. What about me? I live with the knowledge and the pain that I will never see my best friend Tina anymore. A best friend for 18 plus years who I could never in a million lifetimes replace - No maid of honor or wedding for a fact -I lost a friend who was felt more like a twin than a friend and now I have nobody too laugh with or confide in. She was my everything and now she is gone and I feel the better half of me died on 2/20/03... So what about my pain? Does anyone care about me? Does Jack or the band care about me and my loss?

-Annie

Annie, Yes, people care about you, your loss, and you're not alone in this. Like yourself, many others are in the exact same position you are. The Station Family Fund & Jack Russell are doing all they can to bring hope back into the lives of those affected by this tragedy. The Station Family Fund is a small, yet effective (and the main) organization regarding fund raising for the victims and their families.

We are all aware that no amount of apologies, money, sympathy, or words can ever bring our loved ones back, but we can either let that fire claim more victims by robbing us of our souls and filling us with bitterness and hate, or we can learn from it and help those affected by it. (Which I believe when you help others, really in turn helps yourself as well)

I lost a good friend in that fire, Ty Longley. I think about and miss him everyday. I used to be Jack's Tour Manager in 2002, so I know the band, some of their families, etc. None of them would wish harm on anyone or anything. Jack just wanted to play, have fun, and entertain people, which he has done for the last 22 years all over the World. Now all Jack wants is to dedicate his life to helping those affected by this tragedy. Jack has (obviously so) changed quite a bit from before the fire verses after it. He is no longer the happy go lucky guy I once knew. Still nice, yes, by all means, yes, but a much more somber version.

I feel your pain. I understand your pain. I sympathize with you as well, but ask yourself this question while trying to imagine it at the same time.....

If I was in Jack's shoes, how would I feel? I think I'd rather lose my entire family and all my belongings forever than spend 1 hour in his shoes right now. Not because of any possible legal issues, but rather because of the emotional hell he must be going through.

I know you may find it hard Annie, but you need to try to help others, to learn to forgive and live. In doing so, you'll help heal others and yourself at the same time. That's how I'm coping with all of this.

Roadie Ron

All I read is how Jack Russell feels.   What about me?   I live with the knowledge and the pain that I will never see my best friend Tina anymore. A best friend for 18 plus years who I could never in a million lifetimes replace - No maid of honor or wedding for a fact -I lost a friend who was felt more like a twin than a friend and now I have nobody too laugh with or confide in.  She was my everything and now she is gone and I feel the better half of me died on 2/20/03...  So what about my pain?  Does anyone care about me?  Does Jack or the band care about me and my loss?
-Annie

The Station Fire Memorial Foundation was formed this July in order to gain ownership of the Station Fire Site and build a proper and fitting memorial to honor our loved ones. Because of litigation and insurance issues, the land is not available for donation and it appears we will have to raise funds to purchase the land. We estimate a minimum of $500,000 will be needed. Please visit our website www.stationfirememorialfoundation.org for more information. Jesika Toracinta and Dave Bogosian are donating all the proceeds from the sale of their CD "Going Home", a song written for the tragedy. Listen to the song at www.westwarwicktragedy.com To get involved in the Foundation, join our yahoo discussion list at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/West_Warwick_Station_Fire_Memorial  We are family members and friends of those who perished and will not rest until we are sure our loved ones are not forgotten.
peace,
Susan Asselin

Solace and Solitude – West Warwick Revisited
By Ron Schreiner
ron@roadie.net

August 20th, 2003

It’s been 6 months since the February 20th Station Nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI where 100 people lost their lives due to that fateful event. Looking back, what have we learned? How have we changed as individuals and as a society since this American tragedy happened? What are our attitudes about people, safety, and life in general like now verses before the fire? If we have or haven’t changed, ask yourself either way, why?

I’d like to share my own thoughts on the matter and perhaps cause the reader to think of his or her own views, attitudes, and opinions on this topic. It’s good to ask “Why” about the way things are or are perceived to be. It’s good to question ourselves and evaluate who we are and why we are that way. If we don’t question, we don’t grow as individuals or as a society. Growth is painful at best, but always necessary. Stagnation is death.

The jury is still out on who is to blame for the fire.

I would like to offer my own personal opinion if you will. I feel the band is not to blame for the fire. Many others in the music business feel as I do because we know what some of the clubs we go into are like. The place was a firetrap waiting to happen. Great White was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Other bands such as KISSTORY, a KISS tribute band used knee high flames, certainly much more risky than the sparkling Gerbs Great White used. Why didn’t KISSTORY burn the place down instead? Luck, chance, who knows. That in itself is a whole other debate.

I was Jack Russell’s Tour Manager in 2002 for “Jack Russell – The Voice Of Great White”. We were on the road coast to coast touring in support of his first ever solo CD “For You”. During that tour, I sat down many times and talked at length with Jack Russell, Ty Longley, David Filice, and Eric Powers, all of whom were at The Station that Feb 20th. Since the fire, I’ve only talked with Jack once in August 2003 when he played a show in Minneapolis and the band I work for now opened the show for him.

The Jack Russell I knew before the fire and the one I know after; is a much more somber one. Jack has always had a sense of humor, basically just a good hearted guy who just wants to sing, entertain people, and hang with his fans. Now, much of that humor seems to be gone. He’s much more serious and seems to be dedicated a new mission in life, to truly help those families affected by the fire. The best way for him to do that is what he knows best and has been doing for the past 20 some years of his life, sing.

I can’t imagine the inner torment he must go through on a “every minute” basis. No matter who or what is to blame for the fire, the man is trying to make amends for what happened. I think some people who are critical of Jack & Great White need to step back and put themselves in his shoes for a minute. It’s so easy to judge others, point fingers, and be negative. I lost a good friend in that fire, Ty Longley, other friends of mine have been affected by the fire as well, some injured, some not (at least not physically).

It’s tragic, it’s devastating, but we can’t let this kill us inside. I don’t believe those who died in the fire would want that. We need to help people that are in need right now, not be filled with resentment and anger for the rest of our lives. So if Great White is playing in your town, I’d ask that you support their effort for fundraising for the families of the victims of the fire. It’s not about Jack, it’s not about Great White, it’s about the families, the victims, and those affected by it. Donations can be made at the website ran by the families at www.stationfamilyfund.org

I’d also like to ask that on Wednesday, August 20th, 2003 at 12 Noon Central Time everyone stop what they are doing and be silent for 100 seconds. You can do it alone or have the entire office you work at involved, whatever you want to do. All I ask is that you do it in memoriam of those lives lost 6 months ago.

www.tylongley.com
www.mistabone.com
www.stationfamilyfund.org

©2003 Ron Schreiner ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Peace
Ron Schreiner

Great White, club fined over fire

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Six months after a nightclub fire that killed 100 people, the U.S. federal agency that regulates workplace safety has fined the club's owners and the band Great White more than $90,000 US.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined Derco LLC, which operated The Station club, $85,200 for one "wilful" violation and six serious ones.

OSHA said the wilful violation was the installation of an exit door that swung the wrong way. The others involved the use of highly flammable foam in the club, inadequate safety planning and an exit door that was concealed by foam, the agency said.

Jack Russell Touring Inc., the corporate entity representing Great White, faces a $7,000 fine for failing to protect employees from fire hazards, OSHA said.

Great White was playing at The Station on Feb. 20 when its pyrotechnic display started a blaze that killed 100 people and injured nearly 200 others.

The club and band have 15 days to appeal the proposed penalties.

I found this on the VH-1 website...thought you might want to post the link.

http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1476989/08192003/great_white.jhtml?_requestid=214570

Very,Very true words about the roadie who pushed the button. If you go and look at the ryder for great white you will see that the road manager wants clear gel to be in lighting kit. Clear gel in a light without a gel scroller seems to me to show the intelligence level of the management of great white.  While the tech who pushed the button will live with the grief of what had happened in a millisecond for the rest of his life(and it is a wonder he doesnt commit suicide). The other players will point the fingers at each other and try to extract themselves from guilt. Of coarse that always happens with so called "managers". I refer to managers as being the band, the road manager, the clue owners, the local fire officals, the sales manager for the foam. Sure the low man on the totem pole is the one who pushed the button but "managers" probably also pushed him
Thanks PT

GOD BLESS ALL THE PEOPLE IMPACTED BY THIS EVENT.

TAKE SOLACE, IN KNOWING THAT MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND THAT THESE SPECIAL SOULS WERE ATTENDING AN EVENT THAT THEY ENJOYED AND THAT THEY DID NOT DIE IN VAIN.

This is only the 2nd time that I am speaking/writing publicly about the fire on February 20th. I am from Rhode Island and have been involved with production and touring since the late 1980's.

Dr. Metal, the local DJ, who was killed in the fire was my friend, only I call him Gonzo. I knew him for over 20 years from when I was a kid and he was the dj at my favorite roller skating rink. We both loved heavy metal and he introduced me to a lot of groups that became my favorites during the late 80s and early 90s.

When I was 13 years old and wanted to go see a cute new band, Bon Jovi, that was playing at the local Living Room for WHJY's 1st anniversary party, he took me. 3 years later, he dj'd my 16th birthday party where we had lots of heavy metal music and live performances by our friends who were in the top "air bands" in the state. I have pictures from that nite of a young man dancing in his favorite new bands t-shirt, Queensryche. Whenever I picture him in my mind, he is wearing that t-shirt. 17 years later and he still looked the same only the hair was a little shorter.

I was in Rhode Island at the time of the fire. I had been in the hospital and was recovering at my mom's house. On Friday morning, the 21st of February, I was home alone when the phone started ringing early in the morning but I ignored it for quite awhile. When I finally did answer, it was my stepfather's mother calling from Cleveland wanting to know if her son and I were ok. We were, and I told her this. Then she told me about the fire at the Station and that it had been on the news in Cleveland all morning. She knew her son and I went there occasionally for shows. After hanging up with her, never imagining the enormity of what I was about to see, I went downstairs to turn on the tv...I didn't shut it off again until Sunday night......and the phone kept ringing.

>From all over the world, people I hadn't talked to in 10 years, tracked me down to make sure I was alive. When I'd leave the TV for a few minutes it was to check the online news account and to check the many emails, again, from friends all over the world saying "Call me, write me, let me know you are alive".

All anyone knew for many days was there were alot of bodies and just when you thought it was over, they'd find another and another. And, I knew my friend was there. I wondered how many more people I knew would be announced as among the dead or the injured?

I don't remember how many days it was until they identified Gonzo. He was a popular dj and there was a vigil for him and for the others but I could not bring myself to go...not there, or to his wake or his funeral. I've lost friends to overdoses, to car and motorcycle accidents, to illness...but, this was something, a fate that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

Not long after, I was going through some papers and I found a newspaper ad for the show that I had torn out of the local music paper. Before being hospitalized, I had thought about going to the show and just forgot about it while dealing with my health problem.

The TV stations and the newspaper still have something written or broadcast about the fire, the building, the owners or the lawsuits almost every day. I am sad about losing an old friend. I am sad about all the lives ruin and affected. I am sickened by the way that he and so many others died. I am thankful for the kind words that I have received from friends, family and strangers who just happen to know that I'm from here. I am grateful to those whose heroic acts that night saved many lives and to the many entertainers who have donated time and money toward victim relief funds. I pray for those who were injured and all that endured that night. But also, I am angry. And if I get to the point where I can express who I'm angry at and why, I'll be sure to write. It's a long grieving process and this is only as far as I've been able to get.

Wow, this whole thing just shocked me. I was a FOH sound engineer for a band that toured for a short while [bout a month] with GW. we actually played that club with them as the opener not 2-3 years before. They didn't use the pyro then but knowing the layout of the club I could see how this tragedy happened. the only exit in the main room was directly to the right of the stage [from audience perspective] where the fire STARTED and would have been blocked off as the guitar roadie stand/bus access door to the outside, effectively blocking off that exit. that would leave the only other obvious exit being the main entrance back through the bar area [which was a pretty tight fit]. no wonder no one could get out....

the ceiling was really low in most of the place but raised up about another foot over the dance floor and stage [I remember cause I had to compensate for the feedback the dip created].

I don't know, they were a good group of guys with a capable crew at that time, the station didn't seem an unreasonable place to have a show, but I certainly wouldn't have done pyro in there just due to the congestion and low ceiling. They had been to the club before, they knew how it was. they might have gotten away with a few concussive blast but not a sparkler spray, it's just that obvious..

they didn't NEED the pyro, I guess it was a new thing on that tour. they packed that club when we were there with them, they packed that club every time they went there. I guess they thought they want to give these loyal fans a little something extra, but I mean even not being a pyroman, I saw how dangerous it could be and I'm not one to be too cautious...

someone made a BAD decision...

in the end, all I know is that I'm horrified at what happened, it coulda just as easily been me and the band I was working with whom died in that fire... my condolences to all the family of those whom perished

scott p.

I would like to ask the people on this board to look at the Station Family Fund site begun by survivors, victims' families, and friends associated with the Station nightclub fire (not the "GW Fire!). It can be found at: www.stationfamilyfund.org There are T shirts available and a place for donations to fill in the gaps the more established charity cannot. It is helping survivors immensely on a day-to-day basis (car payments, mortgage payments, daycare, those types of things) for those still unable to work or work full-time and we would appreciate any help for these survivors. Did you know there were 56 children affected, losing one or both parents? Those on the board cannot use the funds themselves, so have lovingly given up this right to help others. For instance, many of the people who went that night were from Mass. Mass disability does not kick in for 5 months! How do you go 5 months without income? The RI Foundation (originally through the United Way) will pay 3 months for survivors. Who picks up the rest?  We are trying. But we need your help. There are over 180 that went to the hospital after that fire who are still in varying stages of recovery, as well as children now out of school needing daycare or summer camp because their parents are gone or disabled. Please visit the site, again, www.stationfamilyfund.org Thanks so much! Lisa PS
If you can sign the petition on this board regarding the site of the Station nightclub as well that would be great! Can you imagine a 7-11 or a Denny's on that site for us to go and mourn our loved ones?

Lisa

Please sign this petition to have a memorial built on site where "The Station Nightclub" in West Warwick, Rhode Island once stood. Some friends of mine were injured or died in that fire. Please also forward this email onto others that you may know to do the same.

http://www.petitiononline.com/sncm220/petition.html

Peace :)
Ron Schreiner

Please look at the site and sign the petition.

http://www.petitiononline.com/sncm220/petition.html

Rita

I wonder why they even used pyro with such a low ceiling. I have (back in early 80's) been a licensed pyro guy and learned my lesson by testing all explosions outside as to height and width of blast. Sometimes pyro guys get a little carried away (or in this case alot)  Leave the pyro in the arenas
Clint. W (RFL)

Since when did you not need a permit for using pyro?

The band i.e. the complete entity crew, band, management, AND agent are all guilty of multiple counts of first degree murder, they are not a local band that did not know better they cut corners on purpose (premeditated).

The soundproofing not being fireproof does not implicate the club, the over capacity crowd on the other hand shows the complete disregard the club management has for the law and the people who are patrons of the club. GREED

Every last one of them should be prosecuted and lock up!

They all knew what they were doing, just because it's rock n roll doesn't mean you can break the rules Grow Up! People died!

I just hope everyone WILL REMEMBER HOW GREED KILLS and pray for the families who can't understand how some As#hole could kill their loved ones for money.

Missy Kaufman

Pity....none here, the owners the manager the pyro tech that lit the fuse and murdered 100 fans and Jack Russell should rot in a prison cell with hourly video clip reruns of the station show.you have a choice all of you,kill yourselves, because you have failed as productive citizens and your carelessness on all levels is the last chance in life, face it and then try to imagine the screams and burning flesh of mothers brothers sisters sons and daughters ,pull the plug because only God can forgive you because his wisdom and charity is a mystery to be mulled over for three lifetimes. but remember God frowns on suicide! life is precious and this cast of players in this deadly performance forgot that for three minutes!From the ocean state, honor the dead,never forget and hold those responsible for the tragedy!

Derek A

Regarding the Station Fire ... ( I hate calling it the "Great White Fire" )

... The pyro device used ( unless the powder was mixed on-site ...in which case the person who mixed it was to blame ) .... the device used was likely made to a standard, if purchased from a reputable manufacturer. These devices are tested for Maximum Height PRECISELY for this type of application ... where the true flame must not exceed a certain altitude, in order to prevent scorching ceilings, equipment and personnel.

It is my feeling that the person who CHOSE to use THIS PARTICULAR device ( so rated for a higher flame than the ceiling would indicate ) is the most significant contributor to the disaster.

Had this person read a clearly marked notice ON THE DEVICE which likely stated how high it would go .and then measured the floor-ceiling distance ....this COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED.

Premade Fireworks are carefully tested to ensure predictable results. This result was predictable.

I guess what we've all got to do ...without looking like whiners... is to SPEAK-UP when we see a dangerous rigging, electrical, pyro or other condition.

Chris Newman RFL

MY PERSONAL OPINION ON THE STATION FIRE HAS NEVER CHANGED FROM DAY ONE. I FEEL ONLY THE CLUB OWNERS ARE RESPONSIBLE, THEY ALONE ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO KNEW WHAT KIND OF CHEAP SOUND PROOFING MATERIAL THEY HAD PUT UP. THEY WERE GREEDY AT PUTTING THE MATERIAL UP AND THEY WERE GREEDY AT OVER CROWDING THE CLUB. IT HAS ALWAYS SEEMED RATHER IRONIC TO ME THAT THE CLUB WAS OVER CROWDED BY ALMOST 100 PEOPLE (ACCORDING TO ALL THE NEWS I HAVE READ, AND HEARD) AND IT WAS 100 INNOCENT SOULS THAT LOST THEIR LIVES SO THAT THE OWNERS COULD MAKE MORE MONEY ON TICKET SALES.

THE FIRE INSPECTORS DIDN'T KNOW FIRE WORKS WOULD BE USED, BECAUSE THERE WAS NO PERMIT FOR IT. SO WHY WOULD THEY ORDER IT TAKEN DOWN. AND THE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, ARE THE SAME, ALTHOUGH THE CLUB OWNER SHOULD HAVE HAD THEM ON STAGE AS A PRECAUTION. BUT THERE WAS NO PERMIT, SO WHY WOULD THE INSPECTORS TAG IT. THE MATERIAL, WHEN THEY BOUGHT IT, I WOULD THINK IT WOULD HAVE SOME KIND OF WARNING ON IT, EVEN IF IT WERE ONE WORD FLAMMABLE! I WOULD ALSO THINK THAT THE OWNERS, WOULD HAVE DONE THEIR HOMEWORK ON THE MATERIAL BEFORE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE BAND, AS YOU HAD SAID DON'T SET UP THE STAGE. THEIR JOB IS TO PERFORM. THAT'S IT. THEY SHOULD BE OUT OF THE WHOLE THING. ALTHOUGH, FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN AND HEARD JACK RUSSELL, IS THE ONLY ONE SHOWING TRUE EMOTIONS ABOUT THE WHOLE TRAGIC ACCIDENT. THE "TRIGGER MAN" , HE MADE A BAD DECISION, AND I CAN UNDERSTAND WHY. THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY BANDS COME FORWARD TO SAY, THEY HAD USED THE SAME PYRO'S IN THE SAME CLUB WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE TRIGGER MAN COULD ASSUME IT WAS COMMON FOR THAT CLUB, AND COULD ALSO ASSUME THE OWNERS WOULD HAVE TAKEN SAFETY PRECAUTIONS NEEDED. ONCE AGAIN, I THINK THE CLUB OWNERS ARE THE ABSOLUTE ,ONLY ONES, ALONE ,WHO KNEW THE HUGE CHANCE THEY WERE TAKING WITH PEOPLES LIVES. IF SOME ONE WERE TO FLIP A CIGARETTE, HITTING THAT FOAM MATERIAL AND IGNITING A FIRE, WHO WOULD THEY BLAME THEN? MY OPINION, THE CLUB OWNERS THOUGHT THEY WERE GOOD BUSINESS MEN. CUTTING CORNERS ON THE CLUB SAFETY TO SAVE MONEY, OVER CROWDING THE BAR, TO MAKE MORE MONEY NOT APPLYING FOR PERMITS, TO SAVE MONEY. IT ALL LOOKS LIKE GREED TO ME. BUT WHO PAID THE FINAL PRICE?

FOR ALL CLUB OWNERS: IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO MAKE AND KEEP YOUR CLUB SAFE, GET THE HELL OUT OF THE BUSINESS. WHEN MAKING MORE MONEY BECOMES MORE IMPORTANT THAN MAKING GOOD MORAL DECISIONS, GO INTO POLITICS INSTEAD OF PUTTING PEOPLES LIVES ON THE LINE, BECAUSE YOU DECIDED THAT MONEY, IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING.

IT'S ALWAYS GOOD TO BE ABLE TO VOICE MY OPINION.

ANGI S.

The Station Fire: 100 days - 100 lives     An editorial by Karl Kuenning

Hi Karl,
Thought you might appreciate this. This is an entry in my monthly column, the May WI Music News at www.wjjo.com.

Take care,
Susan

More thanks, and a rock ‘n’ roll salute to the musicians and fans that have supported the JJO Local Stage Rockin’ The Midwest 2002 CD. From the CD proceeds, we donated $500 to The Doc Fund, set up for the late Michael "The Doctor" Gonzalves, the DJ that was killed in the fire at the Great White concert in W. Warwick, Rhode Island in February. Mike, along with 98 others, including Great White guitarist Ty Longley, and brothers Keith and Steven Mancini, from the opening band Fathead, lost their lives that night. When I learned that "The Doctor," was known to play local music on his Saturday evening show, The Metal Zone, I couldn’t think of a better place to lend some support. If you would like to contribute, just mail your donations to The Doc Fund c/o WHJY-FM, 75 Oxford St. Suite 302, Providence, Rhode Island 02905.

As a professional sound,laser and pyrotechnician of over 20 years, with over 10,000 shows behind me. I feel very fortunate that I have never had any really close calls. As any PROFESSIONAL pyrotechnician will tell you, They and only they have the last say so whether a pyrotechnical device gets detonated. There are always many variables involved in anything in life. So you have to cut through them all to get at the root of the source. And it all falls back on the person doing the detonating, the button pusher or key turner. After seeing the video of this tragic and unnecessary event it clearly shows that this venue did not meet the requirements set forth by the NFPA guidelines for the safe use of indoor pyro. The stage and especially the ceiling height was not adequate for allowing the needed space to achieve the safety margins set forth by the NFPA. Thus, the pyrotechnician should have refused to be apart of the detonating of any type of show charges that had the possibility of starting a fire or possibly injuring bystanders. It is a hard stance to take because of the money hungry club owners and promoters who are constantly willing to bend the rules all for an extra dollar. But these rules are in effect for one reason only, TO KEEP PEOPLE AND PROPERTY SAFE. It is these types of needless accidents that make the majority pay the price. Now, if you do the demographics after this tragic event you'll see that the amount and types of pyro that is used in shows of all sizes will now suffer. Artists, Venue owners, Club owners, Promoters are all gonna be alittle gun shy about the use of these types of special effects. I truly hope that this is a wakeup call for all people in whatever you do in life, SAFETY FIRST not only for yourself, but for the others that share this world with you because all of our actions have a ripple effect that effects all of us in some way. My thoughts are with all of the families and friends that are suffering from this one individual's actions who choose to push that button or turn that key..........because all of this could have been a terrible dream....... but instead is a needless tragedy.

R.T. "Dr" Love

when I saw that club go up my heart was in my mouth. my mind was racing; where's the roadie with the fire extinguisher! why didn't the band alert the crowd that something was wrong! and why was such a large fire effect used in a venue with a low ceiling. never in my years doing pyro for kiss did I ever hurt any of the audience; band or damage someone's property (73'-74') I was livid, particularly at the band. they should be charged with 99 counts of involuntary manslaughter!! those f*cking idiots! I pulled off some pretty hairy flashpot gags at such small venues as the Bayou club in Washington D.C. to larger venues as you well know. Safety first!! always!! it's been 26 years since I was on the road and as I read your book you gave to ken sharp I can only muse at how true it was. my heart goes out forever to our fallen road brothers. they will always be in my prayers. (Moose) peter oreckinto

If each one of us did what we could to change the way the industry works,

Rita, by your own admission you are not now and never have been involved with the industry, ergo, you have no first hand knowledge of "the way the industry works".......my condolences to you for your loss, but until you've walked a ramp in a roadie's shoes, you should stick with what you know. I'm sure you are quite good at what you do, but, please leave the roadwork to the professionals. Peace.

Man, you need to let go of the bitterness. It'll kill you. You're not the only one who's hurting. I lost a friend in that fire too...but, there comes a time to let go of the bitterness and turn the anger into something constructive. Do what you can to improve the "industry's dirty little secret". And to answer your earlier question about my credentials: No, I'm not a roadie, have never been one. However, I have always loved rock n' roll and seen thousands of concerts, hundreds of them from peeking thru the backstage area. And no, I never had to resort to being a "groupie" either. I am now a trained criminal analyst with a Federal agency and I have learnt how to look at details. And study things that people betray about themselves in interviews to the press, etc. The Station fire was a tragic, horrific tragedy that will haunt many people for a very long time. I wasn't there, I don't even live in Rhode Island, yet that one night has changed my life forever. I have been doing what I can to make sure that a fire like that doesn't happen in my town or any town ever again, if I can help it. If each one of us did what we could to change the way the industry works, then, I think together, we can all make a huge difference and make those 100 people who lost their lives and are now "rockin' heaven down" feel that their lives and deaths weren't for naught.

Rita

And, she still has not answered my question regarding her credentials.

100 people losing their lives in a fire caused by stupidity is no joke.

Had 'people paid attention to detail', roadies and musicians and fans and mothers and fathers and sons and daughters would be alive today.

And, she still has not answered my question regarding her credentials.

By the way, my credentials:

Over 30 years touring with a bunch of people you've heard of.

Journeyman IATSE Stagehand.

Former pyro technician, severely injured by someone's idea of a "joke", an ashtray loaded with powder on a table in the middle of a nightclub.

Been there, done that, gave away the t-shirt,etc.

That was just mainly a joke...if people can't take a joke, then they are taking life too seriously and should spend some time having fun....however, people should pay attention to detail...it saves being embarrassed in a public forum.

That was just mainly a joke...if people can't take a joke, then they are taking life too seriously and should spend some time having fun....however, people should pay attention to detail...it saves being embarrassed in a public forum.

Rita

Rita, if I might ask, what are your credentials and just how would you go about "straightening " someone?

Rita, if I might ask, what are your credentials and just how would you go about "straightening " someone?

Here we go again...gotta straighten out some of your RFLs again :)    Rita

I found this posted on Ty's site...thought it may be of interest.
Rita

May 08, 2003
Metal Fest 2003
For the victims of The Station Fire in Rhode Island on February 20, 2003.
Metal fest 2003 has offered to lend a hand. Heidi was contacted today about a fest in Tampa, Flordia called Metal Fest 2003. Tim Bryant (Past2Present Productions) who runs this show annually offered to design Ty Longley Memorial T shirts and sell them giving profits to The Baby Longley Fund. At the time Tim had also planned to donate a percentage of the ticket prices to the victims of Rhode Island and do that through a charity. Heidi suggested that the victims family get the money directly. The charities often take months to release money to families. This will give the family a portion, even if small, to the families themselves. These funds would be recieved within a month of the event. What TyLongley.com has done to help with this event is sent TyLongley.com t-shirts that Ty designed and the money from that will go as follows: The cost of the shirt with printing is $5. The shirts will sell for $15 donations. $5 goes to the shirt supplier and printer, $5 goes to The Baby Longley Fund, the other $5 goes to the victims fund from the event. Also Heidi (The Baby Longley Fund) has refused to take part in the percentage of the ticket price donating that to the victims as well. Any victims families from Rhode Island that would like a portion of the funds raised are asked to fax a copy of the decedent certification of vital record, list how they were related, a copy of the relative's valid drivers license, and a bill (medical) with the address of where the check is to be sent. FAX to(866) Artist-6. If there are any questions regarding this event please direct them to Tylongley@tylongley.com or Tim Bryant of Past 2 Present Productions. Heidi feels this is the right thing to do to help the families and something Ty would've wanted.
God Bless all the people effected by The Station Fire, February 20, 2003.
Posted by Heidi at 05:53 PM

Misunderstanding Jack's motives

Here we go again...gotta straighten out some of your RFLs again :)

"A percentage of the profits"? They should give every dime they make, especially management and booking agent cuts and lawyer's fees. Try staying in Motel 6 instead of the Marriott, a**holes. Mississippi RFL

Actually, what Ed McPherson, the Great White attorney is quoted as saying is "that Great White would perform as part of a nationwide tour with other rock bands and donate their percentage of the profits to existing charities in Rhode Island.

