The club was sold. Her fianc, Alfred Freddy Crisostomi, who was behind her, pushing her toward the door, perished. [88], Russell considered disbanding Great White after the fire, but reconsidered when he decided to embark on a benefit tour. View Image Gallery. "I literally baked alive," says Linda Barr. " [21], Among those who died in the fire were Great White guitarist Ty Longley, and the show's emcee, WHJY DJ Mike "The Doctor" Gonsalves. It is the fourth-deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. People say they just feel peaceful, Russo told the Globe. He says he managed to escape through the front door before a stampede of people got stuck in the narrow hallway and blocked the exit. In my head, I didnt even belong with them because I walked out without a scratch.. Jeff Derderian: They didn't even bring up the fax to him. It was completely preventable. It didn't have a lock on it. That's when I turned back. Jody King says his brother enjoyed working for the Derderians. The brothers have since learned that the fire marshal should have tested the foam on the wall. And I sent it to her and the best compliment I ever got was oh, his hairs fantastic.. Like, "get away from the building." These days, she uses her job as a teacher at John F. Deering Middle School to make it so those who didnt suffer so directly will remember it too. Michael Derderian: Jeffrey was responsible for all the marketing activities. Patrick Lynch: Again, any reference in this conversation about what the brothers say, I I take a step back and think I don't really trust it. [2], The first criminal trial was against Great White's tour manager, Daniel Michael Biechele, 26, from Orlando, Florida. He doesn't know. ", "Fire in a nightclub: the band; group persevered by making circuit of smaller clubs", "How tragedy inspired one member of Great White", "Rhode Island Remembers Victims Of Deadly GREAT WHITE Concert Fire", "Club, band dispute permission to use fireworks - Feb. 22, 2003", "Memories sear survivor of fire that killed 100 in 2003", "Parents mourn loss of only child in nightclub fire, but cherish time they had after first near-death experience", "Radio station to remain in fire lawsuits", "Clear Channel agrees to pay $22 million to nightclub fire victims", "Portraits of people who died in the R.I. nightclub fire", "Timeline: What happened the night of the Station nightclub fire? I don't care what I'm going to see.". The first was her life before Feb. 20, 2003. my dad was in the room. [21] Thick smoke began to fill the station one minute after the ignition and the crowd began to escape the building. Jason Hahn. Superior Court Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr. sentenced Biechele to fifteen years in prison, with four to serve and eleven years suspended, plus three years' probation, for his role in the fire. [11] Dominic Santana, the owner of The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey, told reporters that Great White had used pyrotechnics during their February 14, 2003 performance at the venue without his permission, and their contract and rider did not mention pyrotechnics displays. Phil Barr fought to breathe on his own. It just so happens that we're . She got out. When Laroque testified before the grand jury he claimed he never saw the foam. I couldn't understand him or understand the magnitude of what was going on there. In the days after the fire, victims' families and survivors faced a harsh new reality. Cassidy was questioned by Customs and Border Protection in 2016, three sources familiar with the probe . That's what the code says. Jack Russell declined "48 Hours"' request for an interview. [12] The rest of the lineup included guitarist Ty Longley, who died in the fire, bass guitarist Dave Felice, and drummer Eric Powers. fine against Station Nightclub owners upheld", "Station nightclub fire survivor tells how she's moved on in new book", "The Station fire took emotional toll on survivors, study finds", "Tentative $30 million deal in R. I. nightclub fire", "TV station that assigned reporter to cover his own nightclub raises ethical issue", "Station Video Spurs Lawsuit - Pollstar News", "Nightclub owner resigns from WPRI television", "Report of the Technical Investigation of The Station Nightclub Fire: Appendices (NIST NCSTAR 2), Volume 2", "Grand Jury Convened to Probe Deadly R.I. Jim Axelrod: Did you have enough time to form those complete thoughts? America's Deadliest Rock Concert: The Guest List explores the Station nightclub fire through gripping survivor accounts and family members and friends of victims who have memorialized their loss through pursuits ranging from an exhibit of commemorative body art to re-immersion in the rock culture that initially brought them and their loved ones Michael Derderian: I don't know about that. But that night, leading the cameraman around was bouncer Tracy King, a dedicated husband and father of three young boys. And 18 years after the fire, the brothers say they want to set the record straight and reveal new information. I figured I was on my own at that point.. The morning after the fire, the lead singer of Great White, Jack Russell, claimed the brothers had given the band permission to set off the fireworks. Even if he couldnt. Both the brothers had other jobs. He still remembers that deadly night. [20], Great White started their performance at 11:07 p.m. on February 20. Club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian reached a settlement of $813,000 with survivors and victims' families in September 2008. [15][16] All the members of Trip escaped the Station without injury, but two