Three days after the station fire, Jody King finally got the news that his brother Tracy's body had been found. [78], On the twentieth anniversary of the fire on February 20, 2023, Rhode Island governor Dan McKee ordered flags in Rhode Island lowered to half-staff for the day and the Rhode Island State House to be illuminated in memory of the 100 victims. Jim Axelrod: When you come to, you're in a hospital room. Jeff Derderian: this is flammable you can't have this. Gina Russo, who was in The Station on Feb. 20, 2003, barely made it out. Jim Axelrod: To people who feel that the two of you have never said we own this what do you say? PATRICK LYNCH [press conference]: We have an investigation on going and we need help, we need answers and I'm trying to get them. "[63] He added that the difference in the brothers' sentences reflected their respective involvement with the purchase and installation of the flammable foam. This is the main bar where you can get your drinks. The brothers sent a fax to the foam company specifically asking for sound foam. 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 [4] In 1985, it was converted to a pub, which closed sometime in the late 1980s, and a nightclub was opened in its place in 1991. For the first few years she shunned memorial ceremonies but eventually was convinced to go. American Foam Corporation, who sold the insulation to The Station nightclub, agreed in 2008 to pay $6.3 million to settle lawsuits relating to the fire. We're running out of time." I remember getting pushed from behind. Michael Derderian: Zero. Patrick Lynch: You're telling me it wasn't, and I don't know that it wasn't. [79], The site of the fire was cleared, and a multitude of crosses were placed as memorials, left by loved ones of the deceased. How is it our responsibility if they gave us the wrong foam?". She said she spent years after that in pain and anger. Jim Axelrod: I want to ask you about Phil Barr. Out of it. The story of three survivors that were trapped when the massive Cypress Street viaduct collapsed. I have to find him. In February 2008, Providence television station. Jody King: Nine different families have come up to me and said "thank you for having a great brother. Her fianc, Alfred Freddy Crisostomi, did not. The Station nightclub owners Michael, left, and Jeffrey Derderian, right, pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. [8], Great White had two opening acts for the February 20 concert: Trip, a group from Vancouver, Washington, and Fathead, a local Rhode Island band. [95], Russell performed a benefit show in February 2013 in Hermosa Beach, California in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the fire. During a concert by the rock band Great White, a pyrotechnic display ignited flammable acoustic foam in the walls and ceilings surrounding the stage. She sees telling the story of the Station fire as a way of preventing others from going through the same thing. But never once do they say, "we screwed up." "[55] Biechele was released in March 2008. Russell 's bandmate Ty Longley (guitar) was one of the people who perished in The Station blaze, which became the fourth deadliest fire in U.S. history. Linda Saran: I think a lot of people miss out on the moments. [1] The building that would become The Station was built in 1946 and was originally used as a gin mill. [58] Others pointed out that Biechele had sent handwritten letters to the families of each of the 100 victims and that he had a work release position in a local charity. I know how this tragedy has devastated me, but I can only begin to understand what the people who lost loved ones have endured. [9] In 2005, the Rhode Island Attorney General office received a fax from Barry Warner, a former employee of American Foam who lived nearby the Station, who claimed the company had known about the dangers of polyurethane foam but did not warn their employees about it. But even more than walking, Phil wanted to return to swimming. Its surreal. WEST WARWICK, R.I. The owners of The Station nightclub say their decision to finally speak publicly about the deadly fire there nearly . Everybody just kind of turned. Since 2003, the approach of the anniversary of the Station fire, where she and her twin sister, Cara Ann, got out unhurt while 100 others died and about 200 more were injured, was four weeks of dread. And then on one side, I noticed it come over the top, and that's when I said, "I have to leave." Today she is president of the Station Fire Memorial Foundation, the group that oversaw the construction of the memorial park. It just so happens that we're evacuated due to the CZU complex fire but hey that's how. local Four nonstop. [22] During the performance, pyrotechnics set off by tour manager Daniel Biechele ignited the flammable acoustic foam on both sides and the top center of the drummer's alcove at the back of the stage. An off-duty police officer standing outside had heard her kicking at the window. But then the door would go back up when it was going to be a loud night. he was very kind about it, but he said, "I don't ever see you competitively swimming again." [54] Darigan remarked, "The greatest sentence that can be imposed on you has been imposed on you by yourself. 