This to me, means that Great White would donate their percentage, meaning all profits they would have gotten from the tour..not just a percentage of the profits they would have gotten. People should pay more attention to detail.

Rita

Plans for the tour were being worked out, McPherson said, but he added that two groups that may take part are Warrant and LA Guns.

The attorney made the announcement outside West Hollywood's Key Club, before the first public performance by Great White guitarist Mark Kendall and lead singer Jack Russell since the deadly Feb. 20 fire at The Station in West Warwick, R.I. Investigators suspect the band's pyrotechnics ignited foam that had been placed on the club's walls for soundproofing. A grand jury is investigating.

Along with several other Los Angeles rock bands, the pair agreed to perform in honor of Great White guitarist Ty Longley, who died in the fire. Concert organizers said proceeds would be donated to a charity supervised by Longley's family and earmarked for a scholarship assistance program and trust fund for the 31-year-old musician's unborn
child.

After reaching a career peak in 1990 with a cover of the Ian Hunter song "Once Bitten, Twice Shy," Great White has performed mainly as a nostalgia act at smaller venues.

In addition to founding members Kendall and Russell, its current lineup includes bass player Dave Filice and drummer Eric Powers.

Hours before the Great White members were to perform, about 100 ticket holders, flanked by nearly a dozen reporters and photographers, milled about the club. Most said they came to honor the memory of friends who died in the blaze.

Justin Fredericksen, 24, of San Diego wore a T-shirt that read: "Rock On Ty." Fredericksen, who said Longley was his stepbrother, added that he wanted to keep the guitarist's memory alive.

Duane Serfass, 30, of San Francisco handed out badges with a photo of his friend Jeff Rader, who he said escaped the club fire but died when he went back in to try to rescue his girlfriend.

"I just want to make sure that my friend is recognized," Serfass said.

Unbelievable!   Dave "Blast" RFL

"A percentage of the profits"? They should give every dime they make, especially management and booking agent cuts and lawyer's fees. Try staying in Motel 6 instead of the Marriott, a**holes.  Mississippi RFL


WEST HOLLYWOOD, California (April 30) - Two members of the rock band Great White made a tearful return to the stage in their first public appearance since a fire killed 99 people at their concert in Rhode Island.

Guitarist Mark Kendall and lead singer Jack Russell played a somber rendition of the song ``Mother's Eyes'' off of their 1994 album ``Sail Away'' at the Key Club late Tuesday.

The pair expressed sorrow over the loss of their guitarist Ty Longley and the ``98 other Great White family members,'' who were killed in the Feb. 20 blaze at The Station nightclub in West Warick, Rhode Island.

``If this has taught me anything, it's how fragile and precious life really is,'' Russell said, stopping numerous times during the introduction to wipe tears from his eyes.

Earlier, attorney Ed McPherson, who represents the group, said that Great White would perform as part of a nationwide tour with other rock bands and donate their percentage of the profits to existing charities in Rhode Island.

``Their thoughts from the beginning have been, `What are we going to do to help the victims?' And the only thing they do is perform.'' McPherson said.

Investigators suspect the band's pyrotechnics ignited foam that had been placed on the club's walls for soundproofing. A grand jury is investigating.

Organizers of the latest concert said proceeds would be donated to a charity supervised by Longley's family and earmarked for a scholarship and trust fund for the 31-year-old musician's unborn child.

After reaching a career peak in 1990 with a cover of the Ian Hunter song ``Once Bitten, Twice Shy,'' Great White has performed mainly as a nostalgia act at smaller venues.

In addition to founding members Kendall and Russell, its current lineup includes bass player Dave Filice and drummer Eric Powers.

Hours before the Great White members were to perform, about 100 ticket holders, flanked by nearly a dozen reporters and photographers, milled about the club. Most said they came to honor the memory of friends who died in the blaze.

Duane Serfass, 30, of San Francisco handed out badges with a photo of his friend Jeff Rader, who he said escaped the club fire but died when he went back in to try to rescue his girlfriend.

``I just want to make sure that my friend is recognized,'' Serfass said.

04/30/03 08:09 EDT

Wow. This is quite the letter to receive after getting home from a gig. I'm still in mourning over the Rhode Island fire and probably will be for some time. This is still very hard for me to talk about and deal with, but due to the nature of this person's post, I feel I must reply, and also copy this email to several people in the music business, as well as to KNAC.

First, a bit of background on myself and why I am qualified on this topic.... I was the Tour Manager for "Jack Russell - The Voice of Great White" for the later part of 2002. His "For You" solo CD actually had all top notch musicians on it, but, due to expense of them, he toured with a different band. The same band, minus a keyboardist and adding Mark Kendall, that was in R.I that fateful night. One person I know, Ty Longley, died in that fire. Another I worked with, Bob "Hairball" Rager, was injured. So you see, this topic is very personal for me.

Now, that all said, let's move onto the post. I'll dissect it and add in my comments, leaving the entire post complete at the bottom for you to read later.

So let's begin......

From: Dave and Paula
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2003 22:19:04 -0500

Hi Ron,
I have been posting all over about life on the road, and still people seem to 'know' what 'really' goes on. Here is a post from knac that you might want to comment on. I posted a reply already to it and someone posted saying they agreed with, not my post, but the below post. if you want to post a reply it might be good (?) or if you want to tell me something and let me post it...either way.

~Dave
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POST WITH MY COMMENTS ADDED IN
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Dana Strum of Slaughter is just covering for his Great White buddies in that Las Vegas article. It’s obvious if you take the time to read it!: http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Mar-09-Sun-2003/living/20818531.html

He is hardly covering for them. As you'll read later in the post, the writer's opinion is very biased towards blaming the band solely for the entire incident.

Fact is thousands of nightclubs in the U.S. have flammable soundproofing, just like the R.I. Station, in them and hundreds of
thousands of acts have played in these clubs.

True, but did the writer find out what percentage of those clubs are using the more expensive, and proper, flame resistant/retardant acoustic sound proofing foam? .... and NOT the cheap packing foam like that which was used at "The Station"?? The foam used behind the stage was NOT sound proofing foam, nor fire retardant foam, by ANY means.  It was packing foam. You may as well have glued egg cartons and Styrofoam peanuts to the wall. So, I'd be that those thousands of clubs, are more than likely, using the proper material. The Station was the 1 in a million, that unfortunately, did not.

Until Feb 20, 2003, all of them without a major loss of life incident due to a catastrophic fire.

Again, fire retardant, real sound proofing. It makes a difference.

Jack Russell's totally inappropriate use of that massive gerb fan fountain pyrotechnics resulted in the single largest entertainment related disaster in the history of the United States.

Obviously the writer has never been a Tour Manager and is misunderstanding how the business works. The Tour Manager has the final say on what goes on or not. The TM's job is to oversee all aspects of the show and to make sure the show goes on, the band gets paid, etc.

When I worked for Jack, when I said bus call was in X amount of time, he was there. I never had ANY problem with Jack or anyone in, around, near, part of the band, management, or label. All in all, very professional and top notch. No professional artist will override the TM's call. That's why the TM is there - to take care of things for the artist. There's a serious trust factor involved. There has to be, otherwise it wouldn't work.

It was Jack Russell 42, a seasoned touring veteran of numerous small venues, that demanded the use of that massive fan gerb for HIS 2003 “Ego and Pyros” our shows, as it should have been titled.

Again the writer is clearly mistaken. Jack has toured not only smaller venues, but large arenas all over the World. This statement makes him and his band sound like some local bar band, which they are not. Jack Russell is a Grammy Nominated artist (1989 or 90). That's hardly a "bar band". Also for the ego bias the writer has towards Jack, I ask this: Have you ever worked for Jack, been a Tour Manager (or for that matter toured) with ANY national act? How can you judge someone that you do not even know? We judge others by their actions and judge ourselves by our intentions. Now that hardly seems fair doesn't it? Have you ever been judged unfairly in life? Maybe someone thought you a certain way until they got to know you? Are you SO perfect?

Not Dan Biechele 25, whose experience before Great White was a Tour Manager for WASP, a band that sucked so bad they gave the word Band a bad name.

Knocking bands doesn't make your case any stronger. Instead, it weakens it and shows your negative attitude and bias. Since you mentioned WASP, I'd like to note that Dan has had EXTENSIVE dealing with pyro since WASP was one of the most pyro/stage show oriented bands out there. This isn't like it was Dan's first time as a TM or dealing with pyro situations.

My attorney can already prove these points in spades, spare you breath here.

please feel free to have your attorney send me copies of those documents to ron@roadie.net. I'd be more than happy to look at your supposed evidence. Give me the chance to dispute it and what you claim to have. Don't just state "I have this" and then not offer to show the assumed evidence.

Jack Russell, Mark “Mr 2003 Guitar World” Kendall (who damn near drank himself to death and looks 25 years older than his age) and the “GW friends spin machine“ makes me want to throw-up.

Again, this only shows the writer's negativity and bias. Yes, Mark HAD, Keyword here, HAD, a problem. Many people HAD problems with drugs and alcohol and have since spent their entire lives recovering and not relapsing. If you want a scapegoat for boozing, my brother in law did time for drunk driving and running over a baby in a stroller. He spent 8 years in prison and now had dedicated his life to MADD and telling his story wherever he goes. Yes, he can never truly make amends, but he has done the best he can. He has done far worse than Mark Kendall ever has. Mark is not without sin and flaws, and neither is the writer of this posting on KNAC's website.

For your information, Slaughter played at The Station, along with a ton of other great bands. You didn’t see them act criminally irresponsible like Jack Russell with GW, and burn the Station to the ground, killing and injuring a massive amount of people DID YOU!

To that I say this, GW was in the right place at the wrong time. It was pure chance that those pyro (not even flaming ones at that) which were simply sparklers, ignited that stage. Several bands have come forward, such as a KISS tribute act, KISSTORY, who use KNEE HIGH FLAMING PYRO IN THE STATION!!!! It could have been "Johnny and the Bluecats" or any local band that set that fire off. There was more fire in the audience's cigarettes than there was in the sparkler pyro.

The flammable foam in the Station was there when many of these bands played. All these bands could have put a HUGH gerb on stage like Pyro Jack Russell but they didn’t DID THEY!

No, they did not. Some actually had MORE than GW did. IE: KISSTORY Again, pure chance, right place, wrong time. If someone had tossed a cigarette on stage and caused that fire, do you think there would be this much hoopla over it and people suing the tobacco companies?????

Yeah, too bad R.I. doesn't have a capital punishment statute for the Derderian brothers. But we wouldn't being talking here if Pyro Jack hadn't ordered the "trigger pulled" WOULD WE!

When I toured with Jack, there was no pyro. We did have a wireless unit and a vocal effects rack that required certain things in order for Jack to use his in-ear monitors. If the monitor system failed to meet the requirements, Jack went to wedges. That's it. No argument. He didn't piss and moan, throw an egocentric rockstar fit. He went on, as a professional, and did what he loves to do....perform for his fans.

I'd also like to add a few comments for thought.....

Why is it when the Derderian brothers were on CNN they were all in tears but then when it came to saying" "the band, Great White", they were as calm as could be, only to break into "tears" again in the very next sentence? Seems rather "alligator tears" to me.

Why did Paul Vanner run out the back door with 1 of 2 fire extinguishers and toss it unused into the woods? Jack Russell was on stage and tried to douse the fire with water from his drinking bottles. God Bless him for at least trying.....Something Paul Vanner did NOT do.

Why didn't the soundman, who obviously had some experience in the music business, not think to turn the band down in the front of house PA stacks and calmly announce for people to exit the building?

WHY did The Station go right next door to the club, spend $575.00 on non-flame retardant, non-flame resistant, non-sound proofing foam that was instead used for packing things into boxes for shipping them?

Why did The Station often over sell it's concerts and just write "PAID" on the back of business cards when they over sold the show and ran out of tickets?

Why was The Station packed to the hilt over it's occupancy limit?

One last tidbit, this was not the band "Great White". It was "Jack Russell's Great White". There is a difference. So the media stating it was "Great White" is technically wrong and do not have their facts straight. Go figure.
WHY????????

Right now everyone is playing "the blame game" and totally concentrating on Jack Russell and Great White for the sole cause of the fire. These same people seem to ignoring the over abundance of evidence that the club is the majority at fault. If you want to blame Dan for "pulling the trigger", I think it's wrong. I doubt he went up to the foam and studied it. To the writer of the KNAC post: Do you walk into a room and dissect the paint on the wall asking yourself "is that latex, enamel, or waterproof paint?" I highly doubt you do.

I know everyone in the band, lived with them, toured with them, met Ty's parents, had an hour long talk with Jack's mom, know everyone at the record label and management company, etc. I KNOW these people. Ty was a genuine sweetheart of a human being who ran off stage right to try and save lives. He ran everyday, 5-10 miles in under an hour. He could have made it out, but instead chose to try and save others. He is a hero.

Jack valiantly tried to fight the fire as best he could. He loves people, his fans, and would NOT harm a flea. He is a good soul, a good human being, and has to live with this the rest of his life. That to me, is a far greater punishment (one he does NOT deserve) to suffer than anything that can be done to him legally.

My very soul hurts from this. It hurts me more to see people flame and jump on the band wagon spouting off about things they have no idea about. I wasn't at the R.I club, so I can't give an eyewitness account....but I CAN say what I know about, and that is Jack and all the people around him. The writer of the KNAC post and others like him/her and judging that which they do not know.

My friend Ty Longley is dead.
My friend Jack Russell is hurting emotionally more than he ever has.
My friends, Eric Powers and David Filice are forever changed as well.
My friend Bob "Hairball" Rager is injured and recovering.
Myself hurts.

I invite anyone that wants to reply to me, to do so at ron@roadie.net

I invite anyone that wants to forward or post this email in entirety to do so.

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ENTIRE UN COMMENTED POST BELOW
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Dana Strum of Slaughter is just covering for his Great White buddies in that Las Vegas article. It’s obvious if you take the time to read it!: http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Mar-09-Sun-2003/living/20818531.html Fact is thousands of nightclubs in the U.S. have flammable soundproofing, just like the R.I. Station, in them and hundreds of thousands of acts have played in these clubs. Until Feb 20, 2003, all of them without a major loss of life incident due to a catastrophic fire.  Jack Russell's totally inappropriate use of that massive gerb fan fountain pyrotechnics resulted in the single largest entertainment related disaster in the history of the United States. It was Jack Russell 42, a seasoned touring veteran of numerous small venues, that demanded the use of that massive fan gerb for HIS 2003 “Ego and Pyros” Tour shows, as it should have been titled. Not Dan Biechele 25, whose experience before Great White was a Tour Manager for WASP, a band that sucked so bad they gave the word Band a bad name. My attorney can already prove these points in spades, spare you breath here. Jack Russell, Mark “Mr 2003 Guitar World” Kendall (who damn near drank himself to death and looks 25 years older than his age) and the “GW friends spin machine“ makes me want to throw-up. For your information, Slaughter played at The Station, along with a ton of other great bands.  You didn’t see them act criminally irresponsible like Jack Russell with GW, and burn the Station to the ground, killing and injuring a massive amount of people DID YOU! The flammable foam in the Station was there when many of these bands played. All these bands could have put a HUGH gerb on stage like Pyro Jack Russell but they didn’t DID THEY! Yeah, too bad R.I. doesn't have a capital punishment statute for the Derderian brothers. But we wouldn't being talking here if Pyro Jack hadn't ordered the "trigger pulled" WOULD WE!

Posted by Ron "RezPhreak" Schreiner RFL

Greetings,
I would like to let everyone know that the JJO Local Stage has just made a $500 donation to the Doc Fund, in honor of Mike Gonzalves, the DJ that was killed in the fire at the Great White concert in W. Warwick, Rhode Island last month. JJO has also challenged all other rock radio stations to do the same.

If you listen to the Local Stage, played at the JJO CD release party, was included on the CD, bought one, came down to the Annex, ....pat yourselves on the back!

Thanks to everyone who has supported the JJO Local Stage for over 5 years-
YOU ROCK!

Susan Masino
94.1 JJO Local Stag

April 17, 2003 Thursday
Hard Rock Cafe
Beverly Hills, CA
Jack Russell, Mark Kendall, Sean Mc Nabb, Dave Filice, Yuko, Five Cent Shine, and many others will be performing and paying their respects to their late guitarist and friend Ty Longley to help raise money for his unborn child.

TM

Those stickers are by law placed on all 4 sides of any box, or 2 sides of an envelope, it's pretty cut and dry., I've been doing my research. No excuse.-  J

I just want to say what a tragedy this whole thing is. So many lost. My prayers go out to the families of Jeff Rader and Ty Longley.....they will be sorely missed. And I'm very happy to hear of the recovery of Robert Rager. Truly a miracle.

My heart and prayers also go out to Jack Russell, the remaining members of Great White and Dan Biechele. I can't imagine what it must be like to be in their shoes right now.

Thank you for providing relevant, honest and unbiased information.

S.W.

As a pyrotech for over 25 years on the indoor side of things( one of my clients , The St.Louis Rams where called the greatest show on turf and my pyro was called the greatest show on earth by the N.F.L. I was the first to shoot pyro for an NHL game in 1989 I have a letter from the St.Louis Blues to that effect)I have been a road warrior for Many bands in the early 70,s before becoming Contemporary Productions Primary promoter rep for a decade, working for Irv Zuckerman, robin Tate, Jane Holman, and Bruce Kapp, I saw the beginning of pyro, I was there for pyro petes , hammer and all the legendary pyro guys starts in the business ,and I have seen some real squirrelly products out there, the one that You list as the probable product is by the creator of indoor pyro tom dewilles pyropak. I will tell you that pyropak is one of the safest product lines out there, they use pyroflux instead of black powder in their gerbs like allot of the cheaper stuff on the market, I hope your information on them being the probable product is correct or you have tarnished one of the best products in the biz.name

John S

Wed, 19 Mar 2003:

Response to California Venue Manager:

1. "Rita, you say that because the guy with the Event Security T shirt is looking right at the box, it indicates that the club security guys knew that there would be pyro, and thus proves that the band didn't sneak anything in."

Without repeating exactly what I said in my post, this is the gist of it: If the Bouncer saw that box and IF it was a pyro box, then, it's quite possible that other people saw it too, including Paul Vanner and maybe even Jeff Derderian who is supposed to have been there as the band was setting up. Granted, this doesn't mean that either actually DID see it and I didn't say that they did for sure.

2. "First of all, the label is facing the camera, not the security guy. It's entirely likely that Scott Vieira didn't even see the label, since it is on the side of the box AWAY from him"

True. However, if "Fragile, Glass" labels are posted on all sides of a cardboard box, it would be safe to say that a sign for explosives wouldn't be posted on only one side of a box. That's just common sense.

3. "Also, guys working security at the front of the stage really don't pay a lot of attention to reading labels, and wondering "Gee, I wonder if they OK'd it with the boss." They pay attention to their job, to the crowd and fan behavior. They also don't second-guess the tech crew much.  As a matter of fact, if he knew what it was he'd hardly be smoking around it, would he? 
You ever see one of those stickers for real? If you didn't know what it was, it would not have meant anything to you if it had caught your eye."

Why not? In the post 9/11 USA, Security guys SHOULD be paying attention to all sorts of things, especially unattended boxes on tables that have labels saying "Danger, Explosives" or something to that effect. After all, it is their JOB to protect the patrons and the employees of the establishment where they work. And no I have not seen one of those stickers up close and personal, however, like I said, I have seen "Fragile, Glass" stickers before and it meant I'd better be careful with it. IF I see a "Caution, Explosives" label, you can be darned sure, I'd be really careful around it. Definitely wouldn't smoke a cigarette around it, unless I was SURE that it was empty because I'd seen it emptied.

4. "I've got a sticker like that on the door to a storage room in my venue. It's the room used by California licensed pyrotechnicians -- with Fire Marshal approval --- when we do a show with pyro. Not many of the ushers and security people at the venue pay attention to it. But the licensed pyrotechnicans we hire take care to store pryo materials securely, instead of having them out where anyone can mess with them."

Good for you that you use Pyro only with Fire Marshal approval. However, it may behoove you to train your security people to pay LOTS of attention to pyro and what can happen if there's an accident. After all, THEY are responsible for crowd safety!

5. "There's one story --- and who knows whether to believe it ---- that says that the pyro was set up in the dark during the set-change. If this is true, the box MAY have been on the table for no more than a few minutes --- having been brought in, unloaded, and set aside. Or it's possible it may have been there all afternoon, and unloaded at the last minute. Or it's possible it was there all afternoon and everyone in the building saw it.."

There's also the Band's side that says that they had permission to use the pyro and Jeff Derderian was there when the band did their load in and witnessed the setting up of the Pyro. Stories abound. But as Fox Mulder says, "The Truth Is Out There". And I commend you for acknowledging the possibility that the Pyro box (if it really IS THE Pyro box) was there all afternoon and everyone saw it.


6. "But the box being on the table, in close proximity to Scott Vieira, proves nothing. There's enough blame to go around, but it shouldn't be shifted to people who were not in a position to make decisions, and who've suffered terrible loss."

You're absolutely right. It doesn't mean that Scot Vieira knew what the markings on the box meant. However, if I'd never had seen a box like that before in my club and knowing this was post 9/11 era, I'd most definitely have at least wondered why a box with explosives was sitting unattended on a table in my nightclub. It would be insulting my intelligence to say you didn't expect a Bouncer to be able to read "Danger, Explosives" and figure out that it may be trouble if it wasn't a regular occurrence in the club. Ergo: He'd seen boxes of that type before, maybe many times before and didn't think that it was any problem. After all, the club had had bands perform with pyro before and nothing had happened! Also, notice, that the guy is looking at the stage in the 1st picture (where the flames are starting to lick at the side wall) and is nonchalantly smoking a cigarette in the second pic. Looks like he was used to seeing pyro at the club. Nothing unexpected. That doesn't mean that I don't feel for the victims in this tragedy. I feel for them all, including the remaining Great White band members, Bob Rager and Dan Biechle and even the club owners. Put yourself in THEIR shoes right now. They have to be suffering massive survivor guilt!

Rita

Responding to Rita's analysis of the pictures ---

(And BTW wouldn't it be useful if those Gamma-presse photos were made more available?)

Rita, you say that because the guy with the Event Security T shirt is looking right at the box, it indicates that the club security guys knew that there would be pyro, and thus proves that the band didn't sneak anything in.

I believe the guy in the picture is Scott Vieira, whose wife Kelly Vieira died in the hospital. He was indeed a "bouncer" for the club. But to say that he should have known what he was seeing, and then to extrapolate that because he could observe it, the club management knew about and condoned pyro --- is really stretching belief.

First of all, the label is facing the camera, not the security guy. It's entirely likely that Scott Vieira didn't even see the label, since it is on the side of the box AWAY from him.

Also, guys working security at the front of the stage really don't pay a lot of attention to reading labels, and wondering "Gee, I wonder if they OK'd it with the boss." They pay attention to their job, to the crowd and fan behavior. They also don't second-guess the tech crew much.

As a matter of fact, if he knew what it was he'd hardly be smoking around it, would he?

You ever see one of those stickers for real? If you didn't know what it was, it would not have meant anything to you if it had caught your eye.

I've got a sticker like that on the door to a storage room in my venue. It's the room used by California licensed pyrotechnicians -- with Fire Marshal approval --- when we do a show with pyro. Not many of the ushers and security people at the venue pay attention to it. But the licensed pyrotechnicans we hire take care to store pryo materials securely, instead of having them out where anyone can mess with them.

There's one story --- and who knows whether to believe it ---- that says that the pyro was set up in the dark during the set-change. If this is true, the box MAY have been on the table for no more than a few minutes --- having been brought in, unloaded, and set aside. Or it's possible it may have been there all afternoon, and unloaded at the last minute. Or it's possible it was there all afternoon and everyone in the building saw it..

But the box being on the table, in close proximity to Scott Vieira, proves nothing. There's enough blame to go around, but it shouldn't be shifted to people who were not in a position to make decisions, and who've suffered terrible loss.

California Venue Manager

This website has been a wonderful source of information and support throughout this horrible time. I've kept all of the victims and the injured and their families in my daily thoughts and prayers.

There was a section on the Victim's list which listed the names of those still hospitalized. Although I am so glad to see that so many have now been released (though fully aware that they still have so much more recovering and surgeries to go through), there are still several critical patients at Mass General and RI Hospital.

On that list, there was a link to a website one of the family members had set up. She was posting daily updates on him. I feel terrible that I do not remember his name. Would anyone have a copy of that link?

Thanks,
Lisa
Boston, MA

Just sending prayers for peace to the lost, and healing for the injured...prayers for the families/loved ones, and hopes that a tragedy such as this never has to occur again.

Heather

Final RI Fire Update: Last Patients Discharged in Good Condition

BOSTON -- Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) has discharged the remaining two patients the hospital had been treating since they were admitted following the nightclub fire in Warwick, Rhode Island. A total of eight patients, who first arrived on Friday, February 21, were originally admitted to BWH. As of Friday, March 15, all eight patients have been discharged in good condition. They are listed below.

Roadie Robert Rager, 31, Kent, OH, discharged 3/15;

Ronald Schoepfer, 32, Pawtucket, RI, discharged 3/15;

Gary Stein, 31, Norton, MA, discharged 3/12;

Milton Servais, 40, East Falmouth, MA, discharged 3/12;

Melissa Bump, 29, Worcester, MA, discharged 2/26;

Marc Lucier, 32, Danielson, CT, discharged 2/24;

Deborah Lemay, 29, West Warwick, RI, discharged 2/23;

John Johnson, 36, Cranston, RI, discharged 2/23.

Mar 17, 9:45 AM EST By MICHAEL MELLO Associated Press Writer PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) --

Lying in a hospital bed with his eyes bandaged shut and severe burns on his hands and back, William Long never felt so alone.  He'd escaped a nightclub fire that claimed nearly 100 lives and injured more than 180 others. Yet the 31-year-old was far from his Las Vegas home and no longer sure of anything, including his own survival."At the time, nothing made sense," he said.  Then he met fellow fire victim David Malagrino, 36, a bartender and regular at The Station, the West Warwick club that burned in the Feb. 20 fire. He also got to know Bob Sevigny, 41, who wasn't at the club but showed up at the hospital with magazines for anyone who needed them.Friendships formed after tragedy spurred both burn victims toward recovery. And Sevigny, a Warwick father of two, found something countless others in Rhode Island have began looking for since the fire: a way to help.  Long was discharged from the hospital to a waiting white limousine hired by Sevigny. He faces months of physical therapy and an uncertain future, uninsured and now unemployed.  For now he's focused only on recovery and says Malagrino and Sevigny is among the reasons why.   "There's a reason I'm alive right now," he said. "It makes me smile every day." Long managed a band called Trip - the opening act for the Great White concert that night at the club.  All of the Trip band members escaped the fire without injury and, following interviews with state investigators, quickly left the state without visiting Long in the hospital, he says.  With his fiancee also out of state at first, Long, his face swollen like a pumpkin, hands useless and back aching, needed a friend. In Malagrino, who suffered similar second-degree burns, he found someone who understood the pain of air touching burnt skin, and the uncertainty that comes with having nurses feed you and brush your teeth.  Malagrino had a steady stream of family and friends visit from the beginning and never hesitated to include Long. "I was trying to picture being in his shoes" alone, said Malagrino, who hopes to be released this week.Both men have only hazy memories of the fire. Malagrino recalls being under a pile of people at a doorway, wondering if he'd get out, before a firefighter freed him.Long hasn't probed too deeply into how he got out."I've taken that entire minute and a half of my life and boxed it up," he said.  Long remembers Great White guitarist Ty Longley stepping off the stage, grabbing his arm, and saying "Bill, let's get out of here."Longley was heading toward the front door but Long says he moved toward a rear exit, where there seemed to be fewer people. Longley, he says, followed.  Smoke then enveloped his lungs."I coughed, it hurt, I fell to the ground and got pushed and kicked," he recalled.Somehow, Long ended up outside, dazed. Longley died in the fire.  Sevigny was one of his Long's first visitors.   "He was covered in ointments, wrapped up in all kinds of petroleum on his neck and body," Sevigny recalled.Sevigny's two children brought cards made by their classmates and candy to cheer Long. He helped the patient eat at first and shared his excitement when he was able to hold a soda can with both hands.On Sunday, the three men said their goodbyes, promising to meet again.Long goes so far as to call his hospital stay "a wonderful experience," thanks to his new friends."I'm so lucky," he said.