members of Fathead, cousins Keith and Steven Mancini, died in the fire. Linda Saran: The foam was raining down and the flames are dripping from the ceiling. Phil Barr: Yep. That was his gift. He sees a court-ordered therapist, who has told him he has depression and PTSD. Jim Axelrod: Over the course of the investigation, what did you learn about the way the brothers ran their business? Bruce Cain also lost someone who he was prepared to spend the rest of his life with. At the time of The Station fire, older clubs in Rhode Island weren't required to install sprinklers. At 55, he lives with his parents and keeps to himself. . As Great White started their first song, their tour manager Daniel Biechele set off four large fireworks called gerbs. [34], Providence Phoenix columnist Ian Donnis wrote of the effect that the fire had on the close-knit Rhode Island community, "The loss of so much life would represent a tragedy anywhere, but it struck especially hard in Rhode Island, the nation's smallest state, where no place is more than an hour away by car and the fire claimed one tenth of one percent of the state's population. you could not see your hand in front of your face. The pyrotechnics were gerbs, cylindrical devices that produce a controlled spray of sparks. Linda Saran and Phil Barr, badly injured, were transported to a local hospital. I did not lead them out, he said dismissively. And I hear [moves her arms to the side with a whoosh] and out Deb went. I went and laid down next to Deb and just waited to die. The Station nightclub in West Warwick burned down on Feb. 20, 2003, during a concert by rock band Great White, leaving 100 people dead and more than 200 injured. On February 20, 2003 at about 11:10 p.m., Jody King got a call that something was going on at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island. She said she went into the club that night a naive, fun-loving 27-year-old and came out angry and feeling guilty. Station nightclub fire survivor tells burn victims love can happen amid scars, fears: Joe Kinan has had more than 120 surgeries, not the least of which was a hand transplant. According to author Scott James, Great White had reportedly used a large pyro display without permission at other clubs, including just days before the fire at a show in New Jersey. Flames were seen breaking through a part of the roof in less than five minutes. [tearing up] "What a great brother you have. Tracy died never giving up. When I turned around, some people were already trying to leave, and others were just sitting there going, "Yeah, that's great!" So, the only way to pick up a can of soda would be to do this [lifting both arms out parallel in front of her]. After the fire, multiple civil and criminal cases were filed. Since The Station fire, many states have adopted stricter fire prevention codes. And people just stood there. They are speaking out about the fire for the first time. [2], Prior to the fire, the Station often hosted concerts by 1980s hard rock groups and tribute bands. "[63] He added that the difference in the brothers' sentences reflected their respective involvement with the purchase and installation of the flammable foam. "It feels like somebody knew somebody who was in that fire or knew somebody who did, so the pain is very personal.". Michael Derderian: No. First of all, I don't know you would, how would you how would you accomplish the detail and the amount of new information in a news conference or, you know, a commercial or something that we would try and do on our own. Linda Saran: I could have missed it all. You were not approaching that area at all. Michael Derderian: We say that they we're sorry for all of it. Jody King: He went on David Letterman twice to do Stupid Human Tricks. I refused to accept that as the outcome. Jim Axelrod: There are so many people still to this day angry that the case didn't go to trial. I never imagined that anyone ever would be. They said a critical piece of evidence was never presented to the grand jury. if I had nothing to hide, then why wouldn't you why wouldn't you talk to them and tell them what you knew or what you didn't know? For the first few years she shunned memorial ceremonies but eventually was convinced to go. Tweet. he was very kind about it, but he said, "I don't ever see you competitively swimming again." We talk about fire safety a bit, I dont get too, too far into it.. Scott James: He writes up this long, almost a manifesto about all the things that he thinks are wrong in that foam company that led to this tragedy. MICHAEL DERDERIAN [at sentencing hearing]: There is so much pain and heartache that happened on our doorstep. There was no one coming out the back door anymore. "We never knew the whole story because the trial never happened, so everything really never came out," says Jody King, whose brother worked at The Station as a bouncer. [2], Prior to being converted into a nightclub and concert venue, the Station building had been used as a restaurant and tavern. Today marks the 20th anniversary of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI, which killed 100 people. Editor's Note: This story was originally published on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018. "[58], Dave Kane and Joanne O'Neill, parents of youngest victim Nicholas O'Neill, released their letter to the board to reporters. Barr was now outside, but he felt like his lungs were on fire. And while they weren't charged in the criminal case, survivors and victims' families sued them in civil court for not warning the Derderians the foam they sent them was flammable. Phil Barr: I went around the