NIGHTCLUB DISASTER in Rhode Island...

[TeamBajaMarine]

I have to start a thread regarding this terrible tragedy to tell some facts before it gets all twisted by the media.

As some may or may not know, I am a theatrical electrician / lighting designer by trade and this is what I have done for the past 17 years. I just did a show with the band GREAT WHITE last Saturday here in New York without a hitch, we also did use this pyro that started this accident in RI. This effect is used during the first song and lasts about 30 seconds with the effect reaching only as high as 10 feet. I cant say for sure if the technician is licensed or not, but he knows the risks involved and if he or the band felt it wasnt safe, he would of never fired the effect. As stated in the news, they had permission from the club to do this and the point I am trying to make is that there are so many variables to this tragedy, the clubs construction, flameproofing, exit lanes, fire doors and any other violations are to take in consideration. I hate to see the finger being pointed at the band, if they were not entirely at fault.

I just felt I needed to add this professional point of view. Regardless, the death toll has risen to 54 persons and this is the worst nightclub mishap I have seen in all my years in this business, these were young people who had their entire lives ahead of them.

[luxy60]

This is a terrible and horrific tragedy for all involved. My thoughts & prayers for those lost and their families. Many more were injured and I hope/ pray they all make a full and speedy recovery.

Blake, are these pyro's the type that shoot sparks vertically up from the floor? Looks as though there was no sprinkler system to knock it down.

[TeamBajaMarine]

Tony,
This type of PYRO are called GERBS, they do shoot verticall sparkles in the air that can last from 15 to 30 seconds. The reports coming in are that the club did was not required to have sprinklers because of their size. (1st mistake) secondly the footage I am seeing looks as though this buidling was wood contruction (2nd mistake) not your typical steel roof truss, aluminum and concrete industrial type of building. Soemthing indeed did catch fire and once it hit the wood, that was it.

We do pyro in one of the clubs that employs me and we are steel, aluminum and brick contruction, and we have had close calls, but nothing ever ignited as there is nothing to burn and anything that can burn has been professionally fireproofed and during our expansion we used code fire retardant materials because of the amount of electricty we use on stage for lights, sound and other things. (we took this into consideration before we renovated) I will tell you that after a conference call I had this morning, we will not be doing PYRO ever in this particular club again.

[jal4sas]

Blake,
Would the band carry its own PYRO, to put on the show, or is it contracted out by site?

[TeamBajaMarine]

All bands carry their own trained technicians. On larger shows, the Fire Marshall comes in earlier and the show must do a test and disclose the materials and specifics about the 'pyro show' Aslo a local certified pyro tech is also on site for the venues 'best interest' In this instance, one of the bands technicians loaded and fired the single cue effect.

[Baja Boss]

Thanks for the information. This is really terrible.

Just saw the news and the finger pointing has already begun.

Personally, I cannot understand why the club owners or the band either one would want to use this stuff in such an old building. It isn't rocket science to know that place was right to burn.

Go Bless those lost.

[TeamBajaMarine]

Boss,
Thats why you cant blame just one person, there are so many reasons why this happened, but all will say they werent responsible and blame others because the lawsuits that will follow will ruin everyone that was involved in one of the worst nightclub disasters in the world.

[missouri]

96 dead 200 injured.....
Man ! With these tragic events and war looming, not to mention the weather, this has been a depressing winter!

[Baja340SF]

Ive got to chime in here.
Its been reported in the news that they DID NOT have permission from the club to operate the pyro stuff. And as of this morning 4 other clubs have come forward to say that Great White pulled the same crap at there clubs. (lighting off the pyro without permisson) Its a shame that this even happened........im not finger pointing, just relaying some information that ive recieved.

My thoughts and prayers are with the familys that have lost loved ones and for those who are injured. Godbless!

[TeamBajaMarine]

Does anyone think that anyone is going to own up to this, of course not! because then they open themselves up to being liable. I wouldnt mind kicking the owner from the Stone Pony in New Jersey right in the teeth. He is a media glory hound and his type is just disgraceful. He has recieved more press for his club than he has seen since the state was going to shut him down a few years back, he is also the one supplying the media and the web with all the confidential contracts and riders between the band and the clubs.

