Out of the ashes of the Station fire, tougher building codes arose: R.I.'s fire safety rules changed from arcane and confusing to a modern code more easily understood. 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 manslaughter. DANIEL BIECHELE [at sentencing hearing in tears]: I don't know that I will ever forgive myself for what happened that night. Phil Barr: Being a survivor of The Station nightclub fire is a piece of who I am. In the days after the fire, victims' families and survivors faced a harsh new reality. Jeff Derderian: None of the inspections and then follow-up inspections. In the 1980s, Mr. Altemose developed entertainment venues including Pulsations, a dinner theater and nightclub in Concord, and the Riverside Speakeasy, in Graterford. Station fire: He lost his brother but didnt blame the Derderians: The Derderian brothers became pariahs after the fire, ostracized and blamed for the tragedy. You can even expect an appearance from the club's famous robot. Today Phil Barr is married and a father of two little girls. "It's hard to describe the level of agony. Pulsations was a 15,000-square-foot club. I was asked to work the merch table for the band, so I was getting 40 bucks and two T-shirts. RealYakub 4 days ago. And it was ugly. And he says you can. Is it true that, back then, you gave away breast enlargements to female customers? 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. That was his gift. Michael Derderian: And I'm saying to him "Did everybody get out Did anyone die?" This is solid gasoline. Building was of mixed-use. Linda Saran: That's when you make a decision. They should have blamed more. [tears up] And the roof and just everything just fast, too fast. They were friends. Jeff Derderian: That door was opened immediately and that's where the band went out. Tracy King died saving many others the night of the fire. Karma/Comeuppance, Liars/Scammers, Nightclub, Portugal, Teenagers, Underaged | Right | December 3, 2022. 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. Phil Barr: We kind of crouched down behind some of the people in front of us. "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. Jeff Derderian: Because in my mind I had nothing to hide. Fifteen years after that deadly night, the rubble cleared away, The Station Fire Memorial Park opened as a place for victims, family and friends to come and remember. It featured 11 bars, 10 levels, and 6,000 lights. 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. Both the brothers had other jobs. The Derderians bought the club as an investment. Orlando Police released hundreds of new photos and evidence in the Pulse nightclub massacre, as the widow of the gunman faces criminal charges in federal court in California.CLICK HERE TO SEE THE . Jody King kneels at his brother Tracy's memorial. The gunman, 29-year-old Omar Mateen, was a U.S. citizen born in Queens, New York, to Afghan . Tracy died never giving up. It was like what? Jim Axelrod: When the foam came, was there anything on the packaging that indicated that it was highly flammable? The 1980s rock Great White and its lead singer Jack Russell (playing as Jack Russell's Great White) for putting together the show as part of a tour of roadhouses seeking to rekindle past glory. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Another 230 people were injured in what ranks as the nations fourth-deadliest nightclub fire. The night of the fire, hundreds of people gathered at The Station to see Great White, an 80s band now with some new members lead by singer Jack Russell and known mainly for their hit "Once Bitten, Twice Shy. Phil Barr awoke after three weeks in a medically induced coma and was told his lungs had been badly damaged. Berlin. Jim Axelrod: Were you a fan of the band Great White? At least 64 others were also sued, including the state of Rhode Island citedforthe fire inspector's failure to report the flammable foam during multiple inspections. When King arrived, he saw the devastating scene. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. 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.". The West Warwick, Rhode Island club The Station was purchased by brothers Michael A. and Jeffrey A. Derderian in 2000 and three years later became a scene of tragedy that would haunt Rhode Island forever. The Station nightclub owners Michael, left, and Jeffrey Derderian, right, pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. And then, ever so slowly, he learned to walk again. Jody King says his brother enjoyed working for the Derderians. Watch Live: Closing arguments begin in double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh, Ex-Georgia star Jalen Carter was racing in deadly crash, arrest warrants allege, Watch Live: Garland testifies amid ongoing special counsel investigations, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students. Michael Derderian: They got this fax and it went on to describe the business practices of the foam company. To the right is this much larger space in front of a stage. Also there that night was Bates College student Phil Barr, who was home for winter break. Patrick Lynch: I don't think there's any question that had that door not been up a significant number of people would have survived. The Derderians learned about a piece of evidence they say is important that was never presented to the grand jury: an eight-page fax sent to the Attorney General's Office anonymously just months after the fire entitled "The Fire. Absolutely not. Michael Derderian also spoke via phone to an investigator. Jody King: He ran in and came out nine times in 90 seconds. At 15,000 square feet, Pulsations itself featured 10 levels, 11 bars, and 12 VIP hotel rooms. The Station fire:A Timeline of the tragedy, More:Should PTSD qualify for injured-on-duty status? For annual late-night Station remembrance, memorial a peaceful, meaningful addition: On the 15th anniversary of the deadly nightclub fire, a peaceful memorial opened for the victims, family members and survivors and so that all of Rhode Island would remember. 