people trying to push to the front door. Linda Saran: That's when you make a decision. And I said my hands won't work. [78] The event raised at least $25,000 in donations for the Station Family Fund, and was broadcast in March by VH1 and VH1 Classic. The fire quickly spread over the dance floor, along the ceiling. She endured more than 50 operations. And then we've got the pressure from the judge saying you know, you're going to go to jail for 30 years apiece. In December 2003, nine months after the fire, Jeff and Michael Derderian were in court, each charged with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter 100 for criminal negligence, and 100 for misdemeanor manslaughter. ", "We are now at 65, and that may be higher ", Jeff Derderian: "Can you come in? He was the. That was in like the 80s. The second was the time from that night until the dedication of the memorial last spring. And so, when the fire inspector came in and said that that door had to come down the door, the door did come down. [1] The building that would become The Station was built in 1946 and was originally used as a gin mill. Share. In 2017 a memorial was opened to honor the100 innocent lives that were tragically lost in The Station fire, including Tracy King, who died saving so many others. Patrick Lynch: I don't think anybody in anything that they did wanted anybody to die that night or get injured. [95] When Russell launched his version of the band in 2012, Kendall's group responded that Russell had no right to use the name. Jody King: He ran in and came out nine times in 90 seconds. "It's hard to describe the level of agony. I kicked out a side window to try to get people out of there. [25] Fire departments in Warwick, Coventry, and Cranston rendered mutual aid to the fire site. [85] By April 2016, $1.65 million of the $2 million fundraising goal had been achieved and construction of the Station Fire Memorial Park had commenced. Patrick Lynch: Jeffrey and Michael Derderian. The loss is still fresh for her cousins, she said, even 15 years later. On May 20, 2003, nondenominational services began to be held at the site of the fire for a number of months. You bury nine people in a period of less than two weeks, she said, and yeah, I think it affects you. [30] Longley reportedly died after returning to the building to retrieve his guitar. [37] The report had been inspired by the E2 nightclub stampede in Chicago that killed 21 people three days earlier. The fire started shortly after Great White began performing their opening number, "Desert Moon". [94] Kendall's version of the band holds the copyright for the Great White name. John Barylick is an attorney who represented victims in numerous wrongful death and personal injury cases arising from the Station nightclub fire. [60] As of 2013[update], Biechele lived in Florida with his wife and two children. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. When fireworks ignited the soundproofing foam on the stage wall, he ran for a fire extinguisher. A true hero would have gone for it, Vanner said. I went back around the front again, and that's when you saw people stacked on top of each other, trying to get out of the front door. Kat Teurfs is the associate producer. And yet, at the point in time, I don't think I knew his name. They didn't even let him talk about it. It had to end, for me and it ended in the most beautiful way.. Jody King: I see the horror. Legal action against several parties, including Great White, were resolved with monetary settlements by 2008. Scott James: It was a typical kind of roadside dive. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WJAR) Gina Russo, who survived The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick in 2003, spoke with NBC 10's Mario Hilario on the morning of the 20th anniversary of the. It was late on Feb. 20, 2003, when the cold winter night erupted in flames. This page was last edited on 3 March 2023, at 14:21. Linda Saran: They have said they were sorry. More than 460 fans had crowded into the wooden, single-story, 4,480 -square-foot nightclub known as The Station in West Warwick, R.I., to enjoy a Thursday night show on Feb. 20, 2003. [3] A fire had previously occurred at the building in 1972 while it was used as a restaurant called Julio's. Then there's that interior, inward swinging door by the stage that Former Attorney General Patrick Lynch says was responsible for loss of life the night of the fire. So that was huge.. About a month after the fire Barr went home from the hospital. So, it was very quickly they were in the circle of people we should look at. Michael Derderian: Take this stuff down. You see on your left the horseshoe-shaped bar. then as it heals, the scarring tightens up. It took a while, she said, but she thinks she had found the way to move on from it but to keep it with her as well. That is the furthest exit away from the stage But it's a relatively straight line. [21] The fire spread throughout the building and was completely engulfed within six minutes of the pyrotechnic ignition. [tears up] And the roof and just everything just fast, too fast. And I never expected it to take off as fast as it did. But 15 years later, she said, its time for her to move out of its shadow. Linda will forever wear the scars of that horrible night. They all later accepted plea deals. [84] In September 2012, the owner of the land, Ray Villanova, donated the site to the SFMF. The Guest List: The Station Nightclub Fire, America's Deadliest Rock Concert will premiere on Sunday, February 20, 2022. Jeff Derderian: this is flammable you can't have this. I know how this tragedy has