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. And people just stood there. I couldn't get up. They go for 15 seconds and they go 15 feet into the air. But the night of the fire it was up to help cut down the noise. VIEW ALL PHOTOS. He said if there's. Survivors and friends of survivors active in the effort to turn the nightclub site in West Warwick into a memorial park recount the emotional journeys that brought them from 2003 to 2018.. In the end, the survivors and victims' families settled for a total of $176 million. "[58] The state parole board received approximately twenty letters, the majority of which expressed their sympathy and support for Biechele, some going as far as to describe him as a "scapegoat" with limited responsibility. [104] It was last introduced in the House in 2015 by then-U.S. Reps. James Langevin of Rhode Island and Tom Reed of New York.[104]. I was asked to work the merch table for the band, so I was getting 40 bucks and two T-shirts. Judy Tygard is the executive producer. It justit was so fast. WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - Saturday marks the 18-year anniversary of the Station Nightclub fire that left lasting scars on numerous families and the state of Rhode Island. 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. Phil Barr: I asked my pulmonologist, you know, "when can I get back in the pool?" Vanner has no excuses. [9] Jeffrey Derderian said the door was also installed due to noise, and they had removed it as asked, but sometimes re-installed it if the venue was going to be loud that night, and it was used by the band to escape the building during the fire. [tearing up] "What a great brother you have. My parents taught us a lot, a lot of things. "It feels like somebody knew somebody who was in that fire or knew somebody who did, so the pain is very personal.". 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.. It was there, she said, that she found the best therapists: others who had been in the fire. The Derderians have always maintained that they never gave the band permission to use pyrotechnics. But I should have at least tried.. you could not see your hand in front of your face. So, before I knew it, this finger was contractured down in this position and the rest of them were all bent backwards because the skin had tightened up.". The brothers have always maintained that they never gave the band permission to use pyrotechnics. Those who were trapped inside The Station when the flames started knew they needed to get out fast. That night, he allowed a cameraman to shoot footage inside the club for an upcoming story about safety in public venues. [6], Great White, the headlining band of the February 20 concert, had risen to fame as part of the glam metal scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Derderians say that in the three years they owned the club, no one ever questioned the safety of the foam. In the aftermath, West Warwick, Rhode Island TV news reporter Jeff Derderian wanted to run a story on nightclub safety. There is one consistent thing I have learned after 18 years in the The club was not equipped with sprinklers, according to the NIST, and crowding at the buildings main entrance made it difficult for people to escape. [9], Thousands of mourners attended an interfaith memorial service at St. Gregory the Great Church in Warwick on February 24, 2003, to remember those lost in the fire. He had an unlikely friend rooting for him. Jim Axelrod: If you have a message that you want the people of Rhode Island to hear, there were plenty of ways to get it out long before now. Jody King: He was gregarious. [32] The fine was not resolved until 2013, ten years after the fire, when it was upheld by a judge. [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. S01:E01 - San Francisco Freeway Collapse. [2], In the months prior to the fire, the building had been inspected twice by West Warwick fire marshal Denis Larocque. Survivor Phil Barr arrived to The Station early the night of the concert. [2] The final tally by The Providence Journal of people inside the Station during the fire totaled 462. The TIAs required automatic fire sprinklers in all existing nightclubs and similar locations that accommodate more than 100 occupants, and all new locations in the same categories. And settled for $1 million. As soon as the pyrotechnics stopped, the flame had started on the egg-crate backing behind the stage, and it just went up the ceiling. Like, "get away from the building." [44] The NIST report was released on March 3, 2005 and was made available in two parts on June 30, 2005. [77], A benefit memorial concert was held in February 2008 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence and featured performances by Tesla, Twisted Sister, Winger, Gretchen Wilson, and John Rich. 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. [25] Fire departments in Warwick, Coventry, and Cranston rendered mutual aid to the fire site. Jim Axelrod: The fire spread so quickly because rather than fire-retardant sound foam, on the wall of the club was highly flammable packing foam. As numerous violations of existing codes contributed to the severity of the fire, there was immediate effort to strengthen fire code protections. Barr, who was in his junior year, had dreams of a career on Wall Street and swam competitively for his college swim team. Jody King: When he walked into a room, if there wasn't a smile he'd start balancing stuff to get you uplifted and smiling. They all later accepted plea deals. Dan Biechele, center, at his sentencing. Jeff Derderian: They didn't even bring up the fax to him. One guy did crawl out. I went around back. 