Tunzter RFL

I was re-reading some of the earlier posts tonight and I noticed something. Here's what I see from a couple of the pics on your site:

Pic 1 (Event Security): The guy standing in front of the guy with the black leather jacket is wearing an "Event Security" tee-shirt, has short dark hair. Also clearly visible in this picture is an open cardboard box on the table. At this point, the side area of the stage behind Mark Kendall is clearly on fire.

Pic 2 (Biechle turnaround): In this pic, there's a guy wearing a tee-shirt that says "The Station" across the chest smoking a cigarette, directly in front of the open cardboard box (supposedly the Pyro box). This guy has the same short hair as the guy with the Event Security shirt in the first pic. This pic also shows Dan Biechle staring in horror at the fire.

Now, my analysis is that the guy with the Event Security and The Station teeshirts in the two pics is the same. Knowing how fast the flames spread, it doesn't make sense that two different Station staff members were at the same place within seconds of each other without being shown in both pics. What does make sense is the guy from the first pic is watching the pyro go off, thinks that the fire starting behind Kendall is part of the show and turns around for the second pic, not realizing that the fire is spreading rapidly. This leads me to believe that if that box on the table is a pyro box, then at least one of the Station's security guys knew about it before the fire started since it's out in the open. This in itself shows that neither the Band nor the Road Manager snuck anything into the club since he's clearly not concerned about the box being there in front of him and the tour manager not more than two feet away from him.

Just thought I'd add my two cents worth of analysis on top of everyone else's.
Take care and hope that justice is done.
Rita

...you guys have my blessing and sorrow for Jeff Rader...

Check out this site, which has some new stuff about that RI fire, like audio interviews with survivors.
http://hammernews.com/nightclub.htm
MS

Dear Karl,

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Jeff will be with us forever.

God Bless,
Duane Serfass
I-Wear Graphics & Tour Promotions

This tragedy hits me as hard as the twin towers falling. My wife and I frequent small clubs with rock bands. I am a firefighter and loved Great White in the 80's. I guess my only comment will be ( I have hours worth of them) "lets move on." The owners would have given anything for this not to have happened. The band, Fire Inspector, fans, family of the fans and band even the reported bouncer which denied door access to exit (rumor?) and ALL those involved (which I am not.) I'm sure they all would have done anything possible and would reverse time if they could. There was no criminal intent by anyone. Negligence is something anyone can say. We all are negligent in someway, we say and do things which affect lives in the future, past and present.. this is my belief anyway. Please! lets move on with the heartaches and pains to the soul that are beyond description, is this not enough? Support those in need if we can, in anyway we can but why do we say "Lets get money! and sue" so this never happens again? Money cannot and will not replace a thing.I'm sure I sound insensitive, I assure you I am not and the loss of loved ones (plural) because of human error is something I understand. What is this all about? Why did I write this? Blame in this case is unanswerable,way too many factors in this equation. Could have been prevented but devastatingly was not. I have done nothing to help anyone yet, in this matter , however I offer these words "help those in need and move on." You can reply at Blue_jacket1@yahoo.com

DWE,

Thanks for the clarification on that. I talked with some pyro friends who do indeed corroborate what you're telling us. It's much appreciated, and I'd say I got a little over the top there on my pontificating.

But I still think Dokken is looking to leach off of this tragedy. Again, let's all be safe out there...EVERYbody.

Brian Reed, RFL, and sometime lunatic ranter.

Interesting op/ed article in Today's Providence Journal, written by a correspondent who worked with Jeff Derderian. One thing that I haven't seen a lot of people mention is that Dan Biechle is also a fellow roadie and I'm sure he must be devastated right now. Granted, he got out there physically uninjured, but he's probably haunted by the images/sounds of that night. Rita

Hey Karl........fantastic job on the fire coverage. .......Best on the entire internet.......by a long shot.
Cheers, Bill S. (TUnzter) RFL

Here is the first thing that I thought of when I saw the bad acting job by Jeff Derderian at his press conference:

"Well I could have been an actor,
But I wound up here.
I just have to look good,
I don't have to be clear."

Don Henley, Dirty Laundry

The Derderians didn't care about the bands that played there, their customers or even their own employees. Otherwise why didn't they get workman's comp insurance for their employees? I could go on and on, because I'm still very upset, but I respect the victims and families whose wounds are still raw.   Rita

Here is a related story, shows how this is effecting other states and clubs. The site reflects the days paper, and this was on today's (3/7/2003) front page.

~DWE
=====================
Local club, band told not to use fireworks

By MICHAEL LAMENDOLA and SHIRIN PARSAVAND
Gazette Reporters
GLENVILLE - State and local officials worked quickly to ensure a Seattle-based rock band that has ignited pyrotechnics during its act didn't use them when it performed at a Route 50 nightclub Thursday night.

Jet City Fix set the ceiling of a Minneapolis club on fire with pyrotechnics during a performance Feb. 17, according to fire officials there. The Minneapolis fire happened three days before another band's pyrotechnics caused a club fire in Rhode Island that killed 99 people and led clubs and regulators nationwide to examine policies on indoor fireworks.

The New York State Department of State, which notified Glenville authorities about Jet City Fix's history of using pyrotechnics, is currently reviewing the state's fire code in light of the R.I. fire, spokeswoman Theresa Smolen said.

Jet City Fix played the Glenville Spot on Thursday, opening for famed rockabilly guitarist Link Wray. The bands were on the same bill for the Minneapolis performance, but the fire prevented Wray from taking the stage.

The Minneapolis club sustained more than $100,000 in water damage, but none of the 120 patrons was injured.

Smolen said Jet City Fix planned to use pyrotechnics at a show in Buffalo on Feb. 25, five days after the Rhode Island club fire. Local code and fire officials in Buffalo talked to band members at the venue where they were scheduled to perform and told them they could not use the fireworks, she said.

She said she didn't know if the band told the Buffalo club owner it planned to use pyrotechnics, but fire officials were not notified.

"Had they been notified prior to the show and had a chance to meet with them, and the club had an adequate plan, they may have been able to use them," Smolen said.

The Star Tribune reported that the band never informed the Minneapolis club owner it would be using pyrotechnics during its set.

A day earlier, the band played a show at a bar in Madison, Wis., and was yelled at by the owner after using pyrotechnics without permission, the newspaper reported.

Glenville police learned of the Minneapolis incident Feb. 26 and warned the Glenville Spot's manager, Kip Fink, that day. The police followed up with a letter hand-delivered to the club Wednesday.

Deputy Chief Dominick Macherone said the letter explained that fireworks are regulated in the state, and a special permit is required before they can be used. Neither the band nor the club applied for a permit, he said.

Macherone sent the letter "in light of the recent and tragic fatal nightclub fire resulting from a band's use of pyrotechnics during a performance in West Warwick, R.I."

Smolen said the Department of State learned about Jet City Fix and the fire in Minneapolis through an e-mail from a Wisconsin fire official. The department then contacted its regional offices about the band after checking the band's Web site, and finding out five of its upcoming shows were in New York state.

"We're not trying to target a specific band or club, but there is a history and there was a problem," she said.

Fink said his contract with Jet City Fix prohibited the band from using pyrotechnics at the Glenville Spot.

"I would never allow it. It's explicit in our contract. I don't even allow open flames in the club," he said.

Had the band violated the contract, "I would throw them out and they wouldn't get paid," Fink said.

Jet City Fix members were unavailable for comment prior to their show Thursday night.

Fink said the Glenville Spot, which has a capacity of 300 people, does not have sprinklers. It does have twice the number of required fire extinguishers, 10 exits and a fire alarm system, he said.

The state's fire code, which was adopted in July and went into effect Jan. 1, requires sprinklers in newer buildings that hold 100 or more.

Buildings constructed before 1984 do not have to have sprinklers unless they undergo significant renovations. But buildings constructed prior to 1984 still have to comply with the code's requirements on exits and smoke and fire alarms.

The code also requires that before an indoor pyrotechnic show occurs, a local code or fire official must inspect the area and see a demonstration of the devices to be used, Smolen said.

Code or fire officials are supposed to perform annual inspections at public gathering places that hold 50 or more, including checks to see if materials and drapery meet fire-resistance standards.

The state Fire Prevention and Building Code Council heard a report on the state's fire code Thursday, and the plans to review the code and pyrotechnics standards during the next several months.

"After the Rhode Island fire, it warrants another look, and possibly some improvements," Smolen said.

First I am not in agreement with what Dokken has said about the overall situation, but if you actually read the interview and article it appears that he, like many others at first, are under the impression that GW was using a flame - as in the video showed "flames shooting high into the air". Based on that he made comments about 'gunpowder' - and what he is saying would be very correct Brian. Not to get into the specifics but yes there is a form of gunpowder that can be used for this type of effect as it does burn "like that" - 'that' being "flames shooting high into the air". Black powder is more often used for flash pots, a nice little 'poof', flash if you will, followed by smoke. Beyond that black powder IS gunpowder (I am looking at a can of triple f grade 'black rifle powder' right now and the exact wording on the side is 'superfine gunpowder') so I would have to say, sorry Brian, on this issue you are wrong.

Before anyone jumps down my throat for siding with Don Dokken let me say that I am not siding with him. But right after this all happened I saw articles, saw posts and heard on the news about "torches" being used, "flame pots" being used and "pyro shooting flames high into the cieling". I would see TV news showing a clip that showed the fire's flames but not the actual pyro and the reporter would say "Here we see the pyro shooting flames", There are still images out there showing the actual fire but NOT the pyro where the captions read "Great White on stage as pyro shoots flames behind them" or the like. This is mis-information that many people are seeing and hearing and making judgements on. Yes, this seems to include Don Dokken.

~DWE

Pyrotechnics Guild International's official statement regarding the Rhode Island Fire:

http://www.pgi.org/PGInewsrifire.htm

Brian Reed..........I couldn't have said it better! All the jerks and scumbags are out in force. Made the mistake of picking up the Globe to see what it had to say..........it was savage. every piece of SH*t that can profit from this is making an ass out of themselves. slick69

NewsNet-vs: March 7th
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USAToday 030703 - Nightclub Fire Current News: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2003-03-06-tour-manager-pyro-documents-destroyed_x.htm
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projo 030703- Bands rock at fundraiser for Station regulars, BY BRYAN ROURKE
Journal Staff Writer: http://www.projo.com/extra/2003/stationfire/content/projo_20030307_bands7.b39d1.html
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WHDH-TV - Death of 99th nightclub victim surprised his father: http://web2.whdh.com/news/articles/local/A9694/
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projo 030703 - Relief fund commits $276,000 -- mostly for funerals, In total, $651,000 has been donated so far to help victims' families. At the State House, Speaker William Murphy floats the idea of establishing a compensation fund, BY MARK ARSENAULT Journal State House Bureau:
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projo 030703 - List of victims This is a list of people involved in the fire at The Station. The list was compiled from information supplied by the Rhode Island Department of Health, the hospitals, relatives, and friends of the victims:
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projo 030703 - Atty. Gen. Patrick C. Lynch said yesterday he is investigating the possibility of bringing criminal charges against the owners of The Station nightclub in West Warwick for their alleged failure to carry workers' compensation insurance. BY NEIL DOWNING, Journal Staff Writer:
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projo 030703 - His son's death was too much to bear, Ray Barnett, who suffered a stroke a week after his son Tommy was killed, in The Station fire, dies. BY JENNIFER D. JORDAN, Journal Staff Writer:
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projo - 030703 - Help, memorial services, benefits:
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NightClub Fire Hospitalized Patients Update - Rhode Island Hospital: http://www.lifespan.org/news/Press/Statements/RIH-Fire1_2-21-03.htm
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NightClub Fire Hospitalized Patients Update - Brigham and Women's Hospital: http://www.bwh.partners.org/publicaffairs/breakingnews.asp
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NightClub Fire Hospitalized Patients Update - Shriners Hospital: http://www.shrinershq.org/whatsnewarch/archives03/fire2-03.html
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Channel 10 News Providence - Foamex may be the "deep pockets" lawyers are looking for in The Station nightclub fire - On Feb. 24, Rhode Island officials probing The Station conflagration confiscated papers from American Foam Corp. of Johnston, R.I., describing the polyurethane sold to The Station. American Foam was the supplier of the product. Those papers identified General Foam Corp., formerly of Paramus, N.J., as maker of the foam, according to court documents. In July 2001, Foamex International Inc. (Nasdaq: FMXI), the leading manufacturer of flexible polyurethane and advanced polymer foam products in North America acquired certain assets of General Foam Corporation (GFC), a manufacturer of polyurethane foam products for the automotive, industrial and home furnishings markets. GFC had revenues of nearly $100 million last year (2000). Foamex may be the "deep pockets" lawyers are looking for in The Station nightclub fire.
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WPRI Channel 12 Eyewitness News, Mar 7, 2003, 9:24am - (Providence-AP) - Bar Association president says nightclub fire lawsuit filed improperly - The first civil lawsuit related to the West Warwick nightclub was filed improperly because the attorney did not give the town the required forty days notice. That’s according to the president of the Rhode Island Bar Association. Attorney Brian Cunha filed the wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday on behalf of the families of two people killed in the fire. The suit was filed 12 days after the Feb. 20 fire that killed almost a hundred people and injured nearly 190. Under Rhode Island law, anyone who sues a municipality must file a formal notice of their intention to sue and then allow a forty-day waiting period to pass. Rhode Island Bar Association President Michael St. Pierre says Cunha will have to amend his lawsuit and serve the town of West Warwick with the required notice of intent to sue.
------------
end-vs

I found this interesting in regards to my post about Paul Vanner, the Stations "stage manager" and sound guy. This is a quote from a guy who was in a Dio tribute band that played at the Station and used pyro -

"We were known for our performances, and pyro was part of it, but just small, light stuff. We always did it safely . . . it wasn't overboard."

And here is the interesting part for me - to refresh everyone Paul Vanner is quoted as saying that he was not in a position to give an ok for pyro and also how opposed to it he was. So this article goes on to say that permission was always given to use the pyro by the Stations SOUND GUY!!!! That would be Vanner unless there is another house sound guy yet to come forward. From the article it seems that this guy not only lives in the area but his wife was also a bartender at the club.

This just gets deeper and deeper each day.

On a related note sort of - I have not heard anything about this other than on the NY news 2 days ago. It was just a little blurb during the 10 o'clock news but it said that the State of NJ was fining Great White $5,000.00 for use of fireworks at the Stone Pony. The fines were, inpart, for use in a venue where they were not allowed and use without obtaining permits and all as a direct result of Domenic claiming they never ever allow any act to use pyro. Now what I have not heard is if any of the other acts that used pyro at the Stone Pony are also being fined or not. And if so then why isn't there some sort of investigation into the Stone Pony now?

~DWE

News Release - 3/6/03 - Today's RI Fire Update: 4 Patients Discharged, 4 Remain Hospitalized at Brigham and Women's Hospital BOSTON -- Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) - Robert Rager, 31, Kent, OH, good condition. - vitasource -

With (dis)regard to Don Dokken's statement:

DON DOKKEN SAYS NIGHTCLUB FIRE WAS GREAT WHITE'S FAULT

I only have this to say: F**k you, Don Dokken. That's right. F**K. YOU. You're NOT a pyrotechnician. You're NOT a roadie. You're NOT a skilled professional of any kind in this matter. Your ignorance on many issues has been apparent for years, and now you have sealed your reputation as an idiot once and for all. ANYbody with even a shred of knowledge of stagecraft knows that "gunpowder" (what you meant was BLACK powder, but hey, your comments are less off target than your hairpiece) doesn't burn like that. You stupid dipshit. Typical Donald bullshit, trying to grab some time in the spotlight off of somebody else's hard work, or sickeningly enough in this case, somebody's tragedy.

I'll say it again: this is a tragedy. It's not my place to judge. I can only say, like so many others, that in terms of safety, things were seriously wrong that night. AND I'm a working professional out on the road. RFL!

You, Donald, are a dog who's had it's day. My bretheren, I call for a boycott of Dokken. Don't work their gigs, don't buy their records (as if anybody does anymore!). Just stay the hell away from them.

And as I've also said before, I may just be a raving lunatic. I hope you all take what I say with some dose of perspective, and maybe just a grain of salt too.

But damn, this type of bull just pisses me off.

Brian Reed, RFL
and proudly anti-Dokken!

Projo-online-vs: 030603 5:30pm EST Another nightclub fire victim dies; death toll now 99, Article Here:

Great White should go to jail. WHO did they think they were? WHERE did they think they were?

LAS

I just want to submit a small excerpt of a recent letter I wrote to one of Jeff's friend's who didn't know he was on tour with Great White. What I said wasn't trying to impress anyone.. I firmly believe in what I said.

[QUOTE]

Honestly, I don't feel like I deserve a hug. The friend she lost I worked with a long while ago. Even though we wasn't actually friends he was apart of a group called RFL which I myself belong to. I appreciate your kind words, but it's hard telling someone that they know has passed. What I remember of Jeff, he was one hell of a guy. Someone who will not only be missed as a friend, brother, son.. But also as one of the pillars that this business was built on.

Al

[QUOTE]

NewsNet-vs: March 6, 2003
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ProjoOnline - Lab's fire experiment shows effectiveness of sprinklers,Within one minute, a single sprinkler head first sharply curtails the spread of flames and then extinguishes them, 03/06/2003, BY PETER B. LORD:
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ProjoOnline - Musician: Firefighters watched pyro show in 2000, No warnings or violations were ever given, says a former member of the band that performed at The Station nightclub. Other: The Station stopped carry Worker's Compensation Insurance after it was bought by the Derderian's. BY TOM MOONEY and MARK ARSENAULT
Journal Staff Writers Article Here:
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The Boston Globe - 030603-Purchase of foam at club is traced, By Jonathan Saltzman, Globe Staff Article Here:
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NYT - Salesman Persuaded Club Owners to Buy Foam, Documents Say By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Article Here:
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NYT: Tour Manager: Pyro Documents Destroyed By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Filed at 10:21 a.m. ET - Article Here:
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Federal Agency Launches Probe of Rhode Island Nightclub Fire, (enr.construction.com - 2/27/03), By Tom Ichniowski, Article Here: http://www.construction.com/NewsCenter/Headlines/ENR/20030227a.asp
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AP - R.I. Police: Salesman Said to Use Foam, By MICHAEL WEISSENSTEIN, Associated Press Writer, Article Here:

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An excellent piece was aired on CBS 60 Minutes II last night regarding The Station nightclub fire, their lack of a fire sprinkler system, their installation of highly flammable soundproofing, and the lack of proper city inspections. The CBS piece never directly finger pointed at anyone, they basically used an indirect finesse approach to bring these points out-vs.
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DON DOKKEN SAYS NIGHTCLUB FIRE WAS GREAT WHITE'S FAULT - Don Dokken, a metal bandleader from the 1980s who has worked as a producer for Great White, blamed the band for the tragedy. ''I hate to say it. Great White's been a friend of mine for 20 years, but they should not be using it,'' he said. He said after viewing video from the fire, he was startled to see flames shooting high into the air. ''We didn't even use flames that big when we were doing arenas,'' he said. He worried that Great White had cut corners. He said bands that cannot afford to hire a trained and certified pyrotechnician often use homemade ''flash pods'' made from lead pipes and electrical wire. ''What you do is pour some gunpowder in it and you get flames,'' he said. ''But it was obviously that whoever poured the gunpowder in overdid it and poured in way too much flash powder.'' ''They're using a homemade device,'' he added. ''It's been done for 25 years. They can't afford the expense of a band like Kiss.'' - - See feedback at http://www.metal-sludge.com/DokkenFeedback.htm - - See exclusive KNAC.com article on Don Dokken - DOES THIS GUY GET ALONG WITH ANYBODY OR HAVE ANY CLUE ABOUT THE FACTS OF THIS MATTER - vs!!
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Providence Channel 10 News - The owners of The Station nightclub in West Warwick did not carry workers' compensation insurance as required by state law, News Channel 10 reported Wednesday. News Channel 10 reported club co-owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian could face civil penalties as high as $1 million for failing to have the insurance. Workers' compensation is required of any business in Rhode Island that has one or more employees, regardless of whether they are full or part time. When a worker is hurt on the job, workers' compensation pays for approximately two-thirds of an employee's lost wages, all associated medical bills and money to help cope with any permanent disability like the loss of a limb or physical scarring. If a worker is killed on the job, workers' compensation covers burial costs. If that worker has children, a benefit is paid to his or her dependents. The state said Michael Derderian failed to contact the Division of Workers' Compensation by a last Wednesday deadline

THANKS FOR YOUR INFO AND UPDATES ON THE TRAGIC FIRE IN R.I.. HAVING SEEN GREAT WHITE A NUMBER OF TIMES IN SMALL CLUBS MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE VICTIMS AND THEIR LOVED ONES.KEEP US UPDATED ON ROBERT.  GOD HELP HIM.    THOMAS NEWMAN

NewsNet-vs: March 5th 1:45 EST- Todays News Coverage:

Firefighters saw pyro in past, BostonHerald, by Dave Wedge and Jessica Heslam Wednesday, March 5, 2003,
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Boston Herald, Fire chief warned of club crowds by Jonathan Wells, Tuesday, March 4, 2003
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Fire inspectors spotlighted in investigation of nightclub fire.

Boston Herald, Tragic mix of errors led to fire, by Tom Mashberg, Sunday, March 2, 2003>>
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Great White Singer's Fire Fascination 030103 - >>http://www.teenmusic.com/d.asp?r=31304
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ApOnline - AP-ES-03-05-03 0923EST - A grand jury investigating the fire met Tuesday at a National Guard facility in East Greenwich, and one band member, guitarist Mark Kendall, said he testified briefly. It was unclear when the grand jury would resume its work; prosecutors have not reserved the camp again until March 26, according to a source close to the investigation.####
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NewsNet - March 5, 2003 - The Station NightClub Had No Legally Required Workers Compensation - Story Update 030503 - A spokesman for the State Department of Labor and Training, Workers Compensation Division, said there was no evidence that the Derderian brothers reported their policies to the state since they took over the club in March 2000. The state gave the business a deadline of today to file. ####
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0030503 >>SID>>West Warwick has just $4 million worth of insurance coverage with the Interlocal Trust. Thomas Dwyer, president and executive director of the Rhode Island Interlocal Risk Management Trust, an insurance carrier for West Warwick and 31 other cities and towns. That kind of coverage might be adequate for the claims typically lodged against cities and towns, such as automobile crashes involving municipal vehicles or police misconduct allegations. But it might not be deemed adequate to compensate even one severely burned victim from the nightclub fire. A state law limits claims against municipalities to $100,000, but Dwyer said there is disagreement over whether that means $100,000 per accident or $100,000 per individual. State House and legal observers are expecting a raft of legislation from lawmakers who have victims in their districts seeking to waive the cap and set a much higher limit -- or perhaps no limit -- on West Warwick's liability. For the past three years, town fire inspections failed to note the flammable foam on the wall behind the stage at The Station. Lawyers and specialists contacted yesterday said they knew of no precedent in Rhode Island where a town was in jeopardy of such large civil claims####

PIN to VS - Here is some more Jeffery Derderian Press Conference pictures with the published media by-lines. Media talks about all of Jeffery's crying - I still don't see any crying/tears, in regular composite pictures or blowups! What is this more media hype to help a fellow media colleague. In pic-#1 he is not crying, then goes down for the count in pic-#2 in the worst acting since Clifford Etienne took that dive in Mike Tyson's last fight. Pic-#3 is from another photographer, still no tears. I watched the full video half a dozen times on Jeff's brillant performance. What do you think?

Media By-Lines:
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Jeff Derderian, co-owner of 'The Station' night club, which burned to the ground February 21, cries as he reads a statement to the news media in West Warwick, Rhode Island, February 22, 2003 with his father Arthur and his wife Linda at his side (AP/Photo/Chitose Suzuki).
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Jeff Derderian, co-owner of The Station nightclub, the site of a devastating fire Thursday, cries with his head in his hands as he reads a statement to the media and his wife Linda Derderian, left, looks on at the airport Sheraton Hotel Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003 in Warwick, R.I. (AP Photo/Chitose Suzuki)
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Jeff Derderian co-owner of The Station nightclub, cries as he reads a statement to the media at the airport Sheraton Hotel Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003 in Warwick, R.I. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)

PIN to VS * * Did anybody else notice that during all of Jeff Derderian's press conference emotional boohooing, there was never ONE tear from him!?!? Was this just more of his great TV acting ability, or are we just being too hard? Here's three media published pictures, I complied..... I don't see any tears. OK, here's two of the same pictures blowup. No, still don't see any tears. Here's the condensed media by-lines of the 2nd and 3rd picture. What do you think??

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(1) The Station nightclub co-owner Jeffrey Derderian reads a statement expressing the brothers' grief and sadness about the fire in their nightclub that claimed 97 lives.

(2) Jeff Derderian, co-owner of The Station night club, which burned to the ground February 21, is helped away by his wife Linda (R) after he broke down and cried during a news conference on February 23, 2003 in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Also.... Not all states have adopted NFPA 1126 and 160 some states have tougher laws of there own. They only used 1126 and 160 as a starting point for there own laws.

Laws vary from city to city in the same state. The laws are different in the City of Chicago then in the city of Rosemont Ill. / Phoenix - Tucson different, /New York City - Nassau county- Jones Beach different- different - different/.... City of Las Vegas - Clark County... you guessed it different!!!! The list goes on....

And if your tour is going to Canada... All new rules. With the added excitement of importing special effects materials into a different country. Now does anyone want to guess on how many laws have changed on that since 9-11???? Remember there was a link with terrorists coming in from Canada with bomb making stuff. Lots have changed!!!!! They changed some old favorites and added some new ones!!

Pyro Pete

There is also NFPA 160. That is for the use of Flame effects with a proximate audience. There there's the DOT stuff some of which I posted a few days ago. Then most stats have there own Laws

http://www.atf.treas.gov/. Deal with then to get a license to buy product and do business inter state. You'll need two or three from them. Then as a company you will need to get a licensee in a few states as well.

http://hazmat.dot.gov/   Shipping / Trucking info

http://www.dot.gov/   More shipping / Trucking info

http://www.nfpa.org/catalog/home/index.asp   Here you can look up NFPA 160.

http://www.americanpyro.com/

this is a great site with a brief over view of the laws in each state. Its fun look up your own state and to all you part time pyro kids. See how many laws you have broken!!!

Then there is insurance and trust me it's not cheap!! ( how much do you think insurance will go up after all the laws suits start to flow??)