devastated me, but I can only begin to understand what the people who lost loved ones have endured. once you could no longer see, it was total pandemonium. Nine months after the fire, the club's owners, brothers Jeff and Michael Derderian, along with Daniel Biechele, the band's tour manager, were each charged with 200 counts of involuntary. [49][50], Lynch told 48 Hours that his investigation found that the fire spread quickly due to the foam the Derderians had installed in the Station's walls and ceilings as a response to noise complaints. PATRICK LYNCH [press conference]: We have an investigation on going and we need help, we need answers and I'm trying to get them. [28], Of the 462 people in the building for the concert, 100 were killed, 230 were injured, and 132 escaped uninjured. Well, I guess once we all started to turn toward the door, and we got bottle-necked into the front door, people just kept pushing, and eventually everyone popped out of the door, including myself. I have to find him. Phil Barr [teary-eyed]: Getting another opportunity to live my life came with enormous responsibility. Phil Barr: I remember the smoke descended really quickly. Stay up to date with everything Boston. She spoke with the Globe about Jefferey and Michael Derderian, the . He trusted in his friends. [38] Derderian had begun working for WPRI on February 17, three days before the fire. Built in 1946, the wooden Station nightclub was grandfathered into an exception for laws requiring ceiling fire sprinklers. [63] Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch objected strenuously to the plea bargain, saying that both brothers should have received jail time and that Michael Derderian should have received more time than Biechele. And they played the arenas. The Feb. 20, 2003. But Jeff Derderian, who was helping out at the bar, says he and an employee tried to get to the stage with a fire extinguisher. Patrick Lynch: The defendant had every right to go to trial and say, hey, if it's this mysterious fax that it's trying to be referenced today, 18 years later, hey, this is important. [57], On September 4, 2007, some families of the fire's victims expressed their support for Biechele's parole. Her father wont visit the memorial, and it took her years to be able to drive down Cowesett Avenue, she said. Linda Saran: Most of the crowd thought it was part of the show and didn't move. Jim Axelrod: The brothers say," wait a minute, we ordered sound foam. Phil Barr: A lot of people moved back towards the main entrance it became really clear that we were not going to be able [to] get out the front door. "We have 39 confirmed fatalities, and we are still in the process of searching the rubble. It took about five years to come to terms with that, she said. some bleeding I could notice in my throat. It looked like it was raining black fire. Nightclub Fire", "WHJY, Clear Channel offer $22M Station fire settlement", "Service recalls victims of nightclub fire - Feb. 25, 2003", "Families visit scene of deadly nightclub fire - Feb. 24, 2003", "Concert for nightclub fire survivors nets $25K", "Governor McKee Statement on 20th Anniversary of Station Nightclub Fire | Governor's Office, State of Rhode Island", "Station Nightclub Fire Memorial On Track For 2016 Opening", "Timeline: Station Nightclub Fire, 15 year anniversary", "Station nightclub site will no longer be Pokemon Go destination", "Owner of burned RI club donates land for memorial", "Job Lot customers respond to Station Fire Memorial drive", "Memorial park dedicated to victims of Station Nightclub Fire", "Great White: Performing again is the right thing", "Providence nightclub fire charity rebuffs Great White singer", "After the fire: Great White, survivors live with the horror of Rhode Island tragedy", "Rhode Island Club Fire Tragedy Revisited with Members of Rock Band Great White", "Now There's Two Versions Of Great White | Metal Insider", "After The Fire: Feelings mixed and emotions high as Jack Russell's Great White return to New England", "Great White And Jack Russell Reach Agreement Over Use Of Band Name", "Great White singer's fire memorial concert nixed", "Mohegan Sun postpones Great White concert booked close to Station fire anniversary", "Documentary on youngest Station victim to be aired", "Films by RIC Alum Are Among Station Nightclub Fire Tributes", National Fire Protection Association web page "Nightclubs/assembly occupancies", Guide to the Station Nightclub Victims' Collection from the Rhode Island State Archives, Great Zeppelin: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Station_nightclub_fire&oldid=1142630889, Building and structure fires in the United States, February 2003 events in the United States, Fire disasters involving barricaded escape routes, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2013, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Scott James: It should not have happened. [2] The follow-up inspection in December 2002 also did not cite the foam, and the inspector gave the building an "All OK" rating on his inspection form. "[91], Two years to the day after the fire, band members Russell and Kendall, along with Great White's attorney, Ed McPherson, appeared on CNN's Larry King Live with three survivors of the fire and the father of Longley, to discuss how their lives had changed since the incident. [5] Local bands that had played at the Station prior to the fire had used pyrotechnics during their concerts without incident, including a Kiss tribute band that had set off fireballs during their show in August 2002. And I turned around, I said, "Get out, get out, get to the door, get