As I am trying to be honest as with what has took place, as well as inside the club I did GW with. Every club owner is going to say that they didnt give permission for 2 reasons, the first reason is beacuse none of them had a permit and now the fire marshall will want to inspect every club that hosted this previous event and I guarantee you the violations in almost all these clubs are no different than what went wrong in RI (I have toured alot of these clubs that host these smaller shows, and it aint pretty) No club owner wants to open themselves up to what will happen in the coming weeks. This is called "running interference" Secondly,
(and this is where I have a problem with club owners) When we load in a band, it is done around 1pm during the day, there is not a club owner on site at this time, if even throughout the night. So in essence its the day stage crew that usually will make the call about what can and cant be done. As the day wears on, I dont feel the need to relay back to my management or club owner what decisions I have made because I was hired to make these decisions and 99% of the time, they are the right ones. I for one take the responsibilty for the club that I hosted GW with last Saturday. Unfortuantely all the club owners are probably telling their stage crews to keep quiet about their GW show so they dont bring unwanted publicty and future run-ins with the authoritys to their club. On a final note, club owners are not as squeaky clean as the media is making them out to be, I have been at this for almost 17 years, and I started in clubs and continue to work in them. I hope this sheds a little light on to what I am feeling.

[Baja Boss]

If you own a business, sell tickets or charge admission, you are responsible to everyone that enters the building that it be safe, up to code and all rules and laws followed.

The club owner should know everything that is going on. It apprears that this band has used pyro for some time and it is a part of their act.

My experience with club owners they are interested in one thing, and one thing only. "MONEY"

What ever it takes to make a buck. Most do not last long because of the expense of doing it right, they shut down and start over under a different name or at a different location.

No one knows the pyro will do better than the band, and for the love of God I cannot understand why they did not use better judgement.

This is terrible, but what make it worse is happening in a small community of only 30,000. That is the same population of the community I live in and we don't go anywhere without seeing many people we know on a personal basis. I could not imagine something like this happening.

Thanks for your information Blake.

[srpbaer]

Blake and guys.....
Let's be careful what we all say here....Blake and others, please be mineful as to always include dates with any "day names" like saturday, Monday, etc.....if you are in this business...My wife is reading this and is wanting to remind all of us that this is being read by the world and if you say "you take responsibility for the last Saturday show....make damn sure you include the date of that "Saturday". My wife is an attorney and just not want anyone misguoted here.....
I certainly agree with Blake's opinion about no one will step up and take the rap so this will go on for years before it is settled.
Just her .02 worth...
Now....back in the closet.

[TeamBajaMarine]

Mark,
Very good points,

"Most do not last long because of the expense of doing it right, they shut down and start over under a different name or at a different location"

This is oh so true, and the reason whay I have stepped up to the plate is because one of the clubs that employs me does so things right and spends money doing it. We have zero violations, sprinklers, flameproof stage goods and the list goes on, as a matter of fact we have invited the local fire marshall to do a walk through of our club tommorow morning.

[TeamBajaMarine]

Interesting read...As i mentioned before, the facts will start to come out...

A current article from The Boston Globe:
By Christopher Rowland and Stephanie Ebbert, Globe Staff, 2/23/2003
EST WARWICK, R.I. -