Also most of the information you will find is for fireworks as they are more conmen the special effects pyrotechnics. Many times you must contact the Local Fire Dept. and or any other AHJ ( Authority Having Jurisdiction ) to find out the specific rules pertaining to the use of special effects pyrotechnics indoors with a audience, If its a gig on a collage they may have still more rules for ya.

Then if you are going to be using gas flame effects. There is a whole other issues of storage of propane in a building and that's a different permit altogether.

Welcome to my world kids!!!!
Pyro Pete

You want rules? These ARE the rules.  These are the NFPA regulations for use of pyro - you need plans, you need approval, it's not a "handshake" kind of thing.  In other words, this is "grown-up stuff", morons!

Jim O

(This file is too large to post so I will email it on request, KK)

March 4th News-vs
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Two victims' families file wrongful death suits in nightclub fire The Associated Press
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Survivor reflects on life: Tell those you love, I love you, Andrea Stewart went to The Station on the night of Feb. 20 with eight friends. Four of them died. BY GERALD M. CARBONE, Journal Staff Writer
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Grand jury investigating Station fire reportedly reconvenes By JACK PERRY projo.com
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Great White Roadie and His Friend Killed in Station Fire

AP-ES-03-04-03 2015EST>>vs>Great White Band Member Testifies Before Grand Jury, Relatives of Two Fire Victims Sue, Experts say the egg-crate foam the club used for soundproofing is 20 times more flammable than wood and emits a dense, toxic smoke, By Brian Carovillano, Associated Press Writer

Karl,

Thanks for including a link to my Newsroom site (The Station ad I scanned from The Providence Phoenix Feb. 21-27 issue:

As a musician and former roadie from RI now living in NYC, my heart goes out to the roadie.net community and to the family and friends of Jeff, and I hope Bob has a strong, solid recovery and is back behind the board soon.

Damon Campagna

I just found this message from Warrant guitarist Billy Morris on www.metal-sludge.com

Hello there.
I am holding a benefit for Great White soundman Bob Rager. Bob is in a Boston burn clinic awaiting skin grafts on his hands. I grew up with Bob in our little country town outside of Cleveland. He ran sound for Kidd Wicked A million times and went on to be very sucsessfull working for Jeff Hair's Aggressive Sound. Many people know Bob from Harpos in Detroit. Bob's the house guy there when not touring with someone. Bob has done a lot for me in the past and I need to do this for him and his family. I'm sure there will be insurance to cover things but in the meantime I know costs are building up for his mom and sister flying back and forth from Cleveland to Boston. The event will be at the HI-FI Club in Lakewood Ohio, Wednesday March 5th. There will be a ten dollar donation at the door and all money will go to Bob's mom. I've already had great reponses already but it wont be as big unless the MIGHTY SLUDGE helps out. If anybody wants to donate that can't attend, they can

send donations to:

HI FI Club
11729 Detroit Ave
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
Checks can be made out directly to Bob Rager......

also the bands performing will be:
The Billy Morris Band
Dizzy Park
Liquid
Members of the 80's tribute 1988
and I'm gonna get Jani Lane to jam as well.

Thanks for everything.  SLUDGE RULES!!!!!!!!!

You've got great coverage of the Rhode Island disaster. Let's hope this never happens again.

George Bond

WHERE'S MICHAEL'S MICROPHONE!! - - The Station nightclub owners Michael Derderian, right, and his brother Jeffrey Derderian, left, are seen Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, in Warwick, R.I., as Jeffrey Derderian reads a statement expressing their grief and sadness about the fire in their nightclub that claimed atleast 97 lives. A statewide grand jury Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003, began investigating last week's deadly nightclub fire. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)

PHOTO

101450 Archive>>>Inspection report of The Station by the West Warwick Fire Dept., November 2002. (pdf format) Requested by a reader-vs>>>>>>>>> http://www.projo.com/extra/2003/stationfire/inspection_report.pdf

Mourners wearing black ribbons with "Rock on, Ty" printed in silver packed a remote church in Hubbard, Ohio, to remember Great White guitarist Ty Longley, who also died in the Feb. 20 fire. "Ty is now free to tour the world," band manager Paul Wollnough, representing himself, band members, and touring support members, told the crowd at Corner House Christian Church, where hundreds filed in from the freezing drizzle outside. Afterward, friends moved on to the barn-like Yankee Lake Ballroom in the nearby village of Brookfield, where local musicians and Longley's guitar teacher performed mellow rock standards. In reverance, The band, which Longley joined four years ago, hopes to release a collection music Longley recorded with Great White and others in about a month, Wollnough said after the service. Proceeds from "Regular Guy" would fund scholarships and benefit Longley's unborn child; his girlfriend is four months pregnant-vs.

APOnline>>>030303 - - Documents Show Fire Inspectors Did Not Take Note of Foam Soundproofing at Rhode Island Nightclub By Michael Weissenstein Associated Press Writer

Dan Davidson (who took the infamous gamma-presse pictures) speaks-vs>>Boston Herald

Hey All... Oh no not another opinion !!

Its really quite simple . The person whom inserts the key , selects the devices to be fired, and indeed commences firing of selected devices, is indeed 100% responsible for many factors.

1) that said device is in a safe line of fire ( ie: no spectators/performers within harms distance)

2) said device is in compliance with local standards of pyrotechnic display.

3) device is positioned so as to not interfere with any flamable, or combustable material either directly or indirectly.

4) any in question materials should be firstly tested in a safe enviornment ( outside or cement vault ) by lighting a match and holding directly underneath material in question for no less than 13 seconds.

5) a fire extinguishing device should be within the stage wings ( both sides) and have a able bodied mentally stable ( not drunk) personal armed and ready in case of problems. Further more the pyro tech firing the device(s) should indeed have a fire extinguishing device within reach of him/herself. Staff and management should always be made aware of such devices and the possibility for emergency action.

6) that all emergency exits in the building are indeed functional, and in a unlocked position proir to firing any pyro device.

7) Proper ventilation is assured and in use for all devices being fired inside a enclosed building

I have been doing Lighting / Pyro / Tour Mng, for years , and have done some big things in small rooms... however with a simple and effective safety check , and following the above rules , with no exceptions I believe has kept myself and others safe., Yes I will probably be even more anal about things now ( and I should be ) but the golden rule always comes into play -

- When in doubt, leave it out -

As for the night club... I cant even begin to count how many times I've personally spoke with club managers about pyro , and the general consensus with them is - " I didnt hear a thing ..." up until now its been a touch and go kind of subject... The clubs dont have pyro permits, yet the managers know when a show comes through with pyro , the people LOVE it...and it draws on the crowd which is exactly what the managers are looking for to sell more door and beer. I also am not sure how many times I have demanded a door to be unchained before my show takes stage. My arguement is that an extra Yard Ape at the door is much more cost efficient then wrongfull death lawsuits, usually a smart owner will adhere to that reasoning. Its absolutely incredible to know that I have actually held shows back until resolve on that issue

In short pyro is best suited for larger venues period. Even the smartest of techs and pyro training can fault. A large venue separates so many factors away from the smaller club sort of scene. Curtains, sound proofing, are more apt to be a safe distances, people are further away, and adequate exits exist etc..

I am deeply sorry about the loss of life and the fact that people have been devastated by this tradgedy.  My deepest condolances go out to the familes of lost loved ones.

Stay Safe
BMann RFL
Canada (eh)

PINet 030303>>>RE VANNER FIRE EXTINGUISHER POST>>>>READER POST CORRECTION...."The recent release posted from PINet has a line that says Vanner "grabbed one fire extinguisher (located at the back right rear of the stage)..." but in all interviews he has stated that he left the side of the stage to get an extinguisher located under the main mixing board which was located towards the rear of the club, NOT the rear of the stage". PINET COMMENT - Reader Correction is 100% accurate. We just didn't type our comments correctly. Our comment meant to say "located at the back right rear OFF the stage area (i.e. between the stage area and the building's back door). Greatly appreciate your input and cleaning up this comment!!

Is anyone else sick and tired of hearing, all of this crap? Pointing the finger isn't going to bring anyone back. I know if I owed a club, I would want to know is going on in my club. You never can tell what a band is going to bring in. The band didn't burn down. The club did.You tell me that the house tech had No-Clue, that there was pyro on stage. He must be pretty stupid. That reflects on the Club.They hired him.Lets hire an unqualified person.Oh can't forget he probably worked cheap. I'm so sick of these crying club owners, who plead poverty any chance can. They all want make money, cheapest way. That is the bottom line(no pun intended). I seen so much in my 15 years at this(Lighting, some sound).From the right sound proofing to three inches of Styrofoam walls.I lost count how many times I was told to plug into the walls.Power boxes so destroyed, lugs stripped, you would have to use, wire bugs black tape.Just for power. This passes code? If you don't understand what I'm saying. You don't belong here.Club owner's buying new cars and houses, etc. They'll charge a band for parking lot rental.Outlaw fog machines,Because it ruins there smoke eaters.They must think where stupid. The truth is, the cost of filters for there smoke eaters is so high.Yea right.I agree who every said below about, "Ticket Sales(door) and Bar Sales". Now you got all these club owners, what trying to band together.Trying to blame the bands.-Croc Roc- Allentown PA., Prime example; Saying that "Great White" wasn't allowed to use pyro's in the club. My friend has pictures with the "Croc Roc" banner on the upstage wall. It's their lie they can tell it any way they see fit. It's their club, right? Their the ones responsible. One of the sound guys I know got a stack knock over during a fight. I think it was $1800.00 in damages. He told me," I could make the club pay for it,the club gives him a lot of work, they caught one of the guys evolved, so He and the club file chargers against him". Needless to say he never got a dime, nor did they ever catch the other that was evolved. I just started doing research pyrotechnics, the legal way.I thought if I was certified it would get me more work.I came across that, In some states, to light a cigarette and smoke it from stage would be breaking the law. "Proximity Firework" 15 feet from an audience.I don't know all that much about Pryo. PryoPak and Le'maitre that is pre-package stuff. You really could not control it. You could only have what they sold. There smallest gerb maybe isn't small enough. Compared to theatrical, A and B composite. Where you would have to load the charge, yourself. Your controlling the how much power or powder the charge would have. I don't know enough about it. If someone does feel free to set me straight.
Jason Bundy Kotchick
Lighting Tech/ Programmer

Below is a letter I received and my response to it. Some people really shouldn't smoke crack because their kids turn out like this mis-informed malcontented person who wrote me this letter.

LETTER FROM A CONFUSED PERSON:

Date: Sun, 2 Mar 2003 16:21:29 EST

Ron, I assume is your name.....Let me ask you something dude, How could you sum up 2 page schpeel, by saying " Lastly, I know the entire band management and the whole nine yards. Everyone in and / or around Jack Russell and the Organization is VERY friendly and professional"....and then you go on to say, you were not in Rhode Island or working for Jack at the time, but you know that he, the Band and Dan, are getting blamed for something of which they are NOT the cause"...what's wrong with you man....not only did they (or should I say Dan) have complete disregard for the laws of those who use Pyro, the cat broke every rule known, and acted as UNPROFESSIONAL as one can, with no regard....and then how the hell do you, sum up by saying they are being blamed for something they did not cause....let me bring you down to the real world man, not only is he directly to blame for hitting the button and killing all them people, there are people out there like you who call yourself a "Tour Manager" and then have the balls to write about it.....The only thing that that cat needs to manage, is the guilt he should be feeling for allowing something so avoidable to happen....The only thing he managed to do, was f**k a lotta peoples live's up......do yourself a favor....stay out of it man.....you are way outta line.....

MY RESPONSE:

Well, we all have our own opinions and I stated mine. You are free to disagree with them. I stand by what I said. If you look into the matter more and more, you'll see that it was NOT just Dan's lighting the pyro off that caused this. It was, as I've already stated, a combination of many things.

As for being out of line, I don't believe that I am. Again, you may choose to disagree, and that's your choice. I do know everyone in the organization, and they are professional acting. I am not disputing Dan's involvement at all, but what I am saying is that he and the band are not at fault like everything thinks they are. If you want to say Dan has some blame, ok, I'd say 10%, but the other 90% lies on the club and all the things involved with it.

Jack isn't the only other band I've tour managed and I've stated that I was NOT in Rhode Island because right now I am NOT working for Jack and I don't want anything I say to sound like it's an official word from the band or management.

As for breaking the law, the club didn't have the legal permits for pyro and there are a few bands who came forward to say they used pyro in that club. There's even video footage of it. I believe one band was a KISS tribute act.

Please do not be so quick to judge the band and defend the club. Lastly, I feel I have every right to state my opinions and be involved. Ty Longley and the rest of the band, are my friends. I worked with them and know them well.

Now, again, this is all of my opinion and I have a right to it and to state it, as I've done. You have the right to your opinion and have stated it to me. Welcome to America. Ain't the 1st Amendment great?

Peace :)
Ron Schreiner

The recent release posted from PINet has a line that says Vanner "grabbed one fire extinguisher (located at the back right rear of the stage)..." but in all interviews he has stated that he left the side of the stage to get an extinguisher located under the main mixing board which was located towards the rear of the club, NOT the rear of the stage.

PINet 030203>>>STATION ONLY HAD TWO FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, STATION EMPLOYEE VANNER THROWS ONE INTO THE WOODS - - Accordingly to informed sources, the Station only had two fire extinguishers in the whole building (at present we have not been able to confirm this matter through a second source). Further, Paul Vanner, an employee and stage technician, of The Station, ( who has been quite vocal to the press in defense of the Nightclub and the Derderian’s) indicated to the media this week that he grabbed one fire extinguisher (located at the back right rear of the stage), but the fire had already become too large, so he “ran out the side stage door exit and threw the fire extinguisher into the woods behind the club”. When questioned by a reporter on this fact, he could give no reason for why he threw the valuable and potential life saving fire extinguisher into the woods, before he ran away from the burning club.

PINet 030203>>>STATION REGULARLY AND GROSSLY OVERSOLD SHOWS - - Rhode Island police investigating the catastrophic fire at The Station nightclub have received documents from rock bands who played there indicating the owners may have regularly sold tickets far in excess of the club's legal capacity of 300 patrons. The authorities are trying to establish a pattern regarding selling more tickets and overcapacity. The Station with as many as 500 patrons for some shows. David Ungar, the road manager for Dokken, a heavy metal band that played at The Station in JANUARY 2002, said last night he attended that show and the club was so crowded he was concerned for the safety of the band's technicians. "It was jam-packed. There were at least 500 people in there. There was nowhere to move," Ungar said. He said neither he nor Dokken band members have been interviewed by Rhode Island authorities. Steinman has forwarded to investigators documents known as "settlement sheets," which identify the total number of tickets actually sold for a given show. Those settlement sheets reveal that approximately 500 tickets were sold for some performances by his bands, which have been playing at The Station regularly for the past seven years. In addition, Steinman an LA promoter, said he has given police contracts signed by both Michael Derderian and Howard J. Julian (The Station Building Owner) in which both men claimed the club could hold between 450 and 500 people. The Derderians leased The Station nightclub from Julian, who owned the property. (Derderian and Julian were also partners in other concert promotions not held at The Station) One such contract, dated Feb. 16, 2001, and signed by Michael Derderian, states that the club could hold 450 patrons, Steinman said. According to West Warwick fire officials, The Station can legally hold only 300 patrons. There were approximately 360 patrons in The Station on the night of last week's fatal blaze. The post-show "recap" or "settlement" sheet for the February 2001 Warrant show states that 300 tickets were presold and a total of 523 people actually attended, Steinman said. A second contract for a Warrant performance provided to the police by Steinman pegged the club's capacity at 500 patrons. That contract, dated March 14, 2000, was signed by Howard Julian. The performance itself was held on April 27, 2000. Owners of clubs will often say the club holds more people because that is one way to entice a band to play there," Steinman said. "Promoters can be greedy because they want to pack in as many people as possible."

IT'S ALL ABOUT TICKET AND BAR SALES........Brother Michael, 41, of Narragansett, had accrued bank, IRS debts on long-standing unpaid/due Federal income taxes, and was seeking to divorce his wife, Heather, which was recently finalized. He had some value in his house, but his income of $80,000 a year from The Station hardly offset his $125,000 in debts and the likely cost of alimony. Soon after the brothers bought the club, they invested heavily in it, spending $65,000 to upgrade the club's sound system - a key draw. The club was advertised heavily in trade publications, and to attract popular heavy metal acts like WASP, Dokken, Luxx and Great White, the Derderians promised crowds of 450 to 550 - far in excess of the legal capacity of 300. It's all about ticket and bar sales.... And there was pyro. Perhaps a dozen bands that have played the club in the past three years - including KISStory and Lovin' Kry, both New England acts - say they put on small displays of pyrotechnics during their Station acts. Any such display - even a so-called ``flashpot,'' which emits a brief shower of smoke and sparkles when stomped on by a band member - is illegal in Rhode Island and most states without extraordinary precautions. Yet club professionals have admitted in recent days they occur illicitly in venues with a ``wink and a nod.'' It's all about ticket and bar sales....Despite their eagerness to gussy up The Station to augment profits and attract potential buyers, the Derderians, like many small-business owners, availed themselves of the grandfather clauses in state laws when it came to sprinklers. Richard A. Skinner of the National Fire Sprinkler Association said $20,000 was enough to outfit The Station with the life-saving devices. Yet the Derderians invest $65m on a sound system but NO they could not spend $20m to protect peoples lives). It's all about ticket and bar sales.......Then when it came to soundproofing, the Derderian's "used the cheapest stuff possible", without regard to peoples lives. Fire-retardant substitute called melamine, which costs $6 a square foot, as opposed to $3 a square foot for the poly foam. Rhode Island safety codes explicitly state any wall coverings in public spaces be rated ``flame retardant'' in accordance with the standards of the National Fire Protection Association of Quincy. Melanine is rated Class A - the best. Poly is not rated at all. It's all about ticket and bar sales.......Next the Dederian boys used their well liked image around town to get favors from the fire department and City Council and receive "look the other way" fire safety inspections for almost three years, from inspectors that complained about being underpaid and overworked. What did the D-boys do to grease this wheel. Title 23, Chapter 23-28.6, Section 15 of the Rhode Island Health and Safety Code states in its first paragraph: ``Decorative and acoustical material to be flame resistant. . . . Furnishings and decorations of an explosive or highly flammable character shall not be used.'' The two-page section goes on to say material like the foam at The Station must meet the most stringent fire standards in the nation, that fire inspectors must re-approve it annually, and they must test it with a flame if any doubt exists as to its combustibility. Yet town inspection reports show no mention of the foam by fire inspector Denis Larocque either in 2001 or in November and December of 2002, when he cited the club for minor violations he judged ``all OK'' on re-inspection. How such an obvious addition could have missed remains a mystery. Larocque has declined to answer questions. For all this, the Station now looks like someone dropped a small H-Bomb on it with a horrible loss of life, and devastating injuries that will plague these poor innocent victims for the rest of their natural life. They came to see a great rock band, (that still had not lost their stage ability and cared both their product) THEY got a lot more. On yeah, It's all about ticket and bar sales....vs

Here's the West Warwick Fire Departments home site>>http://members.cox.net/wwfd......HERE IS THEIR DIRECT EMAIL ADDRESS>>> wwfd@cox.net ....Write them and let them know how you FEEL about their "white wash" fire safety inspections of The Station and consistent ignoring of RI State fire inspection laws as it relates to the installed polyurethane foam at the Station................Other News: PINet-030203>>>An attorney representing one of the club owners said a salesman for American Foam suggested purchasing insulating foam for soundproofing three years ago. The salesman, Barry Warner, said Michael and Jeffrey Derderian approached him about the cheapest option available. Warner also said safety issues were never discussed.

From the Associated Press at 1:58 EST on March 2, 2003

R.I. Nightclub Death Toll Rises to 98

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Church bells throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts pealed 98 times on Sunday, once for each person killed in one of the country's worst nightclub fires.

The remembrance came as the death toll from the Feb. 20 inferno at The Station nightclub in West Warwick rose by one.

Kelly Viera, who had been hospitalized with burns suffered in the blaze, died Saturday at Shriners Hospital, hospital officials said. Viera's age and hometown were not immediately released.

In Providence, Viera's uncle, William Kelly, drove to Grace Church, where he and Viera worshipped.

"I keep asking the Lord, 'why?'" said Kelly, 57, a retired truck driver from Warwick. "She was such a sweetheart."

Ninety-six people died in the blaze, and two others died more than a week later from their injuries. Sunday morning, 51 people injured in the fire remained hospitalized in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including 33 in critical condition.

Gov. Don Carcieri asked that all Rhode Islanders pause "to remember those who have suffered physically and emotionally" following the blaze.

Rocktour.net

Projo-Online>>>Nightclub had no workers' comp, records show Although employee coverage is required, a state agency finds that The Station has had no reported insurance since early 2000, subjecting the Station's owners to both civil and criminal charges. 02/28/2003

It has been one week and a few days since the Feb 20th tragedy in Rhode Island that we're all familiar with. I've read many websites, roadie.net is by far the most comprehensive and complete in my book.

There is no question in my mind of the club's fault and involvement in this situation. We’ve heard about the constant overbooking, the foam on the wall for soundproofing, etc. It’s not just one thing that caused this tragedy, but rather the right mixture of events in the right place and time. This could have happened anywhere, anytime, with any club or band.

Now, with that all said.....

I was the previous tour manager for "Jack Russell - The Voice of Great White". Dan B. is the tour manager for "Jack Russell's Great White" that was playing in Rhode Island that night. As a tour manager, whether it's me, Dan, or anyone else in this business that has ever tour managed, we can all tell you the same thing, which is the truth, and that is:

1) We ask permission of the club's owner BEFORE we do anything.

2) There’s ALWAYS some sort of house sound tech on hand to help the incoming band out with technical issues. This person is usually experienced enough to see what’s going on with the setup of the show. Everything for the band is setup way in advance, we don't sneak pyro or backline or anything else up on stage. Even if we DID do that (which we don't) any good house tech will notice that. For a house guy to NOT notice something would be very rare in my opinion. These are experienced people who work at the clubs as house techs. Many have toured themselves in the past. So, this isn't a new person without any experience working for the club. So, I'm not buying the club's line it's telling the media.

3) Those of us who work in the business know that a rider contract, whether it be for Hospitality/Catering, or a Technical rider, is basically a “wish list” of what we want – not necessarily what we get. So many people are hung up on the fact that the rider contract didn’t state the use of pyro on it, get over it. Many times things are communicated and agreed upon verbally. For instance, let’s say the band had a 3pm load in on the rider, but, the club owner couldn’t get there that day until 4pm, then, upon the tour manager and the owner talking, they would verbally agree to load in at 4pm even though the contract SAYS 3pm.

When I was touring with Jack, in order to use his in-ears monitoring system, the monitor console had to meet certain requirements (and this was posted in the technical rider contract). If those requirements weren’t met, then Jack went on without his in-ears and used monitor wedges instead. I as the tour manager, would talk to the house sound tech and verbally agree what to do.

Lastly, I know the entire band, some of their family members, management, and the whole nine yards. Everyone in and/or around Jack Russell and the organization is VERY friendly and professional. Jack loves his fans, lives for the music and entertaining people. I'm certain this has hit him and the others very hard. From Jeff Rader to my friend and Jack’s guitarist Ty Longley, we've all lost someone we knew, worked with, or something of the like in this fire. This has affected the entire music business in so many ways seen and unseen.

Now I want to state that I was NOT in Rhode Island or working for Jack at this time, however, I know that he, the band, and Dan, are getting blamed for something of which they are NOT the cause. Everything stated in this message is of my own opinion and experience. It is NOT an official press release or commentary from Jack Russell, the band, the management, or anyone else associated with them currently.

If you wish to email me, feel free to do so at: ron@roadie.net and I will respond.

Ron Schreiner

This is a good site for keeping up on the current condition of Bob Rager. I understand he had infection problems earlier this week, but appears to be doing better. With the extent of his injuries, it is extremely important that we received current updates on his condition. People with these types of injuries can be doing good one day and gone the next.

http://www.harposconcerttheatre.com/id18.htm

Tragic mix of errors led to fire

by Tom Mashberg

When Daniel M. Biechele turned the key on his hand-held ignition pad a week ago Thursday, setting off what is known in the trade as a ``15 x 15 three-pronged Gerb fan,'' he was committing the final macabre blunder in a series of errors that led to the blazing deaths of 97 people at The Station nightclub.

Pyrotechnics experts who have seen video of Biechele's ill-fated effect say the unlicensed 26-year-old manager for the band Great White ``overshot the room,'' in the words of Stephen T. Pelkey, head of Atlas PyroVision in Jaffrey, N.H....

Too much pyro Before bringing Great White to The Station, Dan Biechele had acted as manager and mother hen to the aging rockers for more than two months as they toured Florida, North Carolina and New England.

His duties were enormous - planning ahead with multiple venues, keeping track of equipment, discussing the smallest details of band needs, down to what kind of soft drinks had to be available.

He was also the band's pyrotechnics man.

But Biechele, 26, has no license for handling the devices in any state. While he apparently learned to use them as part of his duties with heavy metal bands, his training was informal, friends say.

Whether Biechele received verbal or written permission to bring pyro devices into The Station remains the most hotly contested issue of the blaze's aftermath.

I was just reading your site, and I thought I should post this. I also work in the music industry, and I live in Rhode Island. I have been to MANY shows at the Station. I can tell you that there were many times that I've been at the station where the place was oversold. Some friends and I went down last minute to a Warrant show in 2001, and the guy at the door told us is was sold out, but if we slipped him $20 plus the cost of the ticket, he'd let us in.
I didn't see this posted, (sorry if it's a repeat) but some of the survivors are now coming forward showing the owners business card with a "P" on the back - as a means of a ticket to get into that show and that they had paid (they couldn't give them a real ticket after all - they were all gone).

As far as the pyro canisters go - that stage was way too tiny for those canisters to be "missed" if Great White didn't have permission, someone would have seen those canisters regardless. Someone would have had to have seen it and questioned it. As far as that "stage manager" goes.... there are just no words. Anyway, I don't know if anyone is interested, but the Attorney General in Rhode Island has set up a tip/information line for anyone to call in. If you have information that could help (like the definition of a stage manager, you worked a show there that was sold out, etc) give them a call.

Attorney General Investigation Line: (401) 821-6101

Hi there,
I was just poking around on different websites regarding the fire in RI. I lost one person in it as well.  I must say, your website is right up to date and the info couldnt be any more accurate. If you need anything on the RI end, please get back to me.

Sincerely,
Mark G

Hey Karl,

It’s been awhile. I wanted to let you know that I placed a special link to your site pertaining to Rhode Island. Please let me know when you change it from the default page so I can update my link.

BTW, yours is the best coverage I have seen yet on this tragedy.

Thanks,
Charlie
Rocktour.net

Likewise for "Hairball" Rager and everyone who cares about him. Does anyone know if there are plans afoot to start some kind of fund to help him defray some of his medical expenses and bills while he's in the hospital?

I haven't heard anything but we should consider doing something...KK

KK, I agree with you 100%. We all know what it's like - little savings, no insurance. The band probably won't be able to pick up any of the costs and lord only knows how long it'll be before the victims see any kind of legal settlements - if they ever do. Meanwhile, he's probably facing several surgeries, at least a couple months in the hospital, and a year or more of rehab after that. Who knows when he'll be able to go back to work again? To have to recover first from life-threatening injuries and then from a couple hundred thousand dollars' worth of medical expenses...I dunno, I just feel like we should do something to help a brother

Robin

We are all still waiting for the release of the full size "Gamma" photos.  I notice that Gamma site is FRENCH.   We can only hope that they will SURRENDER the photos soon.