to the door!" [tears up, shaking his head]. According to author Scott James, Great White had reportedly used a large pyro display without permission at other clubs, including just days before the fire at a show in New Jersey. The Station nightclub fire would become one of the deadliest fires in a club in U.S. history. She said she spent years after that in pain and anger. Biechele and Michael Derderian went to prison. For people to know you can go there now and look at this beautiful park and talk to your person thats what I love about it.. DANIEL BIECHELE [at sentencing hearing in tears]: I don't know that I will ever forgive myself for what happened that night. And, according to the brothers, it was one of the first exits used when the fire started. [12] Great White's popularity had waned in the decade prior to the Station fire, and they had been performing on a touring circuit of small clubs with capacities of up to 500 people. Dan McKee honored the victims, their families, and the first responders who saved many lives. Many of the families believed that the punishment was just; others had hoped for a more severe sentence. [32] In April 2003, The Derderians were fined $1.07 million for failing to carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees. But when Warner was called before the grand jury, he was not asked about the allegations he made in the fax. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Tracy King died saving many others the night of the fire. However, on September 21, 2006, Judge Darigan announced that the brothers had changed their pleas from "not guilty" to "no contest," thereby avoiding a trial. I'm so sorry for what I have done, and I don't want to cause anyone any more pain. A surgery to correct a childhood ailment with his ears left him able to balance objects on his chin. Jim Axelrod: How do you know he went in nine times? S01:E03 - Station Nightclub Fire. Patrick Lynch: First of all, I think it's pathetic, disgusting and unsettling to think that they're even speaking now The foam that they put up had a direct impact on the survivability of the bulk of the people that were assembled that night. So, to the people who think we don't own it I'm telling you, we DO own it ok? Jody King: He was gregarious. Scott James: They are what they call 15x15. Vanner doesnt know when the night will be over. It fuels you. [54] Darigan remarked, "The greatest sentence that can be imposed on you has been imposed on you by yourself. He was worried about his brother Tracy who worked there as a bouncer. It would become one of the deadliest fires in a club in U.S. history. [39], At the scene of the fire, Butler gave this account of the tragedy:[41]. Unlike many of the patrons there, this was Barr's first time at the club. I was asked to work the merch table for the band, so I was getting 40 bucks and two T-shirts. Seconds later, flames appeared on the back wall. [44] The NIST report was released on March 3, 2005 and was made available in two parts on June 30, 2005. So, I said to Deb, "stay here. Jeff Derderian: You know a day doesn't go by that we don't think about it in some way, shape or form. Its just one of those things thats ingrained in you.. And they're quick to point out the club was inspected by their insurance company, and multiple times by the local Fire Marshal Denis Laroque. there are other people who should be responsible. Updated on: October 24, 2021 / 2:07 AM But does that mean it's not a crime? Investigators eventually discovered the fax was sent by Barry Warner, a former employee at American Foam the company that had sent the Derderians the packing foam made of flammable polyurethane. But their plans for the future would suddenly change. Since I had been there earlier in the night, I knew that there was at least an exit in the back barroom. There is one consistent thing I have learned after 18 years in the It was already in contract. He wasnt charged with a crime, but his thoughts punish him. [2] The final tally by The Providence Journal of people inside the Station during the fire totaled 462. But he didn't know what. She took a photograph of the stone of a man who died and sent it to his daughter in California. Honored to have been able to attend such an in depth and eye opening training opportunity. Saran was one of the more than 200 who were seriously hurt in the fire. into the main barroom. WEST WARWICK, R.I. The owners of The Station nightclub say their decision to finally speak publicly about the deadly fire there nearly . 2003 deadly fire at a rock concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island, USA, Great White, Jack Russell, and Mark Kendall, National Institute of Standards and Technology, "The Station nightclub fire 10 years later: Healing continues as West Warwick, Rhode Island, takes next step in recovery", "The Station Fire: Timeline of a tragedy", "Station tragedy leads to tougher fire code", "Report of the Technical Investigation of The Station Nightclub Fire (NIST NCSTAR 2), Volume 1", "Beyond grief: Trying to make sense out of the Station tragedy", "Tragedy Catches Up to a Metal Band Past Its Prime", "Great White Fireworks Set Off a Controversy", "The Station nightclub fire: What happened and who's to blame for disaster that killed 100? Since he co-owned The Station nightclub with his brother Michael Derderian, Jeff suggested it as a venue for generic nightclub footage. Scott James: It smelled like spilled beer and stale cigarettes and everything was just a little bit frayed at the edge. The fire seemed to burn quickly, she added. Now in private practice, Lynch says he looked into a host of people.