New questions were raised about the owners' responsibility for a fire at The Station nightclub after the governor said soundproofing foam should not have been installed in the building and several bands said they had used pyrotechnics there with no objection from club management.
As state and local fire investigators begin to analyze the pyrotechnics and flammable material that ignited at the club Thursday, Governor Donald Carcieri said investigators suspect the foam material was highly flammable and accelerated the blaze.
''It shouldn't have been in there, obviously,'' Carcieri said.
Eyewitnesses inside the club have said it appeared that the foam insulation behind the stage was ignited by the pyrotechnic display.
''We know it's an old, wooden building, but it went up in almost a flash fire,'' the governor said. ''The suspicion is it was a highly flammable material, so that's why this spread so rapidly and engulfed the building.''
Under Rhode Island's building code, club owners must seek approval from local building and fire departments for changes to the interior of their establishment that involve new materials, such as soundproofing insulation, said Joseph Cirillo, who until July was the state's building commissioner. The local authorities review the proposed material's fire rating - which reflects its flammability - before issuing an approval.
It's not clear whether the owners of The Station sought the local approval.
''All those questions will come out,'' Carcieri said. ''Why would you be putting material, if it's highly flammable, inside a building where you are taking hundreds of people?''
An attorney for club owners Michael and Jeff Derderian did not return phone calls yesterday.
West Warwick Fire Chief Charles Hall said he did not know whether his department had been informed about the installation of the foam tiles at The Station. Hall also would not say whether his department's inspector saw the foam material on the walls during an inspection in December, which cleared the club of violations.
Hall would not release the inspection report, saying it is now part of the fire investigation. Hall and West Warwick Town Manager Wolfgang Bauer yesterday raised the possibility that the material may have been installed by club owners after the December visit. They would not elaborate.
''I can tell you, that burn would have been just as rapid in the living room of your home,'' Hall said.
The pyrotechnics set off by Great White Thursday lacked the necessary state and local permits, and The Station owners said the club never gave the band permission for the display. Other nightclub managers from other states have said that Great White also used pyrotechnics at their establishments without approval.
However, Great White's lead singer and management agency both said Friday that the band received permission from The Station for the light show. A lawyer for Great White said that Derderian was in the club when the display was being set up before the performance.
And new questions emerged yesterday about whether similar pyrotechnics were set off at the club before, apparently without any objection from the owners.
A band member from a Kiss tribute band, called Kisstory, said that he, too, had used pyrotechnics on The Station's stage - and that he knew several other bands that had done the same. Jay Duffy, 29, of Fitchburg, who used to play bass for Kisstory, said yesterday that when he played the club with a Def Leppard tribute band last August, he blew fireballs out of his mouth, and used ''flash pots,'' and confetti cannons. He said he has seen other bands use pyrotechnics onstage at The Station.
The musicians said they are angry at public statements by the club owners that they were unaware that Great White would be using pyrotechnics.
''I know so many people who have done pyro in that place,'' Duffy said.
The Derderians have owned the club since March of 2000.
Rev Tyler, 35, of Methuen, guitar player for the now-defunct band Lovin Kry, said that in the five years he played with the band, he played at The Station 10 or 15 times before his band moved to California in September 2000, including once on March 14, 2000, and again later that year. All but one time, they used pyrotechnics, he said.
Tyler was interviewed by police investigating the fire in Warwick yesterday.
Town officials said on Friday that no one had applied for a permit to use pyrotechnics in the club Thursday night - and that they never would have granted permission in the wooden structure, with low, drop ceilings.
State fire officials plan to create a model of The Station nightclub and ignite it to better understand how it burned. State Fire Marshal Irving J. Owens said that state investigators have already recovered material - which he would not describe - and are conducting laboratory analyses on it.
He also said that officials are tracking all the renovations made to the building over the years to see if sprinklers should have been added.
The Station, built nearly 60 years ago, was not subject to the state's fire code requiring sprinklers. However, the owners would have been required to install a sprinkler system if a major renovation - defined as increasing the appraised value of the property by 50 percent - was undertaken.
Hall said that some minor renovations were completed in recent years, but they were not significant enough to trigger the sprinkler upgrade.
''None of these changes even came close to that. They were minor modifications,'' Hall said.
Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch said he is considering convening a grand jury in the probe, but federal investigators have decided not to pursue charges.
Lynch said he is reviewing the video to determine whether the club may also have been overcrowded. Carcieri said Friday night that the club appeared to have exceeded its 300-person capacity, based upon the tallies of the club goers who had survived, been hospitalized, or remained missing.
''That's one of the things we're looking at. We're hearing varying numbers,'' Lynch said. ''They're going to review the videotape and that may help them determine the number.''
If the club knew in advance that the crowd would approach its capacity, the fire chief said, the managers would have been required to hire a firefighter to help monitor the crowd. No detail officer had been hired, Hall said, though he believed that someone inside the club was monitoring the number of patrons.
Globe Staff writers Jonathan Saltzman and Joanna Weiss contributed to this report.
This story ran on page A1 of the Boston Globe on 2/23/2003.
© Copyright 2003 Globe Newspaper Company.

[TeamBajaMarine]

I though I would share what me same thoughts were 4 days ago in a previous post, it seems more and more is coming out of this mess...


By Rob Jones, Founder
Sunday, February 23, 2003 @ 3:20 PM

Why things shouldn't be "Taken for Granted"

With a heavy heart is this written. With clarity this is written. I have seen the court of public opinion, in their emotional state, look for answers as to WHY? How did this happen? Who did it? Who’s at fault?
Let me qualify this editorial as best I can. I spent 4 years tour managing, primarily on the club circuit. I have been to almost every rock club in the country, I have seen how it works, I have seen how the club owners/promoters conduct themselves and it’s there where I will start.