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. Parole board chairwoman Lisa Holley told journalists of her surprise at the forgiving attitude of the families, saying, "I think the most overwhelming part of it for me was the depth of forgiveness of many of these families that have sustained such a loss. People say they just feel peaceful, Russo told the Globe. It seems senseless that something like this could happen. They should have blamed more. Also there that night was Bates College student Phil Barr, who was home for winter break. Jody King: I see the horror. I noticed when the pyro stopped, the flame had kept going on both sides. Two decades after 100 people were killed in the West Warwick, R.I. fire, those affected by the incident are reflecting on that tragic night. A decade ago, a survivor . As Great White started their first song, their tour manager Daniel Biechele set off four large fireworks called gerbs. "It's hard to describe the level of agony. The Guest List: The Station Nightclub Fire, America's Deadliest Rock Concert will premiere on Sunday, February 20, 2022. [4] No occupants were in the building during the 1972 fire, but the interior was significantly damaged. [2] Larocque later told the Rhode Island State Police that he had not spotted the polyurethane foam during the November 2002 inspection because he was upset after finding an illegal inward swinging door that he had previously asked to be removed from the building. Linda Saran: Most of the crowd thought it was part of the show and didn't move. Phil Barr: It was getting harder and harder to breathe I could feel tightness and constriction in my chest. His fiance, Tina Ayer, died at 33 in the fire, CBS Boston reported. [62], In a letter to the victims' families, Judge Darigan wrote that he accepted the deal because he wanted to avoid "Public exposition of the tragic, explicit and horrific events experienced by the victims of this fire, both living and dead. and I tripped over what I assume was a bar stool. How he went from being a man with a job he loved and friends, to someone struggling with sobriety and guilt, suffering flashbacks at fire alarms and smoke-like fog. [24] The first West Warwick fire engine arrived at the scene at 11:13 p.m., followed by three other trucks shortly thereafter. Warner lived next to The Station and had met the brothers. [43][45], An investigation of the fire by a Rhode Island state grand jury was started by then-Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch on February 26, 2003. 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. Am I going to sit here and cry about this? But she refuses to live in the past. 0:57. Nine friends didnt. The State of Rhode Island and the town of West Warwick agreed to pay $10 million as settlement. Linda Saran: The night of the fire I got in for free. "[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. 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. When King arrived, he saw the devastating scene. [94] Kendall's version of the band holds the copyright for the Great White name. I don't know that I'll ever forgive myself for what happened that night, so I can't expect anybody else to. The Station Nightclub Fire: Who's Responsible? Linda Saran still places much of it on the Derderian brothers. The fire was the fourth-deadliest at a nightclub in U.S. history, and the second-deadliest in New England, behind the 1942 Cocoanut Grove fire, which resulted in 492 deaths. Michael Derderian: It would have been horrific to have people go through this. Built in 1946, the wooden Station nightclub was grandfathered into an exception for laws requiring ceiling fire sprinklers. [9] American Foam refuted the claims in Warner's fax. It was the fourth deadliest fire in a nightclub in US history. So, I actually got a really good sense of the layout of the venue. [21] The fire spread throughout the building and was completely engulfed within six minutes of the pyrotechnic ignition. That's what the code says. Great White was part of the lawsuit. And that's when I noticed the black on my arms. It was like what? On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. Stay up to date with everything Boston. some bleeding I could notice in my throat. Jody King: Hopped out of bed, grabbed my clothes, grabbed my keys, hopped in the car and took off. At the scene, Jody King was desperate for information about his brother, and began to fear the worst. [24] Hundreds of firefighters responded to the fire, including every available West Warwick firefighter. There was no one coming out the back door anymore. [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. Susan Nicol. He arrived early around 8:30 p.m. Phil Barr: There really weren't that many people around early in the night. To the right is this much larger space in front of a stage. [37] The report had been inspired by the E2 nightclub stampede in Chicago that killed 21 people three days earlier. Jody King: We never knew the whole story because the trial never happened, so everything really never came out. After 15 years of it being a dominant part of her everyday life, she said she is ready for it to be a part of her past. [21] Twenty seconds after the pyrotechnics ended, the band stopped playing and lead singer Jack Russell calmly remarked into the microphone, "Wow that's not good. The night of the fire Jeff Derderian gave a statement to the local police and another one to an investigator with the Attorney General's Office. Greatly., Things that bother people you sit there and you shake your head and you go, if this is the worst thing that happens to me today, this month, this year, this decade, I mean, at that point its one of those things. 