The image above was shown on CBS Boston local news. This was taken following the horrific fire that took place on February 20, 2003, at the Station Nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, during a Great White show. Making national news, I remember hearing about this tragedy from my own local news in New Jersey. John Barylick has written a book about this event entitled "Killer Show." When I used to tell a band that I worked with to go out and have a killer show, I wasn't referring to one that left 100 dead and 230 injured.
On the 19th anniversary of this fire, the Reelz Network broadcast a documentary about this show and the aftermath entitled "America's Deadliest Concert: The Guest List." Watching the show, I must have ran through all of the emotions that anyone could have in a span of two hours. There are still questions about the sentencing that was handed out and how some people literally got away with murder. I don't want to give too much away because my words can't even come close to the power of the emotions on the screen.
Some of the family members of those that perished were interviewed. There was a beautiful spotlight put on Joe Kinan, one of the patrons that was burned the most of those who survived. It turns out that he was tripped running for the exit and ended up being on the bottom of a human pile. His attitude about his many operations and fortune needs to be commended. Caused by a pyrotechnic display, the fire took place in a club that was grandfathered in to not require sprinklers. In addition, the material on their walls were highly flammable.
Kudos to John Rich, Aaron Lewis (of Staind) and Gretchen Wilson for joining the concert that was originally intended to have only hair metal bands perform. Troy Luccketta (of Tesla) convinced Dee Snider to help with the show to raise funds, even though it is nearly impossible to raise enough money for the treatment of burn victims. Due to a Rolling Stone article, many artists from Great White's own community were no longer wanting to be associated with the term "hair band." Once I started watching the documentary, I couldn't leave the room. I am sure Reelz will be rerunning the show for those who haven't seen it. I think you will also be surprised by the actions of a bouncer and the incompetency of a Fire Inspector. In addition, Great White songs were banned from local radio stations in the area of the club.