In the club business, it’s two tier, ticket sales, and bar business. It is, without question, the bars objective to put as many people in their facility as humanly possible. Most every time, without regard for the safety of the patron. We ALL have been to a club that is SO packed, you cannot move. Now that we remember, imagine if a fire started akin to the Rhode Island fire. You know the rest, we saw it unfold on television.

Who's responsible? In a “taken for granted situation”, there are a few parties. The club owner for his negligence in compromising the safety of his patrons in his quest to turn big bar business and a profit on a show, and also, it’s us. We make a choice. We can leave, or we can stay. I personally have left shows because it’s just too packed. Then again, I’m not big on crowds and the inability to have my comfort zone. Most die hard fans, will weather that storm to see their favorite band, or just in the name of a “great night out” without even an afterthought of “What if?”.

Having seen the “state” of many of these venues I can tell you, many of them are “accidents waiting to happen”. Bad/Exposed electrical wiring, improper care and disregard for equipment, old outdated equipment, wall covering and soundproofing adhered to walls (right next to hot lights and live wires of course) that is so old and dried out, it’s nothing more than a matchstick waiting to be ignited and lots more. Why? Club owners simply don’t want to spend the money. Especially if no one forces them to. Fire Marshal enforcement can only do so much and often times, advance inspection notice is given, and things are “changed” to accommodate a ‘passing grade’, and changed back after inspection. Budget cuts in Government, lack of manpower and shifty club owners = disaster, plain and simple. It’s just a matter of time, and unfortunately, time has caught up.

Looking at this situation in particular, and seeing all the blame being cast on the band members, there is a lot of “ready, fire, aim” going on in where the finger is pointed. In doing some diligence here on this situation, it is now becoming very clear if the representations of other bands and employees of the club are proven true, pyro in this club has occurred in the past, with merely club owner permission. While this certainly does NOT excuse a particular band or management from learning the “rules and laws” governing the use of such devices, it does lend itself to a significant amount of hypocrisy here. Video is now emerging of pyrotechnic use at this club, Kiss Tribute bands concert reviews cite the use of them, and I’m sure, more will come forward in the coming days.

Having been out there, I can tell you first hand, the club owners constantly push the boundaries, exceeding capacities, allowing the use of pyro, failing to maintain a safe environment ALL the time. Essentially, “taken for granted” is a commonplace in this world. It won’t happen to me. Right. Excusing the language, Domenic Santana is an @#%$. Plain and simple. This human scum grandstanding in front of the media in some twisted allegiance to club owners in what is essentially tantamount to an attempt to avoid an increase in operating costs (insurance goes up, new building codes are introduced, policing of clubs become a much more attentive matter resulting in adherance to fire and capacity codes, all mean “cost me more money, but make less”). We can bet big money flat out, had this tragedy NOT occurred, Domenic Santana never would have said a WORD about the use of pyro in his club. If so, why didn't he say something the following morning? Why didn't he call the next clubs on the route? What did HE do to PREVENT this tragedy? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AT ALL. Now, he dons a Superman cape as a world savior and is filing a lawsuit against Great White for "jeopardizing his patrons". Again, excuse the language, but go @#%$ yourself Mr. Santana. I wonder if he can look me in the eye and tell me he's never exceeded capacity in that club, breaking the law and putting patrons in jeopardy.

Matter of fact, any club owner that steps up backing Domenic Santana, or citing they were equally infringed, fits squarely in this category. Not ONE of them did ANYTHING. Proof? If they had, Domenic Santana would have no claim (however ludicrous) against Great White as he would have been forewarned and would have taken the necessary steps to INSURE THE SAFETY OF HIS PATRONS, as he claims is SO valuable and a priority to him. Why isn't he suing the clubs before him, who claim to have pyro used by the band without permission, for not warning him in advance thus making them being responsible for "jeopardizing his patrons". Because lawsuits mean insurance hikes. He'd be in essence suing himself and raising his own costs. Instead, he chooses to pass the buck to the band after a tragedy occurs, capitalizing on the media coverage. Not rocket science people. I’m sorry, but Domenic Santana and the others stepping up are the epitome and a prime example of the club owner world. Take that for what it’s worth, and I truly hope this cess pool of a man get his just deserve for using this tragedy for his own personal gain. It’s times like these where one hopes Karma truly exists. Yes there are some good ones out there, but generally, you’ll find it’s the Domenic’s of the world that rule the roost.