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. To the families of those who died on that devastating day: Rhode Island will never forget your loved ones and we will always stand by you, McKee said in the statement. It was completely preventable. [2], Prior to being converted into a nightclub and concert venue, the Station building had been used as a restaurant and tavern. [39], At the scene of the fire, Butler gave this account of the tragedy:[41]. 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]. 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 . Her fianc, Alfred Freddy Crisostomi, who was behind her, pushing her toward the door, perished. This is a massive part of my life. Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in prison. That specific. And I was paying staff pricing for beer because I knew a guy. He turned back to see the crowd bottle-necked at the stage. [90] The band initially retired "Desert Moon", the song they were performing when the fire began, from their concert set list. [36] Butler was there for a planned piece on nightclub safety being reported by Jeffrey A. Derderian, a WPRI news reporter who was also a part-owner of The Station. It was liquid fire. But what they received was highly flammable packing foam. Scott James: It was a typical kind of roadside dive. This trial was scheduled to start May 1, 2006, but Biechele, against his lawyers' advice,[52] pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter on February 7, 2006, in what he said was an effort to "bring peace, I want this to be over with."[52]. The Foam.". One near the bar. Scott James: The fire alarm you hear it kick in. Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, who is featured in a REELZ documentary about the Warwick, Rhode Island Station nightclub fire, which killed some 100 attendees of a Great White concert in 2003, [99] 41 and a film based on O'Neill's play They Walk Among Us were aired by Rhode Island PBS in February 2013 in conjunction with the tenth anniversary of the fire. He owned his own construction company, and he was often in the backyard with his sons, improving the landscape or building two ponds that he filled with koi fish. Everyone carries baggage and I think at some point you figure out how to pack it and carry it with you, she said. Christina Pimentel wasnt at the Station 15 years ago but she remembers the fire that killed 100 people because one of them was her uncle, Carlos Pimentel Sr. Jeff Derderian: I remember we were trying to get people away from the building. And a quarter of those people didn't get to go home ever," says survivor Linda Saran, who was severely burned in the fire at The Station nightclub. 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. . [56], The sentence drew mixed reactions in the courtroom. [92], Russell left Great White in 2010. Patrick Lynch: They are running the operation. But it's fun. But, you know, they have this following to this day . That's all I can keep seeing in my head. That's when I turned back. Jody King: He ran in and came out nine times in 90 seconds. Like you feel that kinship that, you know, "God, I really hope this guy makes it." [9] Although Warner was called to testify to a grand jury, he was not asked about the fax. Michael Derderian: That is correct. A staggering 100 lives were lost. [93] After a 2013 legal settlement between the two parties, Kendall's band retained the Great White name, while Russell's band was allowed to use the name Jack Russell's Great White. You were not approaching that area at all. Phil Barr fought to breathe on his own. Today Phil Barr is married and a father of two little girls. ", "20 years later, the effects of the Station nightclub fire still linger - The Boston Globe", "The Great White Nightclub Fire: Ten Years Later", "In West Warwick firefighters' hearts, the disaster isn't over", "How a West Warwick restaurant became a triage center for burn victims", "20th anniversary of New England nightclub fire that killed 100", "State supreme court to review penalty for employee deaths in R.I. fire - UPI.com", "Workers comp. [96] By 2013, Russell's group had resumed playing "Desert Moon". It was late on Feb. 20, 2003, when the cold winter night erupted in flames. Now, Russo leads the Station Fire Memorial Foundation, which oversees a memorial that stands where the nightclub once went up in flames, The Boston Globe reported. And so, when the fire inspector came in and said that that door had to come down the door, the door did come down. Sparks from the gerbs ignited the insulation foam, and flames were visible on the wall above the stage within nine seconds of their ignition. [86][87] The memorial dedication ceremony took place on May 21, 2017. Monday marked the 20th anniversary of the Station nightclub fire, one of the deadliest blazes to ever occur at a nightclub in the United States. Jeffrey Derderian received 500 hours of community service. Jody King: He went on David Letterman twice to do Stupid Human Tricks. But 15 years later, she said, its time for her to move out of its shadow. [90] Russell planned to donate the proceeds to the Station Fire Memorial Foundation, but the organization asked to be disassociated from the concert, citing the animosity still felt by many of the survivors and surviving families. The Feb. 20, 2003. I can only pray that they understand that I would do anything to undo what happened that night and give them back their loved ones. Jim Axelrod: Did either of you know anything about running a nightclub? Michael Derderian: He finds the deficiencies, you have to correct the deficiencies and then signs off so that you so you can get your liquor license that happened in 2000. The club was sold. The