Great White Tragedy Remains a Stain on Carefree Hair Metal Days
I never thought Great White was anything more than a serviceable hard rock band that parlayed a passion for '70s glam rock seamlessly into a considerable career in the '80s hair metal scene. Oh, the band released a few memorable songs, particularly the strong ballad "Save Your Love," and received some MTV exposure that got its music heard. But the 2003 Rhode Island nightclub fire during one of the band's concerts that claimed 100 lives has forever changed the way I see Great White.Since the tragedy I've had a tremendous amount of sympathy not only for the lives ripped apart by the needless loss of loved ones but the band itself, which inevitably took the brunt of blame and scorn typical of deadly tragedies like this. Now that Dan Biechele, Great White's former tour manager, has been sentenced to four years in prison for his part in negligently handling pyrotechnics that night, I must say I don't feel any better despite the resolution.
I think ultimately this is just another case where people need someone to blame before they can move on. And while that impulse is understandable, it's important to note that this accident was probably not fueled by any particular devilry within Biechele's character. Perhaps any number of people have and might have exercised similarly poor judgment in an overzealous effort to create a fun night for concertgoers. This is not to say that no one should be held accountable for this tragedy; rather, I just wonder if sometimes we have a tendency to equate justice with punishment too closely.
Album Cover Photo Courtesy of EMI-Capitol Special Markets
Comments
Great post! I agree with what you said about seeking out a mandatory scapegoat out of a tragic situation.
I was, and will forever be a fan of Great White. Granted, that completely avoidable tragedy will forever be linked to them, overshadowing their talents and great music.
Unfortunately, NO “scapegoat” in this world will EVER bring ANY of those poor vicitms back- including their newest guitarist, Ty Longley!
I’d like to know IF the club owners were held ‘responsible’ as well, given their club & stage weren’t set up with ANYTHING FIREPROOF; which quickly became VERY SADLY OBVIOUS, IT SHOULD HAVE been- especially when the use of electrical equipment was intended to be used regularly in that area, if not throughout The Station.
The club itself lacked Functional, ACCESSIBLE fire extinquishers, Halogen Back-up Emergency Lighting, accessible Emergency EXITS, and what about Capacity “limitations”?
I am SO VERY SORRY for any and every loss that occured on that night. It was such a horrible, senseless tragedy. To be quite honest, for the longest time, it made me completely apprehensive about attending ANY kind of shows or concerts inside ANY clubs whatsoever. I still have second thoughts about going to clubs for shows, and IF I do go, I’m watching everything as much as I can and making SURE I KNOW where ANY Emergency Exits, or probable exits are located… just in case.
May God BLESS, touch, and remain within the hearts and souls of each and every one of the vicitms, their families, Great White, and anyone else ‘involved’.
Sincerely.
W~W