While the Derderian’s display the pain I’m sure they truly feel, my sympathy for them is truly limited. As the days unfold and we learn more, we will be able to ascertain through fact exactly how much merit these folks deserve. One is a local public figure and trust me when I tell you, spin doctoring is in full swing here folks. It is my belief that pyro was discussed, and pyro was allowed, as it had been in the past. The evidence is JUST too compelling. Matter of fact, if you watch NBC news, you will see videos of a Kiss Tribute band and another band, Lovin Kry, using Pyro in the club. The Kiss tribute pyro as recent as August 2002, placing that under the Derderian's watch, with a member stating the band received "an invitation back to play", no comments from anyone on the pyro, and no permit issued prior. Cry me a river Mr. Derderian, but hypocrisy abound.

Now to the band’s responsibility. Normally, in my experience, the use of pyro is disclosed in the contract issued for the show. The buyer has the option to strike that from the contract, and if accepted, the contract will often state that the costs of the Fire Marshal and associated costs are that of the promoter as part of the show costs, just like loaders, catering and other items. This situation can vary depending, it is also sometimes absorbed by the band as a touring cost. While none of this appears to have been the case here, regardless, Rhode Island is a NO FIREWORK state. It is illegal to possess, use, or even transport fireworks within the state lines. In larger tours, a pyrotechical company is normally hired and secures the necessary permits. In smaller tours, or one off club dates, it is often disregarded. It’s just impractical. What is normally required is the submission of many of the specifications weeks in advance, in every city and state you go. Any qualified tour manager would KNOW this. Most often, the fire marshal will come out, you must demonstrate for him what you are going to do, and based on his assessment, the permit will be issued or denied. In some state, the person actually pushing the button, (the tour manager in this case), is ALSO required to meet a certification level and have a permit to even push the button to the pyro he is asking for a permit to use. Hence, most club tours just don’t use it. It’s costly for insurance, it’s costly from city to city, and it’s more of a pain in the ass then it is worth.

What Great White was using were called Gerbs. A very common “Class C” or now referred to as a “1.4G” consumer firework that, as most have seen in the video, emits a shower of sparks. We see them at almost every major rock show, we don’t see them at too many small ones. In watching the video, and looking at the low ceiling, it’s time for the “taken for granted”, “won’t happen to me” scenario to kick in here. Regardless of club permission, one has to question a Tour Manager’s judgement in using them at all. Just because someone says you can, does NOT always mean you should. While the videos of other bands using pyro in this club emerge, making for a stronger "permission" argument in this instance, unless they had the proper permits and precautions they too are equally as guilty of the "taken for granted" "it wont happen to me" mentality. The lack of judgement here could have just as easily created the same result at their show, they should just consider themselves lucky.

A series of bad judgement calls, “taken for granted”, and inattention caught up to everyone here. From the club owners to the Tour manager, this truly could have, and should have been avoided. The loss of life is tragic, it was without fail, an accident, but an accident that with a little care and precaution, could have turned out much differently. Unfortunately, it’s an accident waiting to happen again at clubs all over the country. I hope this is a wake up call to all, pay attention god dammit, it CAN happen to you.

My sincere condolences to the victims and loss their family suffers, the loss the rock and roll community suffers and the the loss we all feel. We are all touched by this in our own way, and I truly pray that something, ANYTHING good comes from this. If just one more life is saved, then at least we can all know this was not for nothing.

[jal4sas]

Blake,
Has there been a fund set up to help out the families of those that died in the fire. I saw an interview of a mother of one of the waitresses that died in the fire. The waitress left a very young child behind.

I would be interested in contributing to an established fund, or even if you wanted to start something, I could send you some money through the "paypal" thing.

Just a thought.

[TeamBajaMarine]

Jim,
There has been a fund set up and I am sure any contribution would be appreciated as I am going to do the same....Excellent gesture and It hurts to think what all these young people have left behind.

Centreville Savings Bank/West Warwick Municipal Workers Fire Relief Fund
Attention: Cindy Joaquin
1218 Main Street
West Warwick, RI 02893

(Make checks payable to: Fire Relief Fund)

[baja275]

being in the biz i agree 100% about the stone pony owner. i've seen this nut in action, he is a media hound and a COMPLETE #@&hole

[TeamBajaMarine]

There are new updates for anyone who feel compelled to donate...Check it out...