PINet-vs>>07:35-030103 - Seekonk rock band 1031 has turned over a tape to West Warwick police, showing them setting off a small pyrotechnics display in October at The Station. The band joins Lovin' Kry and KISStory in producing evidence of pyrotechnics use at the club since the Derderians purchased the nightclub business in March 2000

PINet-vs>>Moments after he set off a fatal pyrotechnic device at The Station, Great White road manager Daniel M. Biechele, right, spins in horror.(Dan Davidson/Gamma photo)

PHOTO

PINet-vs> Jeff Derderian Reported Polyurethane is like solid gasoline Two Years Before Tragic Station Fire - 3/1/03 - The 36 year old Jeffrey Derderian offered a warning about the polyurethane foam that fueled the massive fire at The Station nightclub, two years before the devastating fire there claimed 97 lives and injured over 180 people. ``Fire safety experts call this stuff solid gasoline,'' Derderian said during a WHDH-TV (Ch. 7) news report. The co-owner of The Station night club in West Warwick, R.I., was a reporter at the Boston TV station at the time. The owners of a foam-cutting operation said yesterday that Jeff's brother and co-partner in The Station nightclub, Michael Derderian bought common packing foam constructed of polyurethane in July 2000 and installed in the nightclub. The material costs half as much as the foam required by State Law for use in public buildings. In his February 2001 TV news report, Derderian was discussing mattress fires. ``Another problem is what's inside the mattress, polyurethane foam,'' he told viewers. ``Fire safety experts call this stuff solid gasoline, and it can cause a smoldering mattress to burst into flames.'' Earlier in the broadcast, Derderian said mattress fires were especially deadly because of ``speed and intense smoke.'' Both were factors in the staggering death toll at The Station the night of Feb. 20, 2003. The deadly polyurethane foam lined a substantial portion of The Station's wall's, ceiling, and even the buildings right side door, next to the stage where the fire erupted. The fire, which was started from sparks by pyrotechnics used by the band Great White, ignited the deadly polyurethane foam and moved with devastating swiftness . The club was engulfed within three minutes, fire officials said. Inspection reports made public yesterday by the town of Warwick make no mention of the flammable foam on the walls, even though state law requires that an inspector test insulation with a flame if it's not marked as fire retardant. The reports point out minor deficiencies which were apparently addressed, but also fail to note the inside front doors that reportedly opened improperly. They do, however, point out a rear stage door that opened inward in violation of fire codes. The problem is noted in a Nov. 10, 2001, report and again in a 2002 inspection. Both reports list the problem as having been fixed. Town officials probing the fire and their fire inspector's actions, have called a closed-door meeting for Tuesday ``to discuss potential litigation and investigation.'' Under Rhode Island's open meeting law, such discussions can be held in private.

I am a booker and club promoter in Los Angeles. Jeff Rader was a friend of mine. I cannot even think of anything to say right now. I've sat here crying reading through your entire site.

I want to thank everyone on this site for their intelligent comments, experience, viewpoints, and sentiments. This is not the case on most free-thought sites.

There is a candlelight vigil being organized at 6pm Sunday March 2nd on the Sunset Strip. Please help us spread the word throughout the music community.
Thank you, God Bless,
R.I. P. Jeff, Ty, and everyone that we've lost.
xoxo
Leah Cevoli
www.burstmusic.net

To whomever ,
The list is a very super cool thing to do . For some reason I wanted to know the names and the ages and the various towns of the 97 victims . Tonight , at 2am , your web-site appeared. God , if only I could cry......just cry for 5-10 minutes straight....... instead of stubbornly fighting back the constantly welling of tears . I would of been at that show . I was one of those " hard-rock " people who simply didn't know ......that Great White,,,,,,,,of all California bands.........on a February night..........was gonna be playing The Station . If I did know , I would of been there with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

P.S: Thanks for the list of all the people who are in the hospital also....

Johnathan

I just though this was interesting. From an interview with Benny Doro from the band "Hotter Than Hell", who have played at the Station and The Stone Pony in NJ.

“We carry one of the biggest pyro shows you can put in a club” Doro says, “flame towers, sparkle showers (like the ones Great White used), smoking guitars, flames, fire-breathing…all the good stuff.”

"Usually when we get to the venue” Doro explains, “The fire marshal is waiting for us. We demo what we plan to do and he tells us what we can and cannot do. We use whatever we’re allow to use, because believe me, that pyro is expensive. If we don’t have to use it, so be it. We’re saving money. It’s the music that carries the show anyway."

And about gigs at the Station and The Stone Pony - “We’ve played both clubs WITH pyro,” Doro says. “Both clubs are pretty lax in their rules.”

And this comment in light of what happened is very telling - "We've had plenty of times when our pyro show caught light gels or curtains on fire, but then our guy is there to put it out. You have about 20 seconds to take care of the problem, and a pro knows what to do.” (Note that he doesn't say one time or two times he says "plenty of times")

~DWE

Here is just a look at 2 pages out of the hundredths that we ( pyro companies) must sort through to make sure we are doing things right. Now this information is only federal. I still have not had time to look up the Rhode Island regs. Any state or local municipality can write there own laws that supercede the federal regs... You know some times when I am working on paper work I think F**k it!! I want to be a ground rigger!! hell I can tie a damn fine Bolin!! Here's a fun fact for you. The Rolling Stones "Special Effects Booklet " that we send out to each promoter,fire dept,Building and some times we have to send a copy to the buildings Ins.company is 56 pages ( Not counting the cover with printing on both sides of the page and not counting the ins .amendments which can be 2 - 3 pages listing who ever they ask for as additionally insured) Did I mention I can tie a Bolin..

Pyro Pete

(g)(1) A State may, at its discretion, waive the required hazardous materials knowledge tests of subpart H of this part and issue restricted CDLs to part-time drivers operating commercial motor vehicles transporting less than 227 kilograms (500 pounds) of fireworks classified as DOT Class 1.3G explosives.

(g)(2) A State issuing a CDL under the terms of this paragraph must restrict issuance as follows:

(g)(2)(i) The GVWR of the vehicle to be operated must be less than 4,537 kilograms (10,001 pounds);

(g)(2)(ii) If a State believes, at its discretion, that the training required by § 172.704 of this title adequately prepares part-time drivers meeting the other requirements of this paragraph to deal with fireworks and the other potential dangers posed by fireworks transportation and use, the State may waive the hazardous materials knowledge tests of subpart H of this part. The State may impose any requirements it believes is necessary to ensure itself that a driver is properly trained pursuant to § 172.704 of this title.

(g)(2)(iii) A restricted CDL document issued pursuant to this paragraph shall have a statement clearly imprinted on the face of the document that is substantially similar as follows: "For use as a CDL only during the period from June 30 through July 6 for purposes of transporting less than 227 kilograms (500 pounds) of fireworks classified as DOT Class 1.3G explosives in a vehicle with a GVWR of less than 4,537 kilograms (10,001 pounds).

(g)(5) Persons who operate commercial motor vehicles during the period from July 7 through June 29 for purposes of transporting less than 227 kilograms (500 pounds) of fireworks classified as DOT Class 1.3G explosives in a vehicle with a GVWR of less than 4,537 kilograms (10,001 pounds) and who also operate such vehicles for the same purposes during the period June 30 through July 6 shall not be issued a restricted CDL pursuant to this paragraph.

PLACARDING IV-2

Category of material

(Hazard class or division number and additional description, as appropriate)

Placard Name

Placard design

section

reference ()

1.4........................................................ EXPLOSIVES 1.4....................................... 172.523

1.5........................................................ EXPLOSIVES 1.5........................................ 172.524

1.6........................................................ EXPLOSIVES 1.6........................................ 172.525

2.1......................................................... FLAMMABLE GAS................................... 172.532

2.2......................................................... NON-FLAMMABLE GAS......................... 172.528

3............................................................ FLAMMABLE............................................ 172.542

COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID................ COMBUSTIBLE......................................... 172.544

4.1......................................................... FLAMMABLE SOLID............................... 172.546

4.2......................................................... SPONTANEOUSLY

COMBUSTIBLE.......................................... 172.547

5.1......................................................... OXIDIZER...................................................... 172.550

5.2.Other than Type B liquid or solid ORGANIC PEROXIDE................................ 172.552

6.1(PG I or II (other than PG I Inhalation hazard)........................POISON................172.564

6.1 (PG III )......................................... KEEP AWAY FROM FOOD....................... 172.563

6.2......................................................... NONE............................................................ ............

8............................................................ CORROSIVE................................................ 172.558

9............................................................ CLASS 9................................... 172.560

ORM-D........................................ NONE........................................ ............

Placarding Table 2 lists the remainder of the hazardous material classes that require

placards. However, Table 2 material requires placarding only when the aggregate

gross weight of all Table 2 hazardous materials on the transport vehicle or in the

freight container is 1,001 pounds or more.

Transport vehicles and freight containers transporting less than 1,001 pounds gross

weight of Table 2 material MAY be placarded. Placards are not required.

172.504(c)(1)

Exceptions and options are provided in sub-sections f and g of 172.504. In

placarding Table 2, weight is only one of the factors to consider.

172.504(a)

Ann - so nice to hear from you on this subject. You should seriously also post these thoughts in some of the other threads on the matter.
You talk about fire hazards - FM Station, and their "dressing room" behind the stage has popped into my mind over and over again, where I did see pyro used at times. The 'hidden' hand shake pyro use policy at a club level has been used for so long by so many and it should change for sure but I think we all need to work together to get that to happen.

Also if you did not read my post before or if you have not heard - Scott from Jagged Edge was in the fire and lost his life.

yer old crew mate,
~DWE

This afternoon while driving in my car, I was greatly dismayed to hear the host of a 50,000 watt AM radio station [KFI] call for the arrest of Jack Russell of GREAT WHITE. This host claimed that, as a singer, Jack Russell was the responsible party in the terrible fire which claimed the lives of so many people on Thursday. While I agree that this was a terrible tragedy, I would like to point out that most ANY band on the US club circuit could be in the position of GREAT WHITE. In fact, I am surprised that a fire like this has not happened earlier!

Like GREAT WHITE, my band HELLION once enjoyed MTV airplay and packed arenas. However, many factors, including the post-911 economy, have forced many acts back into small clubs. Music groups, club owners, promoters, booking agents and record companies have all endured hard economic times in recent years. Combine these economic troubles with the fans' expectations to see an arena-quality stage show, and inconsistent rules regarding pyro displays, and you have a recipe for trouble!

"While union electricians help ensure the safety of events held at major arenas, small clubs are a very different story. When a band travels from town to town, local safety ordinances are often a mystery. THERE ARE NO STANDARDS. What is acceptable in Portland may be illegal in San Antonio. Some venues have year-round 'conditional use permits' for pyrotechnics. Others don't. Occasionally a band may find 'the safety rules' taped on the wall in the dressing room. While safety rules often mention correct ways of lifting boxes or laws regarding serving alcohol — they rarely mention pyrotechnics. [While the club owners may disagree when they are speaking with the media, the 'don't ask-don't tell pyro-policy' has become the norm when it comes to operating pyro in many clubs.]

"It is surprising to me that any of the band members were able to escape the fire on Thursday. More often than not, the stage in small clubs is located on the back wall of the room, far from any exits. The dressing room, likewise, is another 'accident waiting to happen.' The dressing room in many clubs doubles as the storage room for the booze or food and rarely has windows. [For example, if a fire broke out on stage at 'Paladino's' in Reseda, anybody in the 'dressing room' would most likely perish.]

"For these reasons, is grossly unfair to single out Jack Russell as the scapegoat for this tragedy! GREAT WHITE and their road crew were every bit as 'at risk' as any member of the audience Thursday. If the sparks from onstage pyro — the same pyro used repeatedly and with no problem by GREAT WHITE — ignited this building, it is safe to say that a cigarette butt or a broken appliance could have done the same thing! Musical performers are not trained in fire safety. It is not the responsibility of a musician, a singer, or even a promoter to make sure that the walls are covered with flame-retardant paint or that sprinklers are installed in the ceiling! This is why you have safety inspectors! And, if pyro is not allowed, why didn't the club's stage manager say something? [It is not hard to spot pyro when it is being set up.]

"Naturally, I send my heartfelt condolences to the family members of those killed as well as to those injured in this horrific event. However, my heartfelt thoughts also go out to the crew and band members of Jack's band, and especially to Jack Russell himself. Jack has had a rough past and is rapidly becoming the scapegoat of a frenzied media that is disparaging everything from Jack's music to the scarf he was wearing the night of the fire.

What the media really needs to focus on, is why any shows were being held in a building that was so unsafe- — and what can be done to prevent something like this in the future!

Ann Boleyn, Lead Singer of the rock group HELLION, Former DJ with KROQ FM, and Owner of New Renaissance Records"

As I had earlier stated in regards to this foam it was bad news. You think A Christmas tree burns fast not compared to this stuff. I Don't know what to think! Were they trying to burn the place down?

Im so sorry for the victims!!

Steve Caldon

I was nowhere near R.I. but the effects of the fire have touched close to home. Our friend Bob Rager was also out with Great White. He's still recovering in Boston.  I remember meeting Jeff Rader once, what a nice guy. It's a loss to everyone when people with good hearts are taken away so soon.  I pray for the friends the families and the victims of this tragedy daily, And always for the roadies... With out them the show can't go on.
God Bless Ya All
A

Fri, 28 Feb 2003

There is a picture posted on here from a site called Gamma I believe. It shows a box with the label "IATI 1.4"-DANGEROUS GOODS/ EXPLOSIVES. Great White is on stage during this photo and you can see the wall burning.

My question is why the hell is this box sitting out in plain site while a show is going on?? You don't leave pyro just lying around. It seems to me this road manager, who supposedly is the guy who was dealing with it, is a complete moron.

I'm all about supporting my fellow road brothers and sisters, but come on
people this is just being a complete amateur. I'm really beginning to
wonder about the judgment of this guy.

Pyro Pete any comment about this photo??

The box may have been empty. They may have just loaded the last devices from the box and just left it there. They may have been using the box for something else they may have used it to bring in bottles of water from the bus or any one of a thousand other things…. Or some one left a box of pyro devices open, unattended, in a public area. It’s definitely a box that pyro comes in.

Pyro Pete

Regarding what Chris Slycord said about GW & the issue of permission to use pyro: I agree with Chris that GW probably had permission. I think the clubs that said they "didn't" have permission could be saying that to protect themselves from fines and fire Marshall scrutiny. They had to know, as the fire turned into a major disaster Friday morning, that the investigation would very quickly branch out to ALL venues GW played and check into the issue of "permission/permits, etc". If the owners said they gave it, then the owners would be in trouble for letting GW do it without the proper permits. In my opinion, the only people you can trust aren't lying in this issue are the clubs that denied permission: They have no reason to lie about what happened. Everybody else has a reason (although I'm not saying specifically that they are lying). And remember, the same club owners of the Station who say they "didn't give permission" are the same owners who, apparently, don't (and never have) carried mandatory worker's compensation insurance; allowed their club to go beyond legal capacity; and remodeled with the cheapest, not to mention improper & highly flammable, material to soundproof their club. No wonder they're not talking. And as to one of their employees who said GW must have "snuck the pyro in during the dark just before the band walked on stage": Two guests came forward in interviews to say they saw them in plain sight on the stage; one even mentioned the "beefy" cords and thought it was a real professional setup. Who's telling the truth? My guess is the guests - they have no financial/legal reason to be dishonest.
Laura

Can anybody help with this please? on the video band footage as the camera pans round there is a girl shown briefly near the front at the bottom of the frame, she has her arm outstretched and she is is holding a bottle of beer. does anybody know if this is Tina Ayer? I am guessing it is but cant be sure.. sadly she was one of the victims of this awful fire.

thanks
Mike

Officials announced that one of the injured, Linda Suffoletto, had died early Friday at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. No age or hometown was immediately available.

Her death brought the toll from the Feb. 20 fire back up to 97.

AP-NY-02-28-03 1257EST

What is this crap?..... Mississippi, RFL

Band's Attorney Seeks Immunity for Singer

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Feb. 28) - The singer for a band whose pyrotechnics display set off last week's disastrous nightclub fire will ask for immunity from prosecution before testifying to a grand jury, his attorney said Friday. And an insulation dealer said club owners bought flammable packing foam, not soundproofing foam, to use in the club.

''We'll be there (Friday),'' attorney Neil Philbin, who represents Great White lead singer Jack Russell, told The Associated Press. ''What happens next remains to be determined.''

AP-NY-02-28-03 1257EST

I'm a local grunt who had the pleasure of doing a couple of Tesla shows last year. Their crew stands out in my mind as being one of the most pleasant to work with and I'm so, so sorry to hear about Jeff. I don't know how to offer condolences to his family and friends without sounding cliched and insincere, but I'm heart-sad for all of you.

Likewise for "Hairball" Rager and everyone who cares about him. Does anyone know if there are plans afoot to start some kind of fund to help him defray some of his medical expenses and bills while he's in the hospital?

I haven't heard anything but we should consider doing something...KK

STORY TO BE ON ABC NATIONAL NEWS TONIGHT - - A foam distributor said Friday his company sold The Station nightclub cheap, highly flammable packing foam, which experts say burns like gasoline, emits a dense, toxic smoke and isn't suitable for use as acoustic insulation. Fire prevention experts said the type of foam purchased by the club -- highly porous with a density of 1.2 pounds per cubic foot -- is highly flammable and emits a dense smoke that contains carbon monoxide, cyanide and other toxic gases. "This type of material, given its chemistry and lack of fire retardancy, can burn much, much faster than wood," said engineer Ken Rhodes of Underwriters Laboratories in Northbrook, Ill., which tests products for fire safety. Researchers use a scale to compare the relative flammability of materials. Untreated low-density polyurethane foam might have a flame spread rating that's 200 times higher than the denser melamine foam approved for use as acoustic insulation in nightclubs and recording studios, according to Nick Colleran, co-owner of AcousticsFirst Corp., a Virginia-based wholesaler of acoustic foam. "Once it goes up, depending on its coating and the type of foam, it can look like a gasoline fire," Colleran said of the polyurethane foam. He said his company won't sell it for use as soundproofing in a public space. Experts say polyurethane foam also drips once it catches fire, and in liquid form it burns faster and hotter. The liquefied polyurethane can burn so hot it creates a "flash over" condition -- when flames explode outward from within a confined space. "Fire, per se, is not the biggest threat," Colleran said. "The real problem is the smoke. The room fills up with a thick, black smoke and a lot of people are dead before the fire even gets to them." ...........

I just wanted to share a quote that I heard on the news regarding Ty Longley. His mother said that “his heart was bigger than his hair”. I really got a kick out of that, and a little bit of humor can go a long way in these situations.

The comments from experienced roadies have been very interesting to read. If it weren’t for you guys, there would be no shows. I’m proud to say that in my “clubbing” days, I parties with a lot of roadies!! I’m fascinated by the “behind the scenes” stuff at concerts and sometimes find myself looking at what is going on with the crews more than the musicians. Having your insight has been great.

My heart goes out to all who have suffered from this tragedy. Yes, we must not forget the people still in the hospital(s). They have a long road ahead of them. A “friend of a friend” was in the club. She survived, but is in a medically-induced coma and is listed in critical condition. My prayers are with everyone that has been affected by this SENSELESS tragedy.
The show must go on!!! Lastly, ROCK ON!

T.M., Connecticut

P.S. The folks at rocktragedy.com need to be shot, drawn and quartered!!!!!!!

I just wanted to say how touched I am that you used my picture of Jeff Rader from October of 2001 on your tribute page. I didn't know him well, but met him briefly as he worked a few Tesla shows that year and I was at them. I took a few pictures of the crew, and that was one of them.

He was a very nice man, and I felt privileged to make his acquaintance. I am greatly saddened by his loss.

I'm not in any way a crew member or tech, but I REALLY like your site. For those of you who work SO hard to pull together the shows I live to see, my heartfelt appreciation is yours.

Peace ~
Mary Aquino

There is a picture posted on here from a site called Gamma I believe. It shows a box with the label "IATI 1.4"-DANGEROUS GOODS/ EXPLOSIVES. Great White is on stage during this photo and you can see the wall burning.

My question is why the hell is this box sitting out in plain site while a show is going on?? You don't leave pyro just lying around. It seems to me this road manager, who supposedly is the guy who was dealing with it, is a complete moron.

I'm all about supporting my fellow road brothers and sisters, but come on
people this is just being a complete amateur. I'm really beginning to
wonder about the judgement of this guy.

Pyro Pete any comment about this photo??

CNN Headline News - 1:18pm Just aired second and expanded coverage and interview with John Gibbs, a survivor of the Station fire (his best friend died in the fire) where John is saying that Station bouncers/employees would not let people use the other doors to escape the fire and used physical force to shove people towards the front door when most of the death victims were found. This piece will rerun throughout the PM on CNN. Several witnesses have stated that the Station bouncers/employees were blocking the side door for club patrons, but letting out band and Station staff members. They further stated that "many lives could have been saved had it not been for the arrogance of Station management and employees when people were fleeing for their lives" VS

FROM WWW.PROJO.COM- Updated 12:44 p.m. / The owner of American Foam Corp. in Johnston says The Station nightclub in June 2000 purchased $575 worth of common egg-crate packing foam for soundproofing, but it was not fire retardant. The fire retardant foam would have cost twice as much, according to Aram DerManouelian, who said the club wanted "the lowest grade, the cheapest stuff." "They had a choice, and they bought general purpose egg-crate foam," said DerManouelian. "It kept the noise down, but whoever figured they'd put flame on it? Jesus. For a $575 invoice, here we are." As stated above, club owners simply do not want to spend the money.

DWE:......Great Response!!!...Your points are valid and accurate! Paul Vanner is lying and committing major felony fraud. Let's see, (1) look at his appearance, (2) he's 41 and lives at home, (3) he is totally indebted to Michael Derderian, and (4) his "facts" clearly do not add up!. A good music industry attorney will break this guy apart in two seconds in front of a jury and then have the DA go after him on felony perjury charges.......vitasource

"I KNOW for a fact that that foam wasn't of any kind of acoustical insulation," said Bruce Grupposo, a guitarist for the group Mutha Ugly, which played at The Station every month. Other members of the band said the foam looked like regular packing material which the club had painted black and decorated with light party glitter. Rob Ellis, lead singer for the band, which last played at The Station in November, said: "It was cheeseball. . . . I remember specifically looking at the foam. It looked like it was egg crate spray-painted, and you could see glitter on the egg crate. . . ." The Station was one of the only clubs, he said, that had "that much foam," extending to the bathrooms and over an exit door. Janine Grupposo, wife of lead guitarist for Mutha Ugly, said she and the other wives and girlfriends of band members used to sit along the walls and talk about how it looked like the walls had been decorated with "that spray you use at Halloween." "It was a light even spread, hard to see, but [it] shimmered. I would sit there and pick at it. I noticed it at our first show in 2001 -- I thought they must have remodeled." Jason Williams, the bass player for the band Trip, which was touring with Great White, said the soundproofing encased the whole stage, around the drums, up the side walls and on the ceiling. "It looked old. I've never seen any soundproofing on any other stages on the tour like that, if any. Carroll, the Mutha Ugly drummer, said: "None of that stuff should have been put up there." Al Prudhomme, drummer of the band Fathead, which opened for Great White at The Station, said the foam seemed unstable. "That stuff would just fall off, and they would glue it back up."

The Station nightclub soundproofing foam, witnesses said yesterday, and had deteriorated into what one described as a dry, flaky substance, and due to aging had changed colors from black to brown. Records from the most recent annual fire department inspection in December make no note of concern about the building's insulation. West Warwick had at least three opportunities in the past year to examine the foam insulation that is now a focus of The Station nightclub fire investigation. Fire inspector Denis Larocque and building inspector Stephen Murray had been on the premises together once last year, and each visited separately. In this West Warwick town of 29,200 residents, where local politics can be contentious, the building inspection department has had a revolving door, with seven inspectors holding the job since 1991. Some have cited low pay as a reason for leaving, while others have cited differences with elected officials. "Sound insulation foam on The Stations walls should have been examined under building codes that dictate appropriate interior construction materials." "That should have been picked up by someone", according to said Charles Mauti, who served as building inspector for West Warwick from 1996 to 1998 and now is a building inspector in Hopkinton. Sean Sands, the owner of Rattlehead Records in Cranston, R.I., said he had handled sound production for seven shows and recorded six albums at The Station over the past decade. “The insulation foam on the walls was very dry and crumbly and it was old,'' he said. ''When I went up there to hang mikes, it was crumbling in my hands and I remember wondering if this thing is flammable. Ed Kelly, president of Bryant Construction, which was hired to make repairs to the club's front wall, knows the Derderians and said they had struggled in recent years to secure funding from the building's owner for upkeep. He said Triton had balked at providing money for a leaky roof. ''Any funds they put in had to come out of their pocket,'' Kelly said. Over the last several years, the club had been a substantial financial drain for the Derderian brothers according to knowledgeable sources. Several sources further indicated that the fire Marshall had wanted to shut the club down in the past, but the Derderians used their name and influence to convince local politicians to allow the club to stay open. Five prosecutors and dozens of state and federal investigators are looking into three areas of possible criminal violation: (1) the use of the pyrotechnics; (2) the installation of flammable sound-suppressing material on the club's walls and low ceiling; and (3) the size of the crowd which exceeded the legal limit..VS

The Station nightclub soundproofing foam, witnesses said yesterday, and had deteriorated into what one described as a dry, flaky substance, and due to aging had changed colors from black to brown. Records from the most recent annual fire department inspection in December make no note of concern about the building's insulation. West Warwick had at least three opportunities in the past year to examine the foam insulation that is now a focus of The Station nightclub fire investigation. Fire inspector Denis Larocque and building inspector Stephen Murray had been on the premises together once last year, and each visited separately. In this West Warwick town of 29,200 residents, where local politics can be contentious, the building inspection department has had a revolving door, with seven inspectors holding the job since 1991. Some have cited low pay as a reason for leaving, while others have cited differences with elected officials. "Sound insulation foam on The Stations walls should have been examined under building codes that dictate appropriate interior construction materials." "That should have been picked up by someone", according to said Charles Mauti, who served as building inspector for West Warwick from 1996 to 1998 and now is a building inspector in Hopkinton. Sean Sands, the owner of Rattlehead Records in Cranston, R.I., said he had handled sound production for seven shows and recorded six albums at The Station over the past decade. “The insulation foam on the walls was very dry and crumbly and it was old,'' he said. ''When I went up there to hang mikes, it was crumbling in my hands and I remember wondering if this thing is flammable. Ed Kelly, president of Bryant Construction, which was hired to make repairs to the club's front wall, knows the Derderians and said they had struggled in recent years to secure funding from the building's owner for upkeep. He said Triton had balked at providing money for a leaky roof. ''Any funds they put in had to come out of their pocket,'' Kelly said. Over the last several years, the club had been a substantial financial drain for the Derderian brothers according to knowledgeable sources. Several sources further indicated that the fire Marshall had wanted to shut the club down in the past, but the Derderians used their name and influence to convince local politicians to allow the club to stay open. Five prosecutors and dozens of state and federal investigators are looking into three areas of possible criminal violation: (1) the use of the pyrotechnics; (2) the installation of flammable sound-suppressing material on the club's walls and low ceiling; and (3) the size of the crowd which exceeded the legal limit..VS

All the victims have now been identified but I remind everyone that there are still 37 people in critical condition that need our prayers.  Burn victims are not out of danger for many weeks after the fire.  Let's all hope that there will be no more additions to that awful list.

Officials announced that one of the injured, Linda Suffoletto, had died early Friday at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. No age or hometown was immediately available.

Her death brought the toll from the Feb. 20 fire back up to 97.

AP-NY-02-28-03 1257EST

Updated Victims List

The bassist for the rock group that was touring as Great White's opening act said yesterday that the band traveled with a box of pyrotechnics in the hold of the tour bus and used the same setup to detonate them at nearly every show.

Jason Williams, one of three members of the band Trip, identified Dan Biechele, Great White's tour manager, as the man who set off the pyrotechnics during concerts.