Station was owned by brothers Michael and Jeff Derderian. it became very, very hard to breathe. They would want to talk, she said, and they wouldnt freak. The charge is pending. But she said she also wants to keep the people she has met from that night, who she sees as friends and not sharers of a horrible experience. Jim Axelrod: There are so many people still to this day angry that the case didn't go to trial. [97] Russell raised about $180 from the concert, but the Memorial Foundation refused the donation, a decision supported by Kendall. [32] In April 2003, The Derderians were fined $1.07 million for failing to carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees. PROVIDENCE Over the years Dave Kane has had to find a place to store his outrage over losing his 18-year-old son, Nicholas, in The Station nightclub fire in 2003. She got out. [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. When January comes each year, she starts a lesson, delicately, talking about The Station and how there was a fire there. Linda Saran was a regular at The Station. Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter, and Michael and Jeff Derderian pleaded no contest. Jeff Derderian: That door was opened immediately and that's where the band went out. [48], Following the tragedy, Governor Donald Carcieri declared a moratorium on pyrotechnic displays at venues that hold fewer than 300 people. Eighteen years later, there is no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. It looked like a ladder of those black jelly bracelets from the 80s hanging in rings around my wrists. She spoke with the Globe about Jefferey and Michael Derderian, the . The loss is still fresh for her cousins, she said, even 15 years later. Jeff Derderian: Because in my mind I had nothing to hide. I cant do it for the rest of my life, she said. I went over, put my hands against the glass, and I started kicking at that window and it wouldn't break. Jim Axelrod: Mr. Warner's fax wasn't presented to the grand jury, correct? The Station nightclub fire occurred on the evening of February 20, 2003 at The Station, a nightclub and hard rock music venue in West Warwick, Rhode Island, United States, killing 100 people and injuring 230. REELZ today announced the network's original documentary America's Deadliest Rock Concert: The Guest List premieres February 20th at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT presenting the deeply personal stories of lives forever altered by the tragic Station nightclub fire that left 100 people dead, more than 200 injured and devastated the tight-knit community of West Warwick, Rhode Island. JACK RUSSELL [news interview]: We never do anything without asking permission first. [2][46] On December 9, 2003, the grand jury announced indictments against Station owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian and Great White road manager Daniel M. Scott James: When people arrive, they walk through this entrance and this kinda longish hallway. As a human being how do you not feel some sort of responsibility for that ? Nightclub Fire", "3 indicted in R.I. rock concert fire - UPI Archives", "The Derderians are on a 'white-wash tour' about The Station fire, says father who lost son", "The strange and terrible true story of Great White, and the Station nightclub fire", "3 Men Are Indicted in Fire At Rhode Island Nightclub", "Foam company offers Station nightclub fire plaintiffs $6.3M settlement", "DAN BIECHELE SPEAKS Pre-Sentencing Statement GREAT WHITE TOUR MANAGER Station Nightclub Fire RI", "Fury, Tears and 4-Year Term in Deadly Blaze", "Band manager who ignited deadly Rhode Island nightclub fire freed from prison", "Manager Sentenced for Rhode Island Nightclub Fire", "Many families of Station fire victims supporting parole for band manager", "Band manager who ignited R.I. club fire is freed", "After prison, Biechele rebuilding life in Fla", "Derderians will plead; AG says he opposes sentencing deal", "2 Brothers to Plead No Contest in R.I. Flames were seen breaking through a part of the roof in less than five minutes. And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through. Linda Saran: When I first went out the window, I landed on the stairs. Jim Axelrod: Did you have enough time to form those complete thoughts? [11] For the 2003 tour, the band was billed as "Jack Russell's Great White". Jeff Derderian, seated right, says, "You know a day doesn't go by that we don't think about it in some way, shape or form.". To satisfy noise complaints from neighbors, the brothers had installed foam along the club's walls and ceilings. Jim Axelrod: Describe The Station nightclub for me. [2] The club was cited for nine minor code violations during the first inspection in November 2002, but was not cited for the flammable polyurethane foam the venue used for soundproofing, which was against code. You know people didn't react instantly. At the time of The Station fire, older clubs in Rhode Island weren't required to install sprinklers. Daniel Biechele, the tour manager for Great White who had ignited the pyrotechnics, plead guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter in 2006 and was sentenced to fifteen years in prison with four to serve. [95][49], Neither version of Great White performed in any of the six New England states for over a decade following the fire. And then we've got the pressure from the judge saying you know, you're going to go to jail for 30 years apiece. He had failed to get a license for the pyrotechnics from the State of Rhode Island and permits from the local fire department.