TY LONGLEY .COM (http://tylongley.com)

[jal4sas]

Blake,
Have there been any new updates on this, or is it a dead subject? I have not seen anything lately.

[TeamBajaMarine]

There have been all kinds of investigations and subpeonas for the band to testify, the latest is that GREAT WHITE will do a bunch of shows and donate all the proceeds to the victims familys and then I think the band will break up for good. I am sure you can find alot more info using yahoo.com or google.com. I really havent heard much more than this. I will say that things have got alot more stringent in the clubs and even areans when dealing with pyro.

[TeamBajaMarine]

UPDATE:

Fire Fines for Great White and Club

Rock band Great White and the club they performed in have been fined nearly $100,000 after a pyrotechnic display there began a blaze which killed 100 people.

The Station Concert Club in Rhode Island was engulfed by flames within minutes of the fire breaking out during the concert, which also killed the band's guitarist Ty Longley.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA) imposed a fine of $7,000 for Great White and $85,200 on the nightclub owners Derco LLC.

The club's violations included the installation of an exit door that swung the wrong way, the use of highly flammable foam, inadequate safety planning and an exit door that was concealed by foam.

The OSHA said Jack Russell Touring Inc., the corporation representing the band, had failed to protect employees from fire hazards.

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

After the fire, Great White said they had permission for the fireworks, but the owners said they did not.

In March, the relatives of two people killed in the fire launched legal actions against Derco LLC, Great White and local officials for negligence.

The criminal investigation into the event is continuing.

[TeamBajaMarine]

Three Indicted in R.I. Nightclub Fire

By BROOKE DONALD
Associated Press Writer

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 sparked the blaze.

Club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian were each charged with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter - two counts for each of the 100 deaths. They were charged for having the flammable soundproofing foam that caused the fire to spread, and for alleged negligence in their management of the club.

Great White tour manager Dan Biechele was charged with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter for setting off the stage fireworks that ignited the fire.

"I understand that no grand jury finding would or could ever speak to the profound suffering and sorrow the victims and their loved ones have endured," state Attorney General Patrick Lynch said in announcing the indictments after meeting privately with survivors and victims' families.

All three men pleaded innocent Tuesday, and they were released after posting bail. Bail for the club owners was set at $5,000 cash, while bail for Biechele was set at $10,000 cash. Involuntary manslaughter carries up to 30 years in prison.

"They are not criminals. They did not commit any criminal acts and they should not be charged with any crime," said Jeffrey Pine, attorney for Jeffrey Derderian.

"While we are deeply sympathetic to the victims, the fact remains that Dan Biechele is not guilty of the charges brought in this case," said Biechele's attorney, Tom Briody. "He could not have known of the dangerous conditions that existed inside The Station."

The indictment marks the first criminal charges to result from the Feb. 20 fire at The Station nightclub. About 200 people were injured in what was one of the deadliest fires in the nation's history.

The fire started after the pyrotechnics were shot off just seconds into Great White's first song, quickly igniting the foam that had been placed around the stage. Thick smoke quickly spread through the club and within minutes, the one-story, wooden building was engulfed in flames, trapping clubgoers as they rushed toward the same exit.

The cause of the fire was known almost immediately and the victims' final moments were captured by a local television cameraman who was gathering footage for a story on safety in public places.

While the band maintained it received permission to set off the fireworks, the club owners insisted permission was never given.

Members of Great White, who have been named in several civil suits, were not charged by the grand jury. 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.

Pine said he was "disturbed" that the band's lead singer, Jack Russell, was not charged. He also said he believed officials from the town should have been charged.

Fire and building inspection reports released by West Warwick never mentioned the foam that surrounded the stage, and the club had passed its last inspection - two months before the fire.

"The town inspected this club over and over and over and did not cite them for any violations," Pine said. "We're disturbed that nobody in the town was held accountable."

Ed McPherson, an attorney for Great White, said the band was relieved, but still saddened over the tragedy.

Phone messages left with Town Manager Wolfgang Bauer, and town Solicitor Timothy Williamson were not immediately returned Tuesday.

Lynch said the three defendants were charged with two types of involuntary manslaughter: one for "gross negligence," the other for committing a misdemeanor such as a fire code violation that led to a death.

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 clubs.

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.

Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

[TEAMBAJA]

So according to that last paragraph, the band is going to continue on? I havent heard much about this and was wondering what they would be doing.