He said Biechele "ran everything by the book" and said that he believes Biechele asked for permission at a club before using the shooting sparklers.

This guy is unbelievable.

http://www.rocktragedy.com/

I just read the interview with the clubs stage manager and a few things really struck me as odd. Maybe anyone else here could tell me if I am imagining things or misreading things.

1> It says that Paul Vanner got to the club at 3 PM and that "by the time he arrived at The Station, Great White had set up its 'back line.'" Ok, this is the first thing that caught my eye in a big way because any show I have worked usually you can't even get into the club until the stage manager is there. And even if you do get into the club before than you don't set up until the stage manager or house sound person is there. Secondly how good is it if the Stage Manager is *not* there until after the band has loaded in and already set up? A little further down it says that Vanner did not even talk to the bands road manager until they sat down for dinner that night and then they "only discussed what times the three bands scheduled that night would be on the stage." So am I reading this as Great White pulls into the club, loads in, sets up, soundchecks, breaks down/unplugs the instruments and the like, gets their stuff organized and then sits down for dinner and at no time during any of this did anyone from the band speak to the venues stage manager? Nor did the stage manager speak with them? This seems extremely odd to me. Does it seem strange to anyone else?

2> It says that that night "Vanner was manning an auxiliary sound board at the side of the stage" yet he also claims that around 11 PM he was asked for a flashlight by "Dan" (Whom he described as the bands sound person in this article) and that "he did not consider the request unusual; the stage area is dark as musicians make their way from a tour bus outside into the stage door and onto the stage." So far this sounds logical as I am sure you would all agree. But then it says: "Vanner said he thinks someone with Great White set up the pyrotechnics during that darkness." and then he says: "What I surmise is just before they went onstage, the guy set it up." So I have a few issues with this because, again jump in here if you think I am mis-reading something, if the guy was doing monitors at the side of the stage he should have been there as everything was set up and line checks were done and so on. The lights don't go off until the band is ready to actually come onto the stage. What Vanner claims is that in the 60 seconds (maybe?) for the band to walk onto that stage pyro was set up fully - this is including the cable runs from the charge to a box somewhere. And this was done with no other light than a flashlight, in total darkness - so dark that no one, even someone at the side of the stage, could see this happening. I have never been in a club where it is that dark - so dark you can not see anything anywhere. Yes I can see the actual stage being dark, but even then it is not so dark that you can not see *anything*. I have also not known anyone who could string up any sort of pyro from start to finish in under what I can only guess was a minute or less. It is also strange that someone who says they were at the side of the stage did not see any sign of pyro when somewhere I read an interview with a survivor that was back at the bar and saw pyro being set up. Again, am I misreading what Vanner is saying?

3> Vanner is described as the "sound technician and stage manager at the club" so in addition to what I mentioned in number 1, doesn't it seem odd that not only, as the stage manager, he was not around for load in and, as the house sound guy, he seems to have allowed the bands sound person to turn on the house PA, cable and mic everything to the main board and the monitor system AND do a sound check with no word to anyone until dinner time? This is almost a "rule" of touring - you never walk into a venue and mess with someone else's gear until you talk to 1> The stage manager and 2> The house sound and lighting people. Here we seem to have both the stage manager and sound person not being there AND not saying a word to anyone about this. Again...am I not getting something here? And there is not mention of Vanner being upset that anyone set up or touched anything without talking to him first. How many sound people or stage managers do you know that would allow this?

4> As he is calling himself the clubs 'sound technician' does it not also seem odd that, on the subject of the sound proofing foam, he had nothing to do with it and describes it as "a grayish-black spongy material that sprang back slowly after being depressed."? If you are a house sound guy wouldn't you know a bit more about it? And wouldn't you want to know why it was put in? Wouldn't you also think the house sound person would have been told it was going to be put in? Also being the Stage Manager wouldn't you also want to know about the fire safety issue of something being done to 'your' stage?

5> Much talk about fire extinguishers and here is someone who has worked for this club, seemingly, many years saying that he "headed to the main sound board, toward the rear of the club, to get a fire extinguisher mounted there." So am I reading this as the stage manager of this club has seen fit to make sure the closest extinguisher to the stage is near the back of the club near the sound board? Then he seems to determine this fire is out of control and heads for an exit in the kitchen, with said extinguisher in hand, exits the club and then tosses the extinguisher into the woods?!? This on it's own merit might be logical - in a panic and not thinking you have it in your hands and drop it when you leave - but with everything else in this piece that Vanner said this too seems odd.

I am mentioning all of this because I have not seen too much discussion of it here and a lot of it just seems very 'cover up'-ish, MHO. Sure maybe he never got the rider, it could have been in the office or in someone's folder or a million other places. Sure he could only know the nickname of someone he has supposedly worked with for years ("Scooter" the light guy) and yeah sure he could have been late getting to the club. But if all of this is true than this guy should never have been allowed to work as a stage manager and house sound person for so long. Or am I just not reading this right? (And by no means am I trying to take away from the actual use of pyro, just that these things combined seem way out of the norm)

~DWE

Anyone know how Robert "Hairball" Rager is doing. Is his condition improving any? Thanks VS

According to Ty Longley's website he is still hospitalized but "improving"  KK

Here is a picture just obtained by roadie.net showing the band in Hawaii last year.  It shows the Tour Manager Dan Biechele (#3) who according to witnesses is the person who set off the pyrotechnic device Feb 20. It also shows Guitarist Ty Longley (#2) who perished in the fire.

PHOTO

In these photo's the box is clearly visible in the foreground. In image2 you can see a security guy approaching the box with a cigarette hanging from his mouth. The label on the box is "IATI 1.4"-DANGEROUS GOODS/ EXPLOSIVES Hopefully we'll get to see bigger pic's when gamma releases them on Sat.

PHOTO

To answer a question posted a few days ago. Not all states have laws about transporting special effects pyrotechnics. Remember these are not classed as explosives. The DOT law I believe is for 750 lbs. and up, of that class of device. Let me just say at this point I am not sure I will check, it use to be more like 1200 Lbs but they changed it in the last year or show. Now I will check with the laws in Rhode Island. I know that in New York. Ohio, California and a few others you need to have a license to import any amount into the state. Again I am shooting from the hip on this answer.

Pyro Pete

Karl, I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your roadie brother.

My prayers and thoughts (and those of many others) will be with you and your family at this time. I hope you will find some comfort in the knowledge that in the loss of his own mortal life while attempting to help and save others your roadie brother has surely gone from his home on the road to the Home we will all reunite in when the Father calls.

Faith and Courage must sustain you now.
In Peace and Love,
Rosalyn Arnold

A Good Memory/Memorial site from Jeff's Best Friend

http://www.iweargraphics.com/

Government turns it's back on The Station Fire victims

AP-ES-02-27-03 1836EST>>Federal Agency Denies Disaster Aid for Rhode Island Fire...WASHINGTON (AP) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Thursday denied Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri's request for disaster relief in wake of the nightclub fire that left 96 people dead. FEMA director Joe M. Allbaugh, in a letter to Carcieri, said that after a review of available information and a "determination that an effective response does not appear to exceed the combined capabilities of the state and local governments, the impact of this event does not meet the statutory threshold to warrant major disaster declaration." The state has 30 days to appeal. The letter does not mention the possibility of granting Rhode Island assistance that would fall short of major disaster relief, such as relieving the state from reimbursing federal agencies for their work in the fire's aftermath. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, for instance, sent agents to assist in the investigation. Fire quickly engulfed the club Feb. 20 after the heavy metal band Great White set off a pyrotechnic display. The fire is under investigation by the U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency that investigates building disasters. A grand jury has begun a separate probe.

NYT Feb. 26 — OWNERS CONSISTENTLY OVERSOLD CLUB - - The nightclub that burned to the ground here last week, killing 97 people, often sold tickets for concerts far in excess of its legal capacity of about 300 people, a manager for several bands that played at the club said today. "This was a tiny little club," the manager, Obi Steinman, said in an interview today. "It's a common practice that there were 500 people in the club." Mr. Steinman, the Los Angeles-based manager for the bands, which included Warrant and L.A. Guns, said he had faxed some 30 pages of documents to investigators in Rhode Island that showed that the club, the Station, had sold more than 500 tickets for several concerts involving bands he represents. Accusations of crowding beyond capacity surfaced today as investigators continued to try to determine who was responsible for the fire and its rapid spread. Mr. Steinman said investigators had contacted him seeking records that would show how many people attended concerts at the Station. Mr. Steinman said that in response he had sent settlement sheets, documents showing how many tickets were sold to a concert that are used to determine whether bands get a bonus for drawing a large crowd. He said the Station advertised itself to bands as a club with a capacity of 450 to 500 people.Mr. Steinman said that the last time Warrant played there, in 2001, "people were packed like sardines." "Our tour manager was worried the band and crew were not safe," he said. Cesare Sabatini, who was the tour manager for Warrant, was also a tour manager for other bands that played at the Station. "When we performed there, it was definitely packed," Mr. Sabatini said. "It was definitely over 300 people. The floor was packed solid." Mr. Steinman said small clubs often tell bands they have a bigger capacity than they actually have, because nationally known acts might balk at playing a 250- to 300-seat club. But often, he said, the motivation is simply greed. "Club owners are at fault for overselling the club," Mr. Steinman said. "They want to make the money."

In order to legally transport pyro or any explosives over state lines, a BATF permit is required. The DOT also regulates commercial transportation (ie. shipping etc). These regs cover pretty much all facets of transportation, storage, and use. In order to get a permit, a proper storage magazine is required-you can own one or have access to a licensed and inspected mag owned by someone else. These materials are highly regulated- even more so after 9-11-but it is possible to legally transport legal fireworks interstate. You just need to be licensed and to comply with all applicable laws. The last requirement obviously was not complied with in this case. Not certain of the laws in R.I, but in NY, in order to put on a fireworks display you need a BATF permit , an Own and Possess licensee from the NYSDOL, and a permit from the authority with jurisdiction( ie local fire marshal, fire chief or whomever is empowered to issue them). There are very specific rules here- you just can't do whatever you want! I hope this helps answer the question.

Mike

Club workers say Soundproofing Insulation was donated.

CHECK OUT BOSTON GLOBE 2/27/03 Article on Good Ol' Boys Fire Department * * Inspector's actions are scrutinized* * - The team investigating last week's nightclub fire is focusing on whether the fire marshal who inspected The Station club followed proper procedures and tested the insulation surrounding the stage, an official involved in the probe said yesterday. Investigators believe the West Warwick inspector was inside The Station at least twice but they don't know why he did not order the removal of the acoustic insulation behind the stage before signing a certificate of inspection on Dec. 31, the official said yesterday on condition of anonymity. Under Rhode Island regulations, ''when a doubt exists'' as to whether a material in a club is fire retardant, the inspector should hold a match under a sample of the material in question for 12 seconds to see if it ignites. The investigator said the panel of officials looking into the blaze believe that the test did not take place. If it had, it might have revealed how flammable the material could be: Video footage of the fire shows flames set off by a rock band's pyrotechnics shooting up in front of the insulation and climbing rapidly toward the ceiling. Despite the footage, West Warwick Fire Chief Charles Hall told the Globe on Saturday that the inspector had not made a mistake by not issuing a violation. ''Our inspector missed nothing,'' Hall said on Saturday. ''They [The Station] were in compliance.'' The inspector, Denis Larocque, refused to comment yesterday, and Hall refused to release a copy of the inspection report on Saturday (Globe will probably go to court to get copy of this Public Document-It's the law they have to release it..VS). The West Warwick Fire Department is participating in the investigation.

Here's another thought:
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Jeff Rader- Roadie For Life and Beyond. The same goes out to ALL of the victims of this horrible tragedy, as I said in my previous post, they are the people who we work for, when the lights go down, and the people cheer, that is the fuel that keeps us addicted to this business. That's why we don't mind so much showering at truck stops and eating the same questionable sweaty meat deli trays every day. I want to give back in any way I can, but being a road grunt in between tours, I can't even keep myself sufficiently stocked with Ramen noodles. I'm not in a position to really organize or spearhead such an operation, but I propose this: due to the fact that between concert insurance for a 300 seat venue, the bands assets, and the club owners assets, whatever the out come of the legal proceedings are, there will basically be a half a pile of sh*t to split among the victims. if someone in the legal or financial field can organize a victims fund that we can all verify is legit, we can all help. If we pool our resources and network a promoter, some bands, sound, lights, crew, vendors, merch co.'s, beer distributors etc. in each of our respective hometowns to donate our time and resources for a benefit concert, we could make a profound contribution to the community which supports us. Any takers? Lets toss around some ideas.
I'm in.

Megachase RFL

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it illegal to transport fireworks/pyro etc. across state lines? Isn't it standard practice to have small amounts shipped to each venue and/or state? I know this is true for other devices and chemicals used in special effects, pressurized gasses etc. My point is, if they were in compliance with that(which I doubt), wouldn't someone at the venue seen a delivery marked "explosives" or a similar warning? (as pictured here in a still photo taken as the fire broke out: http://www.gamma-presse.com I suppose my point is mute if such delivery went to a hotel, but it sounds like they were lucky to get a day-room once or twice a week. Just another angle to consider.

MegaChase RFL 

PS It appears that Gamma-Presse has removed the pictures I was referring to, but I understand they will be released on Saturday, guess someone already bought the rights to them.

Karl,
You have obviously spent alot of long, hard hours dealing with this whole situation. If Karma counts for anything, I wish You happiness and prosperity beyond Your wildest dreams.
Tom Viola

That's very thoughtful of you to post Jeff's photo.  I really don't have any pictures. The best one I've seen is this grainy one (see top of page), which has been over at the Tesla site. I know 2 people who might have something. I'll keep an eye out for something better.

Take care,

dave

Hello Karl,
Our hearts go out to to all the family members and friends of the people who lost their lives last week at the Great White concert in Rhode Island.

Thanks for the updates,  you should be proud to be a roadie!

Sincerely,
Susan Masino - 94.1 JJO Local Stage

In response to some of the questions on the site, Jeff was single and did not have children. His girlfriend died with him in the fire. The Tesla board is putting together a trust for expenses for his parents and brother, details of which are supposed to be announced tomorrow. You can watch the teslatheband.com board for more on that and for information about the service. I'll also forward you any information I can.

Thanks for caring about this. I've always known how close the Tesla roadies are. When my husband was in Oz with another band, Jeff took great care of me at a Tesla show here, just because I was his wife. I guess you can't help but become family when you spend months at a time on a bus with 8 other guys, but all the phone calls and messages over the last week have really driven it home. Two of the crew were here with my husband when I got home on Friday afternoon, and we just sat on the porch and shared the shock. Even before we knew, we knew: they were saying that he would have stayed behind to get his girlfriend out, that there was no way he would have left without her. Turns out they were absolutely right.

The whole crew is devastated. It will really mean a lot to them that the "roadies of the world" are thinking of them. And his family will be amazed that people all over the country care so much about their son. Thank you.

Thanks.
Rebecca

Did he have insurance?? Did he leve behind any kids?? I would like to do anything to help. Is ther any where to send flowers or a fund to help pay any funeral cost. We have to take care of our own especially someone like this, someone that went out a hero. Going back in!!!

Let me know if there is anything I can do.

Pyro Pete

No one testified today before the Grand Jury investigating the Station fire and most of the session was devoted to preliminary talks between prosecutors and lawyers for the band, according to two sources close to the case who spoke on condition of anonymity. The sources said the musicians were expected to be back before the panel as soon as Thursday. Neil Philbin, a lawyer for lead singer Jack Russell, declined comment. Legal experts and fire investigators said Jeffrey and Michael Derderian, along with band members, could be indicted on such state charges as involuntary manslaughter or second-degree murder. Federal charges haven't been ruled out. The Derderians were in the process of selling the business when the fire broke out; just hours before, two men, Michael O'Connor and Daniel Gormley, filed papers with the state forming a company to run it. According to the town clerk, the Derderians were scheduled to come in the following day to begin transferring the liquor license. The Station was also caught up in the contentious divorce of Michael Derderian, whose finances were becoming increasingly precarious, according to court records. Divorce records show Heather Derderian tried to force her husband to sell the club last year; the records also show his mounting debts, including $28,000 owed to the Internal Revenue Service. Michael Derderian's divorce became final today. Edward C. Roy Jr., former president of the Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said he would advise both the club owners to invoke their Fifth Amendment right to refuse to testify. "It's such a catastrophic loss of life. Realistically, with 97 deaths, no lawyer is going let a client talk to law enforcement," Roy said. (CAN WE SAY SCUMBAGS)

Well, this tragedy has effectively ended small scale pyro in the business. I have spent many years designing and shooting effects for theatres, civic groups, corporate events and the like, and I just dumped my rig this morning. It was hard enough keeping on top of the constantly changing laws and permitting requirements, and the ever increasing insurance costs; but after this, it will be impossible for anyone to do this and make a living at it. And I'm sure I'm not the only one.

DQ Vincenty

Oh man, that is an awful shame.  I hate to lose a brother.  R.I.P.
Enforcer RFL

Now they tell me there will be an investigation of:

The band,
the club owner
the fire inspector
the maker of the insulation
the maker of the pyro
the maker of the powders
the security company
the ticket company
the agency
the management company

they are going for blood!

Dave B

Sad... nobody deserves to die that way.. such a fine example of a good spirit and to be snuffed out while trying to help, its just not fair!

Dave B

Makes me proud I am a roadie

We mourn the loss of our Roadie brother Jeff.

KK

Jeff Rader's brother Ralph has posted that Jeff, a roadie for Great White, was positively identified as a victim of the fire.

Jeff was not 'on the clock' that night, and initially made it out of the club safely. He is seen on video attempting to get people to safety. He later went back INTO the fire to help more people, and find his girlfriend. He didn't make it out the 2nd time.

Just a few notes. Pyro Pete has it dead on. If you cannot afford pyro ... YOU CAN'T AFFORD PYRO!!. I will be doing a gig this Friday. I will be a crew of one. I will be a club I have not been in before but if things go well I will be doing many times this year . On my way home from my cushy government job, I took the time to stop by this place. I checked out four things: 1) Was there ample power for our ( and the bands ) needs. 2) Where the load in is and yes how many exits. 3) Is the club run professionally and do they have ... fire extinguishers and security that is up to par. 4) Who will be the manager on staff that night and what are his/her wishes as far as volume, lights, promo announcements, what the band can and can't do etc.
Why do I do this ... I like to leave a club with a good impression of the band who is paying me and our sound company. I also have a keen sense of self preservation. After doing this for some 30 odd years I have learned that even the smallest overlooked detail can bite you on the ass. Do a rave with poor security and have your gear torn up or be arrested for being a contributor and you learn quick. How long did this little trip to the club take including the out of the way drive.... 54 minutes. They were very happy that I took the time to do this and I will lead to many more gigs at this club and several others in this area that they own. HMMMMMM ..... at little professionalism and planning not only will make my night safer and more enjoyable but our company will make more $$$.  YES You have time to ask .... what is on these walls in this frickin' tinder box and where are your fire extinguishers, exits, power panels, and who is the head bouncer.....

Bilko RFL

Thank you Pete for answering the questions that I asked. Time and time again you answered my main point, which was about a small club tour, and your experience is you can't do it for that amount of money. All the scenarios followed my comments of "in a perfect world" and I 100% agree with your answers. And the bottom line for you is that "none of this is possible on $50 - $100 a show" and that, I think, re-enforces the whole concept of why everyone on a small tour needs to start asking more overall of the promoters. If you don't have the budget to hire a "pyro Pete" you end up going with someone who will work a club tour, someone that may not have staff or an office like Pete does. So you have someone that does it on their own and relies on the promoter getting the permits for that venue. Is this a practice that needs to stop? Probably so, but I doubt it will change the amount of money that labels toss out for tour support so it will still leave club tours, on the artist side, the same. Reform at the club level might mean either no pyro gets used in any club or it might mean the limited tour money goes to just a pyro crew and not for any other crew. (I can see the riders change to "venue must supply 2 loaders, a house sound person, a house lighting person, a house monitor person, one guitar tech, one drum tech, one bass tech and one merchandise person")

If anyone has not seen it you all might want to check out http://www.crowdsafe.com and in particular this page http://www.crowdsafe.com/new.asp?ID=1044 maybe we all need to get involved in this as well.

~Dwe

As my prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy, I do wonder who is KK.
Did KK post this site? It was forwarded to me from a friend. I had a close friend who went by the name KK...........he was a performer in a Rock band (TAZ) in the 80's, in Hollywood, CA.
Could this be?

Karl Kuenning RFL, owner of roadie.net, author of ROADIE A True Story (at least the parts I remember) and a working roadie from 1975-1979.

Wed, 26 Feb 2003

PyroPete thanks for response! I didn't think Jack Russell was right about the "cold spark comments he made publicly either, but I have never been exposed to one of those spark machines. Can state that I damn sure have been burned standing stage front at some large venue concerts, by overhead pyros! Great explanation.

I know you know this fact, but if I may state with sincere due respect: The process of combustion is the chemical reaction of oxygen, fuel and heat. Water extinguishes fire by cooling. CO2 extinguishes fire by smothering, which removes oxygen. Halon for example works to extinguish fires by using a liquid that turns to gas when it is sprayed into a fire. The gas displaces oxygen to rob the fire of oxygen and cause it to go out. "Foaming" a fire smothers the fire and cuts off its oxygen supply. I am not trying to sound like a jerk here...I know you know all this, not trying to be insulting.

I am saying that no one with any 101 knowledge of firefighting would ever have allowed that side stage door to be open and feed that fire!! As to fire fighter using fans in doors - this is to create negative pressure in the area not positive pressure. Jesus, no knowledgeable firefighter would blow air into a fire. They use the fans to reduce the positive air pressure inside a structure, in order to stop the inflow of air/oxygen into the building due to the pressure gradient difference buildup between the inside and outside of the structure and/or room. Holes are cut in roofs to not only vent smoke but to reduce "heat bubble" buildups that can cause heat explosions and/or structural failures. I'm not a fire fighter either, but these comments come from some who is with 24 years of experience.

Again I was not trying to make comments on fire fighting. Oxygen is key to a fire, basically all fire extinguishes want to deprive a fire of oxygen and there are different methods of fighting fire depending on the type of fire. As for the door being open was it hot in there did someone prop the door open to let some air in? ..and yes the air would have helped move the fire.

All I am trying to advance is that there is some very strange "arson looking" stuff going on here...not saying this occurred whatsoever OK. However, let me introduce this next set of strange facts of this whole matter. The Station club business proved too much i.e. time consuming and financially draining, at least for Jeff Derderian. It is a know fact that the Derderian's had been trying in recent months to sell The Station. David Clayton, the West Warwick town clerk, said today that one of the Derderian brothers had planned to begin transferring the club's liquor license to a different business on Friday morning. Only time I've seen people do this is when they are having financial problems. My understanding is that Michael Derderian is the brother that met with Mr. Clayton on this matter.

Oops, I just noticed I type my last response wrong, the cops raided Michael Derderian house Sunday night, I mistyped Jeff. Sorry about that. Douglas Champlin, lives across the street from Mike Derderian and saw the whole show come down. Doug said he saw two state police cruisers and a crime scene truck pull up to Mike’s house around 6 p.m. on Sunday and they were inside for almost three hours searching and taking out material to the crime scene truck. Read somewhere that an unmarked car had staked out Michael’s house for most of the day Sunday before the raid.

Gee putting the pieces together, now we know why Jeff Derderian had his Channel 12 camera guy at the club the night of the fire....A little free advertising to help sell the place, with a National name band playing to an oversold crowd!!. Remember GW's attorney is stating that it was Michael Derderian that gave the OK for GW to do the pyro effects the afternoon of the show at the club, then Michael left town. Also remember Michael is the numbers and money guy - that is all he cares about. Jeff is the PR-palm rubbin-slick talking BS artist. Jeff was not present for this conversation; he didn't get to the club until that night. Hell, $100 says that Michael didn't even know that Jeff was bringing a camera guy to the club that night! He would be an ignorant fool if he did. Great!! both brothers end up harpooning each other-Jesus. Must be why the Fire Department "white washed" that recent safety inspection. Reports are, damn near everybody in that town is related in some fashion. Fire Department just wanted to help the Derderian boy's sell their pig club.

Okay here I will stray from my platform of just trying to state facts and drift to comment. If they wanted to torch the building and there was an “good ol boy” network going on, wouldn’t it be easier to just torch the place one night after the joint was closed and have one of there “good ol boys” just write up a report that said it was an accident and take the insurance money. Rather then torch the place live on a news camera on a night that its packed with people??? Just a thought.

Pyro Pete

I was the person who questioned if the blond guy in the front row got out...I am so deeply saddened that he didn't as well as all the others who couldn't escape....the news keep showing all those young people stacked in front of the doorway,almost out but unable to break free,it appeared only a few,like one or two people were actually trying to help by literally pulling at their arms,for God's sake!couldn't that camera man put down his camera immediately and start pulling those people? Dear God please don't tell me that this is where people died-with their heads out of the building but unable to to get the rest of the way out! I will say that I love the music of the 80's myself and definitely if this was 12 years ago and in my area I would have also been in the front row and though knowing that the fire wasn't part of the show,I probably would not have panicked at first and wouldn't have rushed out,so in short I would have also perished in that fire.I am a 40 year old with 6 children, and I heartfully say I am so sorry to all those families who have lost a precious member of theirs. sincerely,

Joan

R.I. club co-owner faced deep debts....Refinanced his home to buy and improve The Station Boston Globe Staff, 2/26/2003..Article excerpts with other supporting published data by Vitasource....One owner of the nightclub ravaged last week by fire had mortgaged his home to buy The Station and was in substantial debt, and investigators yesterday began examining his divorce papers to see whether his finances had any impact on the operation of the business. Two people with knowledge of the investigation said state law enforcement authorities are examining the finances of Michael Derderian, 41, who owned The Station nightclub with his brother Jeffrey. Regarding the finances of Michael Derderian, a law enforcement source involved in the fire probe said, ''You have to look at things like this to determine why people are making the decisions that they make. Michael Derderian's divorce agreement,filed in Washington County Family Court in October and filed with the North Kingstown, R.I., town clerk Monday, indicates that he had taken out a $68,000 mortgage on his home to purchase and make improvements on The Station. The agreement, which is not finalized, also shows that he and his wife owe $124,000 on several credit lines, ****including unpaid 2001 income taxes of $28,000.**** Friends say that Michael Derderian was in charge of the day-to-day operations of the club. On Sunday night, investigators searched his house in Narragansett and seized records relating to the nightclub. It's unclear what else Michael Derderian did for a living. His divorce file says that he runs a business known as Investors Services Group. There is no listing for the business in the secretary of state's corporations database. The Derderians had also been trying to sell the club. Last month, they pursued a transfer of the liquor license, though that potential sale fell through. But in the three weeks leading up to the fire, the Derderians were in negotiations with another pair - Michael O'Connor and Daniel Gormley - to transfer ownership of the club, O'Connor told the Globe last week. The day of the fire, O'Connor and Gormley had filed papers with the state preparing to take over the club, though the deal was not settled. Further, Two days ago, Heather Derderian filed a motion in court seeking a final judgment in the divorce. The judge has yet to rule on the motion. Legal experts and fire investigators said the Derderians and members of the band could be indicted on such state charges as involuntary manslaughter or second-degree murder. And a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office in Providence says federal charges haven't been ruled out. More than 180 people were also injured in the fire; about 60 of them were still in hospitals, including 39 in critical condition.

Clarity leads to power...................

The Station's Stage Manager breaks his silence

Pyrotechnics not unusual at club, but he says he was never informed that the band Great White intended to use fireworks as part of their performance.

PyroPete thanks for response! I didn't think Jack Russell was right about the "cold spark comments he made publicly either, but I have never been exposed to one of those spark machines. Can state that I damn sure have been burned standing stage front at some large venue concerts, by overhead pyros! Great explanation.

I know you know this fact, but if I may state with sincere due respect: The process of combustion is the chemical reaction of oxygen, fuel and heat. Water extinguishes fire by cooling. CO2 extinguishes fire by smothering, which removes oxygen. Halon for example works to extinguish fires by using a liquid that turns to gas when it is sprayed into a fire. The gas displaces oxygen to rob the fire of oxygen and cause it to go out. "Foaming" a fire smothers the fire and cuts off its oxygen supply. I am not trying to sound like a jerk here...I know you know all this, not trying to be insulting.

I am saying that no one with any 101 knowledge of firefighting would ever have allowed that side stage door to be open and feed that fire!! As to fire fighter using fans in doors - this is to create negative pressure in the area not positive pressure. Jesus, no knowledgeable firefighter would blow air into a fire. They use the fans to reduce the positive air pressure inside a structure, in order to stop the inflow of air/oxygen into the building due to the pressure gradient difference buildup between the inside and outside of the structure and/or room. Holes are cut in roofs to not only vent smoke but to reduce "heat bubble" buildups that can cause heat explosions and/or structural failures. I'm not a fire fighter either, but these comments come from some who is with 24 years of experience.

All I am trying to advance is that there is some very strange "arson looking" stuff going on here...not saying this occurred whatsoever OK. However, let me introduce this next set of strange facts of this whole matter. The Station club business proved too much i.e. time consuming and financially draining, at least for Jeff Derderian. It is a know fact that the Derderian's had been trying in recent months to sell The Station. David Clayton, the West Warwick town clerk, said today that one of the Derderian brothers had planned to begin transferring the club's liquor license to a different business on Friday morning. Only time I've seen people do this is when they are having financial problems. My understanding is that Michael Derderian is the brother that met with Mr. Clayton on this matter.

Oops, I just noticed I type my last response wrong, the cops raided Michael Derderian house Sunday night, I mistyped Jeff. Sorry about that. Douglas Champlin, lives across the street from Mike Derderian and saw the whole show come down. Doug said he saw two state police cruisers and a crime scene truck pull up to Mike’s house around 6 p.m. on Sunday and they were inside for almost three hours searching and taking out material to the crime scene truck. Read somewhere that an unmarked car had staked out Michael’s house for most of the day Sunday before the raid.

Gee putting the pieces together, now we know why Jeff Derderian had his Channel 12 camera guy at the club the night of the fire....A little free advertising to help sell the place, with a National name band playing to an oversold crowd!!. Remember GW's attorney is stating that it was Michael Derderian that gave the OK for GW to do the pyro effects the afternoon of the show at the club, then Michael left town. Also remember Michael is the numbers and money guy - that is all he cares about. Jeff is the PR-palm rubbin-slick talking BS artist. Jeff was not present for this conversation; he didn't get to the club until that night. Hell, $100 says that Michael didn't even know that Jeff was bringing a camera guy to the club that night! He would be an ignorant fool if he did. Great!! both brothers end up harpooning each other-Jesus. Must be why the Fire Department "white washed" that recent safety inspection. Reports are, damn near everybody in that town is related in some fashion. Fire Department just wanted to help the Derderian boy's sell their pig club.

You know you are a red-neck, when your family tree is a horizontal straight line - Jeff Foxworthy

Have a safe trip to Japan. Be well!!

Clarity leads to power...........

<<Tue, 25 Feb 2003>>

HELP ME HERE PLEASE:
Something else is really bothering me: We need to find out from survivors at some point whether or not any kind of announcement was made over the PA PRIOR to the start of the show giving fair warning to occupants that pyro was to be used. The band claims they had VERBAL permission to use pyro, so why would they NOT make an announcement, since, supposedly, they had nothing to hide? Perhaps they didn't want to give away the gag. That doesn't fly with me. I seem to remember nightly announcements on the tours I did, warning patrons of the use of pyro/strobes, etc. Is that a state-to-state requirement to provide such an announcement. Pyro Pete! You out there? I'll bet you know the answer to that...

I started out with comments, and now I have only questions....

Its an insurance deal to warn people who may be sensitive to smoke, people with breathing problems and such. It covers the venues and the productions ass.

Pyro Pete

<<Tue, 25 Feb 2003>>

I have a few questions for Pyro Pete, although other people might be able to also answer as he is the one who made the statements on CNN and in his post I thought I would direct them to him. They are not meant to be sarcastic.

The concept:

You are on a low/no budget tour where the pyro may be limited to a few 'basic' items (Lets say budgeted at between $50 - 100 per night) You are on either a single bus or in a van. The tour manager advances the show and goes over the specs and everything seems to be in order. As might be the case with most shows you pull into the venue parking lot at the same time you are to do load in/soundcheck, maybe a few hours before doors open so you have maybe 3 hours tops to help with the load in and set up and check out the club a bit.

Okay we can really stop right here. You can not legally do pyro for $50- $100 a night the cost of permits and insurance and cost for inspectors is way more then that.

1> How would you see the comments about bringing in your own extinguishers fit in. I mean in the context of what you mention on CNN - "if the building has 10 fire extinguishers but I'm going to do pyrotechnics, I know that I have to bring in additional fire extinguishers." First how many would you bring with you on the tour to start off with based on the amount/type of pyro and the budget?

1>Depends on the size of the stage, and the amount of pyro being used. Has nothing to do with money if you cant afford fire extinguishers you can afford pyro. Minimum on a small stage 4 … 1 USL 1 USR 1 DSL 1 DSR with at least one person on fire watch on the opposite side from the person setting off the device. But the local fire department issuing me my permit can tell me I need 1500 extinguishers or they will not give me my permit. Its their local laws they have the final say.

2> In your post you stated "It is the responsibility of the person shooting the effects to pull all the needed permits" so I want to know, again based on the tour being low/no budget, how would you personally find the time/money to go to every town and apply for the needed permits? I am not talking about your own personal Federal license, I am talking about the "local" permits. I don't see a lot of time for you to be able to set up anything, or help anyone else with load in/set up, if you are out trying to find the town hall/city hall/fire marshal/etc. It has been my personal experience that the promoter is the person who, hopefully, has cleared and obtained all local permits, especially on this type of tour.

2>Well you have answered your own question.. There is not time and or money for permitting here. I have the office staff at my company do all the paper work and the phone calls and faxes and sending the effects info booklet to the venues, the local shooter (if needed) and the fire department

3> Along the same lines you said "It is their responsibility to check to see if things are fire proof or not" and again I would ask how this is done ahead of time if you are on this type of tour. And the logical follow up would be that if you were already hired and already on the tour and many venues you pulled into did not meet your personal requirements or did have the correct fire rating what you you do? (Again the scenario here is that you, or the tour manager, was told by the promoter something to the effect of "It is fine", "We have pyro here all the time", "Everything is set" or the simple "Yeah, I don't see a problem with that")

3>Well they're not my personal requirements, they're local, state and federal laws. (Except for here in Nevada where I helped rewrite the state laws a few years ago, so I guess here they are my laws) As for fire proofing carry some fire retardant spray, about $20-$30 bucks a gallon. I have sprayed more rags in my life then I can count. I have sprayed all the riggers burlaps on some tours…. Again none of this is possible on $50- $100 a show.

4> I agree with the concept of we should be able to know where the fire extinguishers are but, for me personally, I could not tell you where they were even in clubs I was in all the time. As for them being right under the sign that says "Fire extinguisher" this may be so, but just like the clearly marked exit signs in most clubs does that mean that in a situation such as what just happened people will "see" them? Human nature says "no". A follow up might be that if there had been 50 extinguishers on that stage you would still need people to use them. Human nature may be to try and put out the fire or it may be to try and get away from the fire. In this case it appears most people ran to the exits and short of some indication that Jack tried to toss some water on the fire there isn't any indication thus far that anyone tried to use any fire extinguisher.

4>I am with you %100 on that one!!

In a perfect world we could all have the amount of help that we need for doing a show. Each member of the band would have their own tech, there would be an advance person going out to all the venues ahead of time, there would be an assistant tour manager, there would be a complete light crew, there would be a complete sound crew and so on and so on. However this is not a perfect world and unless you are on an arena tour, or even a mid size venue tour, chances are you will be a "crew of one" so to speak. Please don't get me wrong, I not saying there is any excuse for setting off pyro in a club where the club has said "No way. It is a fire hazard" but right now we do not know the club really said that. Likewise we do not know the exact reasons the pyro was used other than they were part of the bands show and the club has allowed many other bands to use pyro there. I feel that the past dictates the present. Chances are if someone told me during an advance, or even at the actual venue, that "we have pyro all the time here with no problem" I would not question it too much.

I was not and am not trying to point a finger. I am simple stating fact on the laws that govern using pyro in doors.

Pyro Pete

I would like to post this in response to some questions that have been asked. I see there is a post asking some more questions. I will read it and respond ASAP. I started writing this response today but did not get a chance to post it.

PyroPak is a company /product line not a pyro device. The devices look to be either fountains or gerbs (both the same thing sort of, old school fireworks guys called most spark emitting tube devices fountains, Pyro or special effects guys call them gerbs. I was told many years ago that a device with a short duration under 1-2 seconds was a gerb and long duration 2 seconds and up where fountains.) Now it is not impossible for sparks to set a fire, there sparks there hot, there burning.

The lawyers for the owners probably told them not too make any statements as there is a ton of misinformation and misunderstood facts and fiction floating around.

The door opening In may not have been a fire exit it may have just been a door, not all doors are fire exits. As for the open door fueling the fire part of the tools a fire fighter uses are fans put in a door way to pressurize a building and to cut holes in the roof to vent the smoke. But I am not a fire fighter so I will try to limit my comments to my field of expertise that is special effects and the use or pyrotechnics with a proximate audience.

There no such thing as a gerb machine. There is a spark emitting machine that is used mostly on movers it feeds two welding wires together and blows the sparks out with high pressure air. But I doubt that was used there. “Cold spark” is a sales pitch. Okay paper burns at 363 degrees Fahrenheit ( all temperatures are in degrees) wood 482,melting point of lead 620, natural gas1,220,melting point of iron 2,795. Now if you have a fountain that burns at 1200 and you come up with a new comp. that burns at 800 your new product is now the new and improved cold spark. Its burning it’s a spark it’s not cold!! As for holding your hand over it, skin does not combust hold some paper over it or some sound proofing. You can put your finger through the flame of a lighter or a candle, before you barbeque you pass your hand over the coals to see if there hot. Now as for the flammability of the sound proofing they will need to get a sample of the same material and test it.

They may have been in the front office they may not have been there at all. For the matter of helping people what about the local news camera man he made it out okay, but I did not see him helping anyone put down the damn camera and help people. You can’t fault people for running for there lives.

Pyro Pete

A prayer to all involved.

Dear CA Venue Manager:

I stand corrected--in fact, that Hartford fire was mentioned in today's Worcester Telegram, so I guess I spoke too soon.

HELP ME HERE PLEASE:
Something else is really bothering me: We need to find out from survivors at some point whether or not any kind of announcement was made over the PA PRIOR to the start of the show giving fair warning to occupants that pyro was to be used. The band claims they had VERBAL permission to use pyro, so why would they NOT make an announcement, since, supposedly, they had nothing to hide? Perhaps they didn't want to give away the gag. That doesn't fly with me. I seem to remember nightly announcements on the tours I did, warning patrons of the use of pyro/strobes, etc. Is that a state-to-state requirement to provide such an announcement. Pyro Pete! You out there? I'll bet you know the answer to that...

I started out with comments, and now I have only questions....

Thanks,
Tom W.

I just wanted to answer the person who asked about the blond kid in the front row at the Great White show. I will completely understand if you don't want this included on your site, as it really has nothing to do with the technical aspects of anything, but I thought they might want to know and they didn't leave an email address.

**Sun, 23 Feb 2003
The footage of the band with the fans in the front while the fire actually started really haunts me...the news stations keep showing it over and over.  I noticed a young guy with curly blond hair with a black shirt and a bandana on...did he make it? I hope so he reminds me of my son...why the hell didn't the band members direct some of the fans from the very front of the
stage out the back door where they escaped???**

The guy in the front with the blonde hair didn't make it out.  I believe his name is Derek Grey, his body was just identified in the past day or so. He was apparently a huge rock fan and was known by quite a few people around the net in those circles. Just thought I would give an answer.

Thanks
Shannon

Tom W's comment below motivated me to jump in here --- Tom says "Barnum & Bailey have featured fire-breathers for 100 years and I do not recollect any Big Tops burning down as a result (but correct me if I'm wrong)"

Tom, I'm very sorry to have to correct you, because it would have been much better if this had not happened. But in 1942 in Hartford Connecticut --- a very short distance from West Warwick, RI, and probably not too far from you in Massachusetts ---- A Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey big top did burn down, with aloss of life of about 167 people, many of them children.

As with this horrible fire, that fire was due to incredible stupidity. In those days the standard practice was to waterproof the canvas with a mixture of white gasoline and paraffin.

You can read about this in a book called "The Circus Fire" by Stewart O'Nan.

He describes overcrowding and blocked exits and flammable materials in the seating areas. It makes your blood run cold to read it,  just like "The Station" fire.

California Venue Manager.

Being a big follower of 80's music I was sad to hear of this tragic event. I can't get over how a group that are professional musicians wouldn't know that the foam used on those walls was flammable. I work in a manufacturing plant and we use the same foam for packaging and one time a welders spark from a different department, many feet away, nearly burned us down when it ignited that same foam. 1 SPARK!!!

Within one minute the whole area was going up. We got it put out but boy, were we shocked to find out how fast it caught fire.

They had to know or.... they were all wasted! Sorry I just wish someone would of had some sense.

Steve Caldon
Former roadie and lover of 80's butt rock!

My heart, My prayers, my thoughts are going out to those 97 victims, the survivors and their families. As a 21 year old rock fan such as myself I'm in shock with the rest of us. I would like to take a time to say that Great white is in my thoughts and prayers as well. I've been burning a candle every since the day I heard about this.

God Bless,
Libby

Number One; God bless every soul lost and/or fighting to survive and the anguished families and friends. No words can really express what I and the world feel for them.

Number Two; Even an amateur should have enough common sense, let alone several experienced professionals on site that this was not a venue for Pyro.

Permission given or not, licenses obtained or not, Pyro should not have been shot that night. And what about a test shot? What about Fire extinguishers?

Sound is checked, lighting is checked. Why wasn't it tested?
Where is the RM? Where's his statement?

Ultimately, we can go on blaming, but it really won't get us anywhere, maybe it just helps us vent some of our sorrow and rage.

This should never have happened, but with all tragedy, some good has to emerge. I just hope it's profound and soon.

Thank you,
JMR (BLT RFL)

I have a few questions for Pyro Pete, although other people might be able to also answer as he is the one who made the statements on CNN and in his post I thought I would direct them to him. They are not meant to be sarcastic.

The concept:

You are on a low/no budget tour where the pyro may be limited to a few 'basic' items (Lets say budgeted at between $50 - 100 per night) You are on either a single bus or in a van. The tour manager advances the show and goes over the specs and everything seems to be in order. As might be the case with most shows you pull into the venue parking lot at the same time you are to do load in/soundcheck, maybe a few hours before doors open so you have maybe 3 hours tops to help with the load in and set up and check out the club a bit.

1> How would you see the comments about bringing in your own extinguishers fit in. I mean in the context of what you mention on CNN - "if the building has 10 fire extinguishers but I'm going to do pyrotechnics, I know that I have to bring in additional fire extinguishers." First how many would you bring with you on the tour to start off with based on the amount/type of pyro and the budget?

2> In your post you stated "It is the responsibility of the person shooting the effects to pull all the needed permits" so I want to know, again based on the tour being low/no budget, how would you personally find the time/money to go to every town and apply for the needed permits? I am not talking about your own personal Federal license, I am talking about the "local" permits. I don't see a lot of time for you to be able to set up anything, or help anyone else with load in/set up, if you are out trying to find the town hall/city hall/fire marshal/etc. It has been my personal experience that the promoter is the person who, hopefully, has cleared and obtained all local permits, especially on this type of tour.

3> Along the same lines you said "It is their responsibility to check to see if things are fire proof or not" and again I would ask how this is done ahead of time if you are on this type of tour. And the logical follow up would be that if you were already hired and already on the tour and many venues you pulled into did not meet your personal requirements or did have the correct fire rating what you you do? (Again the scenario here is that you, or the tour manager, was told by the promoter something to the effect of "It is fine", "We have pyro here all the time", "Everything is set" or the simple "Yeah, I don't see a problem with that")

4> I agree with the concept of we should be able to know where the fire extinguishers are but, for me personally, I could not tell you where they were even in clubs I was in all the time. As for them being right under the sign that says "Fire extinguisher" this may be so, but just like the clearly marked exit signs in most clubs does that mean that in a situation such as what just happened people will "see" them? Human nature says "no". A follow up might be that if there had been 50 extinguishers on that stage you would still need people to use them. Human nature may be to try and put out the fire or it may be to try and get away from the fire. In this case it appears most people ran to the exits and short of some indication that Jack tried to toss some water on the fire there isn't any indication thus far that anyone tried to use any fire extinguisher.

In a perfect world we could all have the amount of help that we need for doing a show. Each member of the band would have their own tech, there would be an advance person going out to all the venues ahead of time, there would be an assistant tour manager, there would be a complete light crew, there would be a complete sound crew and so on and so on. However this is not a perfect world and unless you are on an arena tour, or even a mid size venue tour, chances are you will be a "crew of one" so to speak. Please don't get me wrong, I not saying there is any excuse for setting off pyro in a club where the club has said "No way. It is a fire hazard" but right now we do not know the club really said that. Likewise we do not know the exact reasons the pyro was used other than they were part of the bands show and the club has allowed many other bands to use pyro there. I feel that the past dictates the present. Chances are if someone told me during an advance, or even at the actual venue, that "we have pyro all the time here with no problem" I would not question it too much.

Thanks for the time...

This kind of thing happens when SAFETY PREPARATIONS ARE OVERLOOKED.

I toured as a band gear tech for 17 years, and on Janet Jackson's 1990 tour we had pyro, lots of it, mostly concussions under the stage and some sparklers that went straight up. But that was in arenas, not clubs. If you ask me, that kind of equipment shouldn't ever, ever, enter a small venue, or even a theater, for that matter. They're just too damned dangerous. Besides, if your show doesn't grab the audiences' attention WITHOUT pyro, perhaps there is a need for re-examination in that department. Barnum & Bailey have featured fire-breathers for 100 years and I do not recollect any Big Tops burning down as a result (but correct me if I'm wrong)

Make it absurdly strict! Require tour managers to carry a special permit themselves! Anything to avoid a repeat of this unfortunate event.

Big prayers to all who are suffering.....

Tom W.
Millbury, MA

I am a clinical biochemist that has been doing the rock concert scene since 1968 and care greatly about the people in the industry. As others, I am greatly saddened by the fire and massive loss of life in this matter. The individuals and families involved in this tragedy are in my prayers....

The "media facts" of this fire make no sense, and the media is making Jack Russell, and the band, the criminally negligent jail-time guys. Jack Russell, its band members, and crew strike me as really good guys, who care about their music and fans. Should they have used pyro's in that venue, HELL NO!! However, a number of matters in this tragedy do not "add up"!!

My issues are as follows - hopefully you guys can help clear this up:

1. Immediately after the PyroPak went off behind Jack, both the back left and right rear corners of the stage erupted into a tall column inferno. The flames on the back right side of the stage are clearly being catalyst driven from the bottom of the stage up to the ceiling. Hell if looks like a natural gas driven fire. WAS THE BAND using flash pots placed at the left/right rear of the stage that also went off, when they opened the show? My understanding is that the band had previously used rear stage flash pots in previous shows. The present media accounts that the sparks from the PyroPak set off the rear stage fires is impossible! While I understand that the sound tiles The Station used on the wall and ceiling appeared to be highly flammable, that whole rear wall, curtains, and ceiling would have to be soaked with gasoline, for those fires to have erupted that fast, and with that intensity.

2. Current reports indicate that Jack and the band members et. al. are being very forth-coming in their talks with the R.I. district attorney. The DA on CNN said that the club owners (Jeffery and Michael Derderian) of the Station will not talk, answer questions, or meet with him!! This is the second time in two days that the DA has publicly made this statement. Further the press is now reporting that a search warrant and 3 hour resultant search of Jeffery Derderian home was performed by police and ATF agents on Sunday night. It is obvious that the two club owners, Michael and Jeffrey Derderian are hiding material facts in this matter!

3. Two local eye witnesses (EW) standing stage front, effectively "blasted" the Stations owners yesterday on CNN. They said that the side door exit was a metal door with no door-knob, opened into the building, NOT OUT, was closed when the show started, and when they exited through this door to safety after the fire started, someone had propped the door open with a piece of wood. Any fire investigator will tell you that with that door next to the stage being open, the fire sucked massive amounts of cold oxygen through that door, contributing to the fire engulfing that building, as it roared from back to building front, in a matter of minutes. This is the oldest arson trick in the book! Secondly, no way that door would pass a "proper due diligence" review by any good fire marshall. Sounds like the fire inspector was just a local "good ol' boy", that gave The Station an effective clean bill of fire safety health because Michael Derderian was a recognized TV reporter.

4. The two stage-front EW's said that the sound tiles appeared extremely flammable, immediately ignited when the sparks hit them, and had only recently been installed in the building, due to noise complaints by the neighbors. Jack Russell publicly stated that the PyroPak gerb machine utilized that night was a "cold spark" not a hot spark setup, and you could hold your hand over it and not get burned. You Pyro experts, your thoughts would be appreciated. Is Jack right? .....

When was this extremely flammable material added to the building, AFTER the fire marshall inspection??? or did the fire marshall just "look the other way" during the inspection of this material? Update: - The fire marshall inspected The Station approx two months ago. Informed sources state that the soundproofing material used was a "cheap highly flammable polystyrene material that a cigarette could easily ignite". Further the material not only lined the ceiling but also all the walls around the stage, and the aforementioned side-stage metal door!! This fact along with the aforementioned stage right door being propped open accounts for why the entire building became engulfed in flames in a matter of minutes. Most of the fans never had a chance to avoid death.

5. The EW's stated on TV that The Station's management and owners made "NO attempt what-so-ever to extinguish the fire, help control the situation, and assist people getting out of the building". Station's management was "no where to be found after the fire started" according to witnesses.

6. Strange how NOBODY grabbed a fire extinguisher when this fire broke out! Yea it happen fast, but for me this has always been my first reaction when a fire breaks out without even thinking about it or the possible risk to my life. I know this is the same reaction for most roadies and tour personnel .i.e. you are going to protect "your family" as a natural reaction!!! I cannot confirm it, but a guy standing stage right at the concert (who frequents The Station) said that when the fire broke out he "immediately looked for the fire extinguisher on the back stage right wall, and it was no where to be found". Can anybody confirm this? Were the fire extinguishers conveniently missing!

I know this is an extremely emotional time for everyone, however it is also a time that specific factual action must occur in this matter and be properly reported!!!

While I do mourn for all that happened, I fear the aftermath and wonder of any regulations will come of this. While Rhode Island is a small state, that is Ted Kennedy's back yard -- ugh!

Yes, the show must go on!

Steve Sabram

And so it begins....

BY TOM MOONEY, W. ZACHARY MALINOWSKI and LIZ ANDERSON
Journal Staff Writers

The investigation into Thursday's catastrophic fire in West Warwick broadened yesterday with a law enforcement official saying police had searched the home of a co-owner of The Station nightclub and subpoenaed three members of the band Great White.   Investigators have seized club records from one of the co-owners, as well as the band Great White's tour bus.

It is the responsibility of the person shooting the effects to pull all the needed permits. It is their responsibility to check to see if things are fire proof or not. It is their responsibility to put out the additional fire extinguishers, and yes you need more fire extinguishers if you do pyro. The room may only need 8 or 10 to meet code but once you add pyro you have increased the odds of lighting a fire so you need to increase the devices needed to put one out. The person that set off the devices should have been on the flames with an extinguisher before the fountains where done burning. You are responsible to contact the local fire department and find out if you can do pyro in a certain venue. But more importantly before you learn how to do pyro, learn how to pull a permit, and before you learn how to potentially start a fire, learn how to put one out.

As for where were the fire extinguishers in the club?? Where is the nearest one to you now?? Where is the nearest one to you in your favorite move theater, where is the nearest one to you in your local bar, where is the one in your shop??? Well the answer to all these questions in on the wall right under the words fire extinguishers. But how may of you know how to use one?? If you went to you local move theater and got up before the movie and walked to the front and asked the crowd where are the fire extinguishers I bet maybe 5 or 10 out of 100 would know, I bet the person sitting next to it would not know. The same goes for exits. When you enter a room do you know what other ways there are to get out??

What’s my point… Well in the end I am heart broken to see so much pain and suffering to have been caused by something that I love, and something that is capable of bringing excitement and wonderment. For years I joked with my lighting and sound friends, if a lighting guy misses a cue no one really knows, if the sound man screws up,.. Well there may be some feed back, if the pyro guy misses a cue or screws up that could end the tour. Well here we see that it could do a lot more

My heart goes out to the friends and family that have lost so much

Pyro Pete

What I find most interesting is the fact that other bands such as Loving Kry had played at The Station many times in the past and had used pyrotechnic devices numerous times in previous concerts they performed at The Station nightclub. Obviously, the owners of The Station were comfortable with the use of pyrotechnic devices used in their club. A couple of questions I have
is where were the fire extinguishers and why were they not conveniently available for use? Why was highly flammable soundproofing material being used in The Station the night of the fire? Were the person(s) who installed this soundproofing material aware that it was extremely combustible material? Obviously, they were not aware of this, otherwise this material would have never been installed. Then who should be to blame for this? It is ultimately the manufacturer of the soundproofing material that should bear the responsibility of this disaster. This soundproofing material is designed for use inside buildings and should have been thoroughly tested by the manufacturer to make sure it was not an extreme fire hazard.

T.L.B.

First on the list you might add that Scott Griffith was a guitar player in another "Hollywood" 80's hair band - Jagged Edge. He gave it up to be with his daughter and his job took him to RI.

Next -

I am sad to see all the finger pointing by others here. How can so many people be so self righteous? Can anyone here who has been in the business for longer than a few years honestly say they have never advanced a show and discussed, and agreed to, items not in the rider? Can anyone honestly say they have never pulled into a venue and found the venue *not* what you were told it would be? Can anyone honestly say that at no time has *any* form of "special effect" device been used in a venue because the stage manager/promoter/light person/owner/other said "Yeah go for it"? (And by "special effect" device I mean Smoke Machine, flash pot, candles, torches, projectors and anything else) I doubt it because it happens, more times than not, all the time especially at a club level.

Yes this is a tragic event. Not just for the band but for, obviously, the people of this small community. This is also a sad time for all of us because I doubt that one person on the board who does work on the road has not done, or agreed to do, something that could have had a tragic outcome. And I do not mean simply "pyro", it could be anything from smoking on stage/near the stage to placing a lit candle on the amp or drum riser. Pyro of not it is becoming painfully clear that this club probably should have never allowed *any* form of open flame anywhere in it, but in all my years of working with bands I personally have never entered any venue and checked the fire rating before allowing anyone to light up a cig.

For now we as an industry, and we as "roadies" - tour managers, pyro techs, stage managers, lighting people - need to perhaps rethink what we all need to change about the contract/rider and what we need to get *from* the venue. How about they need to supply *us* with a 'club plot' clearly showing the exits and ceiling height, the fire rating and a copy of all current city, state and other permits? (Pyro or otherwise) Also perhaps in addition to contact info for house staff people they need to include local fire marshal info. Just a thought.

~dwe

Hi,
My name is Kevin Cunningham. I am 26 years old and have worked locally and traveled a bit in the short 8 years that I have been in this business. Most of you would say that I am fairly young,in fact,I am still a baby in this wonderful world where we as technicians and specialist help to recreate music live and bring in a catharsis to the audience members who come to see what we have done.
My question is What, can we as this community do about this horrible and sickening tragedy? I watched the news sadly as my world and everything I have worked for burned in front of me. That is how I saw it when I asked myself what is actually happening as my old man and friends were calling to assure my safety and to make sure no one I know was hurt.
I have had many conversations with old dogs about life and work on the road and I cant wait to get out there. Even still I ask myself what can we do to make it better for those people?
As a comment on your site said It is everyone's fault. It is easy to pass the buck but it is indeed everyone's fault. If not the pyro tech, than the guitar tech. As a young upstart this has opened my eyes more to my craft in a way where I will always watch the back of my fellow brother. That is how I was taught and that is what I will teach.
I think that some kind of benefit for the families is in order. A place where Roadies can get together and invite people into our world to see what we do with proceeds going to help the many families that are going to need it. Make people aware and at the same time make them feel safe when they go to shows. Or something along those lines. I have some follow-ups but those are moot. I just wanted to get the idea out there.
Sincerely,
Kevin Cunningham
opiewan67@hotmail.com

No matter if the band had permission or not it was up to them to have those the pyros tested before the show. to make sure it was going to be a small display and safe from hitting the ceiling in such a small club. who was in charge of the pyros ? I know if I was it would of never happened in that club. the ceilings are to low.... thanks c.t.

It is not hard to find fault in this tragic event. It lies in all of us.

It is my understanding that the club has allowed pyro in the past, inside what appears to me to be a death trap waiting to happen. As many small clubs are. Anyone in the club business should not find this strange. In fact, it is very very common. Almost routine. Rarely have I ever seen club staff inquire about pyro. In fact most are excited when they find that you are using it. Sad but true. Permits are a secondary thought (if mentioned at all) in most clubs. I have played clubs in the U.S and Canada for 25 years and the events which led to this tragedy are not an isolated incident. I don't know why everyone is acting like it is?

For the life of me I do not understand the techs decision to use pyro in a club like that. Just a stupid f**king decision. Period.

However, the club should not get off so easily either. They have had pyro used in that club before. Why on earth, knowing that you are bringing in an act like Great White would you not inquire as whether they are going to use pyro? Maybe they did, maybe they didn't? If I owned a fire trap like that I sure as hell would!

Know one can tell me that The Station's staff did not see the pryo pods set up on the stage. If you are running cables etc you cannot miss them and I'm sure there were curious staff onlookers during set up. That bullshit about not being aware of the pyro from the owners just doesn't wash with me. In my opinion they new what was going on and chose to allow it. They will now pay the price as did the unfortunate fans that night.

I pray we all learn from this tragic event. It didn't have to happen but we all contributed to it. Pyro has been used in clubs illegally for years and we are all to blame for what happened that night. It was only a matter of time.

God bless the victims souls and I pray they can forgive us all.
Sincerely,
Chip

I am Joe Reinartz, a news & features writer for Pollstar. We are looking at different perspectives inside the industry regarding the tragedy in Rhode Island and below is a message from editor in chief Gary Bongiovanni. Your email addresses are held in strict confidence; in every case, this was all the contact information we had. The email is being sent to several tour managers of high-profile acts. We wish to put together a page of commentary from the industry.

If you wish to respond to the following via email, that is fine. If you wish to contact me for comment, I can be reached at 800.344.7383 or 559.271.7900 x4612. Wednesday evening is our deadline.

********************************

Tragedies like what happened in Rhode Island are almost always because of multiple failures in professional judgements when conflicting goals come into conflict with safety issues.

In your professional careers you have undoubtedly run into situations where you had to tell the band (or the venue, promoter, etc.) that something was not safe to do and put your foot down. What advice do you have for people, most without a lot of experience, in how to resolve
such situations? Any examples would also be welcome even if you don't want to identify the people involved.

Gary Bongiovanni

Thanks for your effort putting up the Fire Victim List. I believe you should check into the name Jeff Rader, who doesn't appear to be on your list. He is believed (don't know if confirmed) dead. Jeff was part of Great White's road crew (which is why I checked Roadie.net for details.)

He also worked on Tesla's road crew. There are numerous posts about him, as well as pictures, on Tesla's official site www.teslatheband.com and www.frankhannon.com (Tesla's guitarist.) He was from the S.F. Bay area, and his family has flown to R.I. and his brother has posted some details to the following site.

I'm sure your resources are better than mine, but let me know if I can provide any detail.

Dave Snider

I don't believe Great White asked for permission. The Stone Pony club ( besides quite a few other clubs) said that Great White didn't ask for permission to set off pyrotechnics. They just went ahead and set them off anyway.

http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/news/editorial/5234970.htm

It seems to me that this tragedy was caused by a whole series of poor judgements by the club owners, the band, and employees of the club. It sickens me that not one person has stepped forward to accept even a modicum of responsibility for the loss of life and heartbreak. All I read and hear are people trying to cover their asses and avoid responsibility for their ignorance and complacency. I would have much more respect and sympathy for the parties involved if any of them chose to take the high moral ground instead of accusing each other.

Loretta

The 80s' rock community is one big family.

I'm deeply saddened.

Jack Allen
99Rock/New Haven
www.wplr.com

As a venue manager in a state with the strictest pyro regs in the country (California), this whole incident struck me with horror and dismay.

We recently had the state fire marshal's office in our region rent our venue to run a seminar/demo for local municipal and county fire authorities to let them know what to look for on pyro effects, and let me tell you, it was interesting. They demo'd different types of gerbs and, demonstrated the difference between "cool" devices and hot ones --- although they were quick to point out that "cool" can still be warm enough to burn something or someone.

And yes, we required them to show us their permit before they could do the seminar!

As others below have said, the prime responsibility for this must be borne by the pyrotechnician --- whether it was an honest-to-god licensed pyrotech, or whether it was just some idiot that thought he knew what he was doing.

He should have assessed the situation (ie., size and construction of venue, specs of his own equipment) as being unsafe --- and if he diagnosed it as unsafe, it shouldn't matter what the club owner or lead singer have to say about it, you don't do the pyro!

He should have had his own fire extinguishers on the scene and at the ready, and he should have been there as "fire watch" --- the club is responsible for fire prevention under normal conditions, so nobody should have relied upon the club's fire extinguishers for fire safety from the pyro effect.

Also, it is a common practice in my state to do a test first under the fire marshal's observation --- if anyone was stupid enough to thin they could shoot off pyro in this club, too bad they didn't burn the damn thing down earlier in the day during a test!

As for the band's contention that they asked for permission and it was granted....well, all I can say is, if they didn't include mention of pyro in the rider, how they heck did they expect any venue was going to get a legal permit? You don't go down to City hall at 4 pm on show day and expect to get a pyro permit! In my state it sometimes takes a month in advance. Most tech riders that mention pyro say up-front that the act will use pyro and it is the presenter's responsibility to get the permit.

Note I said "presenter" --- not to split hairs here or anything, but many times (especially in bigger venues) the company that contracts the act is NOT the owner or operator of the venue. In those cases, it is the responsibility of the presenter, not the venue owner, to get the pyro permit.

Personally, I think the band is mostly at fault, because it was their actions that caused the damage. And saying the the club "gave permission" is fine, but such permission isn't binding --- that's why professionally managed acts have contract language that transfers responsibility to the presenter! (which makes it binding). Who'd they ask? the bartender? the soundman? the local tech guys? these guys aren't signatory to any agreement with the band, and the band ought to know that.

But the club was stupid, too. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Why didn't the club manager go, "hey, what's that funny looking piece of equipment on the front of the stage?"

One question I have is --- you've seen mention of the band's tour manager's name in some of the news accounts, but why haven't we heard from him? Or, alternately, seen his name on the list of victims? Why, in fact, would a professionally managed tour have the lead singer speaking on their behalf at press conferences, instead of the tour manager? We've heard the LA lawyer, but not the guy who actually should have been responsible for discussing this with the venue, both day of show and on the advance.

California Venue Manager

Our hearts go out to all those families that lost their loved ones,and to the band on the lost of there own, Love the Vieira family

About three years ago, my father left a frying pan with hot grease in it atop a hot oven unit- intending to fry some fish. Unfortunately, he fell asleep and the house caught fire. My five year old brother burned to death.

I just want to say that when I saw the footage of the tragedy, I felt sick to my stomach with grief. I felt so bad for the victims. And when I say victims I mean everyone-the patrons that perished, the club owner, the pyrotechnician, and the band.

Believe it or not- nobody gets out of this thing intact. Living through a situation like this- and feeling responsibility for it are just a different kind of death. My prayers are with all of them.

Club is at least partially at fault.

The club owner said that he did not give them permission to use pyrotechnics, but did nothing to stop them. That’s like saying “marijuana is illegal but just be sure to know that I’ll never arrest you for it.” Also, the fire exits were blocked to stop people from sneaking in. Regardless of the fact that it’s illegal to block fire exits ever (no matter what your reasons). A simpler fix for that problem would’ve been: install doors that only open from the inside, have a “hired goon” at the door to keep people from leaving through it and let their friends in, and then in an emergency let everyone run out the stupid door.

Also, it seems unlikely that they used the pyrotechnics with no permission due to the fact that the owner of the Ballard Firehouse (a club in north Seattle) claims that the band asked if they could use fireworks and he said no. They played their show with no fireworks. Here are a few news links on the matter:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/text/134639366_pyro22m.html (Seattle Times)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/text/134639367_clubfire22.html (Seattle Times again; note, only the final paragraph deals with what I’m talking about)

http://www.komotv.com/stories/23231.htm (Komo is a local TV station, ABC affiliate)

google search for “great white” and “fire” and “refused”; Links stories pertaining to clubs refusing to allow fireworks after Great White’s request to use them)

Chris Slycord

The footage of the band with the fans in the front while the fire actually started really haunts me...the news stations keep showing it over and over.  I noticed a young guy with curly blond hair with a black shirt and a bandana on...did he make it?  I hope so he reminds me of my son...why the hell didn't the band members direct some of the fans from the very front of the stage out the back door where they escaped???

I'm not sure if you knew or not ..but according to Ty's website www.tylongley.com Ty was confirmed dead earlier today ........  People are able to post to the guestbook on the site - which is linked directly to his family and friends

Tracey

Anyone stupid enough to use pyro in a wood frame venue like the Station should be torched live on television.  This was no accident - it was criminal stupidity.  The band was told in prior venues NOT to use the pyro - they chose to do so and risk the lives of hundreds for cheap thrills.  With morons like this we don't need terrorists.

And Jack Russell you fat F**k...  How the hell did YOU get out?

Jim O

I'm not gonna point any fingers on this matter! In the mean time, our brother in arms, Mr. Robert "Hairball" Rager was at the helm (foh) he is reported to be in stable condition at a hospital in Boston, He was transported by life flight after some emergency surgery in R.I., I won't divulge my sources on this matter. I feel he is in enough trauma now and needs to recover. I hope they let him rest for a while! Pray for our brother!  I will say this, he was not the PYRO guy! I repeat, HE WAS NOT THE PYRO GUY. From my sources the "shooter" was the tour manager, and has been doing this for a while. I know this for fact.

Here are the details on Robert... http://www.harposconcerttheatre.com/id18.htm

NBC Dateline is now reporting that in addition to GW Guitarist Ty Longley, the FOH Soundman for Great White is also missing and presumed dead (however there are new reports that have Soundman Roger Rager in a Boston hospital in stable condition, see above post).  Former soundman Tom Fletcher (mentioned in the now famous GW performance rider) was NOT on this tour and is fine.

They also have an eye witness (a former bouncer at the club) that overheard an unidentified Great White Roadie (the one who allegedly fired the pyrotechnic device) say "I think I'm in big trouble ... I   F****ked this one up" when the wall caught fire.  They reported that the Roadie survived, but NBC was unable to reach him for comment.

According to Dateline the surviving band members and crew have been given permission to leave the state and return home by state officials.

As a 20 year veteran of the stage pyro world, I feel compelled to say a few things regarding the tragedy at the Station Nightclub in Warwick Rhode island.

I place the blame on the guy who pushed the button.  Being a licensed pyrotech which he/she was obviously not, I would have walked into the building and said:   "Hmmm.. 8 foot ceiling, wooden, no sprinklers..12 foot gerbs....sorry people, there will absolutely be no Pyro tonight."

Whether the band told the club about the pyro or not is a moot point. There shouldn't have BEEN any! period!

Where was the fire extinguisher? a Licensed pyrotech would have had an extinguisher on that fire before it hit the ceiling, ASSUMING it was apparently SAFE to set them off...

Now.. as for liability..The club hired the band and the band hired and presumably allowed the person to set off pyro. it was a band decision, NOT a club decision.. in fact, having looked over the contract between great White, and the club, it is obvious that Pyro was never mentioned at all... not even on the stage diagram ( which shows locations of any and all pyro effects. That is standard practice)

I am sure the club's insurance covers fire damage, but I don't know if this may constitute arson on the band's part any lawyers here?


it is a tragic affair, no doubt about it, but it should never have happened, and WOULD never have happened with a professional pyrotechnician in charge. SAFETY FIRST!!! .Its not just a motto, its our way of life!!!

Dave B

Brian Reed and Tom Viola's comments are 100% right on the mark and I thank them and other touring professionals for speaking out!  Unfortunately the unprofessional actions of a few individuals involved with this show caused the unnecessary deaths of 96 fans (the 4th highest in US history!).

As a "tour related" supplier, leasing the tour coaches to Great White for over 10 years (1988 to 1997) the band, crew and management were an absolute pleasure to work with. In fact, out of the some 1,000+ tours I have been involved with over the years, I always admired Great White for their relentless "non-stop" touring often over 200+ days a year

With their favorite driver Dave Smith at the wheel, band and crew together traveling and living on the bus, pulling a trailer, playing 6 shows per week, Great White was one of the hardest working bands (next to Pantera/White Zombie) in North America. In the mid-1990's their tour related offices included Steve White (tour manager), Alan Niven (manager), Siegel & Feldstein Business Management and Premier Talent. Great White was one of those rare club touring groups working on a tight budget who never complained, respected both the driver and the bus, and made their bus
payments on time.

I was equally shocked why anyone would use pyro in a club of that size.  Curious, I inspired to look up the old Great White tour books, contracts and other correspondence. There was no mention of pyro and their tour crew was consistent as listed in my Sail Away 1994 tour book: follows: 4 band; manager; tour manager, FOH/Monitor Engineer; Drum Tech; Backline Tech; Monitor Tech; Bus Driver and Swag Dude. Bottom line was 12 people, one bus, gear in the bays and pulling a trailer.

It would be interesting to hear from other suppliers who have worked with Great White since the late 1990's; as it appears they have new management, crew, record label and others involved. Although semi-retired to peaceful Eugene, Oregon since 1999 I may be reached at: mahols@efn.org
Tom Holser

Interview w/ Pyro Pete-

http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/Northeast/02/21/Cappadocia.cnna/index.html

MegaChase RFL

While condolences are certainly in order, so is well placed rage. I've been looking into this all day, researching material specs, reviewing clips and reading hundreds of pages of accounts. Now let Me get this straight. THEY PUT STYROFOAM EGG CARTONS ON THE WALL? MORONS! I looked into the burning characteristics of every known sound treatment, and none of them drip when burned. I do alot of acoustic work, and have alot of Sonex, and Marker Blade around, so I went outside and tried to burn a small piece (with a plumbing torch). They don't burn, they don't even melt. The egg carton however, with just a cigarette lighter, was like an exact reenactment. They keep referring to the curtains(there were none) and to the soundproofing (no, it's sound treatment there's a big difference), and how they burned so fast. Having been a road and house tech for 30 years, I know it is necessary to asshole-proof EVERYTHING. Everytime I have ever put together a club, absolutely nothing that is flammable is allowed, under the assumption that some rowdy drunk would try to burn it, and I've seen a few try. Take a few tips from the theater techs, and just assume everything is going to burn and take the necessary steps to prevent it. If you can't afford real sound treatment, there are a variety of ways to do it, drop ceiling tiles for example, are safe and effective.

As soon as the event occurred, FOH should have been shut down immediately, the crowd was trying to point out to the band that the stage was on fire, pointing and screaming, but not being able to be heard above the P.A., the singer thought it was enthusiasm, so he pointed back at them. The bass player turned around and saw the wall of flame, but just kept playing. I'm not going to get into the issue of pyro: good/bad, but pyro on a stage that size, looks hideously amateurish.

As to the issue of sprinklers, it is a moot point, they wouldn't have done a damn thing. Sprinklers don't work the way you see them on TV, where the hero blows out some smoke, every sprinkler in the building goes off, and hilarity ensues. Each sprinkler head is independent, and has a piece of meltable "wood's metal" (which is like solder) that holds the valve closed. When it melts, the sprinkler goes off. Hey, if the air temperature around you is hot enough to melt solder, you've already "loaded out". Sprinklers don't save lives, they save buildings.

In the coming weeks, You are going to hear the whole "They gave Us permission / No We didn't", argument over and over, but after 20 years of touring and house tech gigs, I can safely say that the owner is almost never involved in the actual production, and that in most, if not all states, the presence of a fire official is required for a pyrotechnical display of any size to be sanctioned. Not even professional fireworks companies have "blanket" approval. I wouldn't be at all surprised if innocent deceased, are blamed.

Don't go buying stock in any pyro companies, 'cause you can expect a complete indoor ban throughout the country. Once again those that THINK they know what they're doing, have ruined it for those of Us that do. As harsh and screwed up as this may sound to say about one of My own, but if any of the people responsible were hurt, or worse, it was by their own hand. Don't Blame God.

Tom Viola FOH, RFL

To all,
In a time when terror and tragedy seem to be striking all around us, and with increased frequency, this disaster strikes closer to my heart than any have. My sincerest prayers are with the families and friends of those lost and maimed. As needless as it was, hopefully their sacrifice will not be totally in vain. We work in an industry where one tiny mistake can turn catastrophic. We must always remember that lives hang in the balance as we strive to be decisive, cheaper, faster, more efficient, or just plain better than the next guy. We must never give arrogance a front seat to safety! I'm sorry Mr. Russell, the place was called "The Station" not "The Staples Center".    Please everyone, the people who died here are the people that we do this for, they buy our records and pay our mortgages, Lets keep 'em around!
Hopefully young bands, roadies, promoters, FIREDANCERS, pyro enthusiasts, etc. will take heed and always be responsible, and treat fire and electricity with respect.

Hmmmmm....
According to the bands rider, they were using local hire backline(even spare guitars!), with minimal gear in the bus bays, they were not carrying a light guy, but still managed to have pyro!!??!! It also says they are a traveling party of nine. Lets see, 6-band, 1-TM, 1-FOH, lets see that leaves one guy presumably to handle backline for all 6, sort out Jacks in-ears, and any other monitor issues, and still have time to "spot" pyro! No wonder! Man, I hope management companies are paying good close attention to this disaster as well!

MegaChase RFL

I am wondering if there is a list of crew members who were working for Great White at the time of the fire. I know lots of crew/roadie people who worked with similar bands and in that area - and am concerned for them and pray that they were not involved or at the club at the time - is there any way to find out info on road crew for Great White on this tour?

You are right there. From the shows, I have helped out with, here were the rules for pyro:

1) Permission of the local Fire Inspector. The man says no, there are plenty of other options. Some of the newer intelligent lighting and laser systems can produce very short period, high intensity color bursts to create a great flame effect. Have that with digitally controlled pneumatic "poppers" and you can get a very close pyro effect with no fire hazard.

2) Have either a certified pyro tech on tour or hiring someone local for the night. Give the guy "knock down" authority for anything too flammable within the pyro stage area.

3) One roadie with fire extinguisher in hand for every pyro display going off.

4) Another one that this club did not have **PLENTY** of ventilation to suck out smoke generated by pyro display out of the venue in mind if it is an indoor show. 5) And finally, do a test burn right after everything is set up before the cattle hurd inside. No time to a test burn, it doesn't happen during the show.

Doing pyro for a venue that small and closed in it flat out stupid and criminally negligent. I bet they attorneys are already lining up the victim's families are clients. I don't think anyone on this tour is going to be working the road ever again. Again, it is only Rock & Roll we are in the business of entertainment not carnage.

Steve Sabram

I sat yesterday watching CNN ,sick to my very soul,

Like many of you I recognized that venue, it really could have been anywhere, the USA , Canada, Europe, a small dark room with a stage at one end, low ceiling UV light, the places where rock and roll makes its bread and butter money.

And I couldn't help thinking "but for the grace of god go I"

We have all done shows on stages with a ton of garbage under them , rigged points in club roofs saturated with that fabulous mix of nicotine and dust, this fire was inevitable , yet that is no excuse.

if you cant do it right don't do it. If you cant afford to tour fire extinguishers , you cannot afford to tour pyro.

If you cannot afford to tour the right pyro products, then you cannot afford to tour pyro, 10ft 10sec fountains in a 10ft room fired from angled pods, NO,

If you cannot approach pyro professionally then, DON'T FIRE IT

after 15yrs of touring I no longer work pyro at shows, I do lights , I rig , but when it comes to pyro I defer to a licensed pyro, someone whose sole concern is the safe operation of pyrotechnic fx , that person will comply with all applicable laws and test all products in front of the fire marshall the venue, and most importantly the act, because I am not letting anyone fire anything around a musician who would not put themselves in the same position.

Did you see how fast that place burned, my god it wouldn't have burned quicker if you poured kerosene on it, and I know, one of my clients is the burningman festival, and those guys couldn't have made that place burn any quicker.

Carry flame retardant in your road boxes guys, if the drapes look dodge give em a drink, pyro or no, you can even make the stuff from borax and it works just fine.

But most important, if the place looks like a tinderbox, or the band is pushing you to do something that you dot feel is safe

Just say no, you can always get another gig, dead people dot come back to life.

Simon Clark

What happened in Rhode Island is absolutely criminal. I have worked sound and lighting for 30 years. I have roadied on a large scale, small scale, and worked hundreds of local large and small gigs in six cites and for 9 months on the USS NIMITZ.
1) You NEVER EVER use pyro's without three things
a) Permission and a fire marshals permit and/or presents.
b) At least one safety spotter.
c) FIRE FRICKING EXTINGUISHERS
2) NO WHERE in Great Whites contract are pyro's mentioned.
CLUB OWNERS.... know what the band is going to do and make them stick to it. Great White has a recent history of springing surprise stuff on venues (AKA Axel Rose).
3) All you cheap F#$&ING club owners that don't want to have proper exits and a way to get them open during an emergency better wake up and smell to coffee. The U.S. Congress is now going to get involved and make you. There are several inexpensive ways using electromechanical locks with a panic button to lock the doors to keep the FREEBEES out and get them open ASAP when you need to. What in the hell are you going to do if, God forbid , you are a target for terrorists !!
4) Hire some real security when you have a big event. The folks at the R.I. club where clue less !!!!!!
5) Bands and Roadies... know your gear and a buildings limitations. Having foam on the walls and then firing off Pyros !?!?!?!?!?!!!!

96 people ( more who are in the hospital may not make it ) are dead. All they wanted was to hear "their band " at " their club " They were horribly let down by both. 180 people where injured. many will be crippled for life. As entertainers we need to wake up (starting at the local level on up ) and stop warring about making a buck. The money will come if the act is good and the safety is their. If it does not look right it is not .. FIX IT OR STOP IT UNTIL IT IS FIXED. I cried as hard today as I did on 9-11. Stay safe, pray for the victims families, and don't let this disaster happen on you watch.. Roadies ITS UP TO US TO FIX THIS..

Mike " BILKO " Pastor RFL

I too am going to stick my neck out and agree %110 with what Brian Reed has just said.

Safety MUST come first, before the artists comfort or creative expression, the fans enjoyment, and especially the club owner bottom line. It is absurd to think that there wasnt a feeling of need to have personnel with extinguishers readily at hand just in case whenever using pyro....certified technician or not. Dot you all remember that James Hettfield burned the sh*t out of his arm? And Michael Jackson's Pepsi commercial? Sh*t happens with pyro. You don't really think the NASCAR guys have those 5 point harness in their cars for show and use them only occasionally? Every f&*!ing time!

I may have never made it to the big time as a roadie but like to think that for the 15yrs I did do it I was excessively conciencious about the band image and how concert goers should be treated. No ones safety was ever jeopardized on my shift. Ever.

My condolences and prayer to all affected. Long live R&R.

Sincerely,
Long since retired.

Here's Great White's actual performance contract

Click here: The Smoking Gun: Archive

WBMC Shane

I may make some enemies with this. I may be speaking too soon. But these are just my thoughts on the matter having worked bands on many levels of the "fame" (for lack of a better term) ladder.

Maybe it's because I work out of Vegas, and we've seen our share of horror with fires here (the old MGM, anyone???). Maybe it's because in 13 years I've never had an injury beyond bumps and bruises on any show I've managed. But the only thing I want to know is: where-in-the-F*CK were the fire extinguishers?!?!? Whether the use of pyro was discussed or not, is anybody that arrogant as to shoot without fire protection? If there isn't a licensed pyrotech at the show, what the f*ck makes anyone think they can get away with pyro? Honestly?

It's also been my experience that when you get a band that is no longer at "the top" (wherever the hell that is), the quality of roadies with them deteriorates. You know the ones I mean: pissed off to be lugging cases into bars. Treating fans like sh*t. Just bitter that they aren't getting "what they deserve" and shady enough to try some crap like the GW show.

Or is it the owners/managers of the club. The ones who could give a sh*t about safety, just as long as they screw the band, screw the customer, gouge on drink prices, skimp on the P.A., and do whatever it takes to stay in business by the skin of their teeth so they can take the money home?

I might sound self-righteous. I might sound like a raving lunatic. I don't care. It's only rock and roll people. If it disappeared off the face of the earth tomorrow, humanity would go on. Nobody needs to use pyro. Nobody needs to skip on a sprinkler system (even if it is legal to do so). Nobody needs rock n' roll. And nobody, but nobody, needs to die over a goddamn club gig.

Figure it out.

Pray for the victims and the families, and let's keep it safe out there. My best to all my roadie bretheren, known and yet to be known.

Brian Reed, RFL

My condolences to those who suffered in RI, for those who passed on, we’ll miss you….

MD

As most of you know, I was the tour manager for Jack Russell on his "For You" tour in 2002. Last night, Feb 20th, there was a fire started by pyrotechnics in a nightclub in Rhode Island. As of this email, there are 168 injured, 85 dead, and many people missing.

One of these people is Ty Longley, the guitarist for Jack's band. I would like to ask that you pray for him to be found, and everyone involved as well. Some people were evacuated to hospitals, some went home, and some are still being recovered, but not yet identified.

Tonight on CNN Jack Russell is doing an interview with Connie Chung. CNN has been playing the story all day. Ironically, there is video footage of the fire starting inside the venue as well as shots from the outside as well. A local news team was there covering a story about night club safety due to the recent happenings in Chicago. They were I the right place and the right time and got it all on film.

I consider Jack and everyone associated with him, my friend. Ty was a very special person, unique, funny, and a great guy to be around. To be quite honest, I'm not doing so well right now because of all this. I hate not knowing what's going on. On a related side note, I could have been there. So I may or may not have been here right now.

I have some very good memories of Ty and that tour I was on. I really don't know what else to say, only what to do, pray. Please join me.

Peace :)
Ron Schreiner
http://www.fortunecity.com/tinpan/ear/409/

Karl,
Just a quick note (like you haven't heard) Great Whites pyro started a fire at "The Station" in Rhode Island. The club is destroyed and lives are lost. At this time of the email.. Mark Kendall is still un accounted for. God help the families of those lost... a sad day for music indeed.


God bless
one love
Billy Carri

If not this evening, I'm sure you'll hear about it this morning.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/02/21/nightclub.fire/

I'm sure you can get in touch with a pyro roadie and comment on this club fire. After reading it, sounds like a local band with an amateur pyro guy that totally f*cked up. Comments?

Steve

Updated Victims List HERE

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