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. Within minutes the building was engulfed in flame and toxic smoke as the highly flammable polyurethane foam glued to the nightclubs walls as soundproofing ignited. Tracy King liked to entertain people with his unique talent. Michael Derderian: Zero. . Disco music, then, evolved into rave music. Tables can be seen strewn with half-consumed drinks and food that was abandoned when Omar Mateen suddenly opened fire. Barr was now outside, but he felt like his lungs were on fire. It was completely preventable. In a 9-1-1 call made shortly after the shooting began, Mateen swore allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi . Final . if he had done that, then he would have obviously have said to us . Station owners silent as fire's 10th anniversary nears: The Derderian brothers, who purchased the West Warwick, R.I., nightclub in 2000 with hopes of making it a thriving business, still draw anger, and resentment from victims, and their families. Help. We took shortcuts. Linda Saran: I think a lot of people miss out on the moments. Linda Saran: I said, "you know what? There's an exit near the stage. This is a company that did little to educate their employees about the limits of polyurethane foam. Michael and Jeff Derderian pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. then as it heals, the scarring tightens up. I ran across the room and I ran face-first into the wall. The Station fire changed how we view fire safety. The brothers sent a fax to the foam company specifically asking for sound foam. Over four seasons of hosting Spike TV's "Bar Rescue . Dance & Night Club. Monday marks the 20th anniversary of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, Rhode Island, that killed 100 people. He don't know. And I knew the window was to my left. As the California band Great White took the stage that February night in 2003, pyrotechnics ignited soundproofing foam insulation which resulted in a massive blaze. Eighteen years later, there was no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. Photos showing the destruction inside of Pulse nightclub have been released. Exterior shots of the nightclub also show several gaping holes where authorities used explosives to blast open a wall near the bathroom to save survivors who had been trapped for hours. I went over, put my hands against the glass, and I started kicking at that window and it wouldn't break. The original version of the following expose into the rock'n'roll lifestyle as seen in action during a post-concert meet'n'greet by The Fixx appeared in my college newspaper, Temple News, in the autumn of 1987, just after the events in question occurred.Then I added a bit of grown-up perspective to make it the 27th entry on my blog on Sept . Linda Saran still places much of it on the Derderian brothers. Scott James: The fire alarm you hear it kick in. It is now mandatory for nightclubs with occupancy over 150 to have them. He was out there, and he just loved being in the center. It was already in contract. For years, he worked in Boston for Channel 7. In many communities, the crucial task of inspecting buildings in search of potentially life-threatening fire hazards falls to just one person. That history necessarily includes his role in starting up Pulsations, which Rolling Stone describes as "the monster dance club that brought Studio 54 vibes to West Philadelphia.". Jim Axelrod: To people who feel that the two of you have never said we own this what do you say? Scott James: And the nightclub operator there was so angry when he saw what had happened in Rhode Island, he went public, and he even made public the contract that he had with Great White that showed there was no evidence of fireworks that were going to be part of the show. The Derderians are on a 'white-wash tour' in 2021 about The Station fire, says father who lost son: Over the yearsDave Kanehas had to find a place to storehisoutrage overlosing his18-year-oldson, Nicholas, in The Station nightclub firein 2003. Jeffrey Derderian was sentenced to community service. The burned remnants of The Station nightclub, after a fire killed 100 people in February 2003. ", Scott James: They had their moments. Sunday marks the 19th anniversary of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, Rhode Island, that killed 100 people. Sadly, Pulsar the robot has not yet been utilized on the show. Isn't that an important fact in determining who's at fault? Station fire memorial nearing completion: Organizers say they have raised more than $1.9 million of the $2 million needed to build it and maintain it in perpetuity. The white padding is soaked red. American Foam said Warner's claims about the company are false. Linda Saran: They have said they were sorry. It would become one of the deadliest fires in a club in U.S. history. Patrick Lynch: while troubling, concerning, maddening it doesn't mean that somebody should be charged or can be. Patrick Lynch: I can't remember, honestly. 81. Today. The Derderians say that in the three years they owned the club, no one ever questioned the safety of the foam and say the club was inspected by their insurance company, and multiple times by the local Fire Marshal Denis Laroque. 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. 5. You should be proud." The night of November 28, 1942, promised all the glamour and glitz that made Boston's most famous night spot, The Cocoanut Grove, legendary. Station fire, 15 years later: Survivors tell their stories: While many say they will never get over it, they have found a way to get along with it. So, I actually got a really good sense of the layout of the venue.". A band that was on the platform that night, during its performance, used pyrotechnics that ignited polyurethane foam insulation lining the walls and ceiling of the platform. Taffer recently sat down with Rolling Stone to discuss bars and his history with them. The fire was now out of control; it had spread along the foam that lined the walls and ceiling intended to dampen sound. That was in like the 80s. it became very, very hard to breathe. Everyone has a Pulsations story! But I made a choice. People come here to reflect. Almost immediately the finger pointing started. Patrick Lynch: They are running the operation. That history necessarily includes his role in starting up Pulsations, which . And that's when I noticed the black on my arms. I couldn't play an instrument. Michael Derderian: That is correct. And the following year he was able to accomplish the impossible and rejoin his swim team. Back in 1983, Bar Rescue host Jon Taffer helped start the beloved Glen Mills hangout, Pulsations Nightclub a period that he today appears to recall fondly. 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. Jody King: I'm so proud to say he's my brother. Phil Barr: Yep. The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, hosted a band, which used unapproved pyrotechnics during the performance. Jeff Derderian: I don't know. It had a spaceship that flew into the room and deposited a robot on the dance floor. Scott James: It should not have happened. Scott James: You have four exits. The roof was caving in, walls were caving in, body after body in front of me. The girl who won received the contract with the doctor and had to give us before-and-after brassieres. He wrote: "This is a company that is well aware of the dangers of polyurethane foam. 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. She would not hurt a fly., 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, The deadliest mass shootings in US history, Suspected Pulse nightclub memorial vandal arrested, Vandal in wheelchair sets fire to Pulse nightclub memorial, What timing! He spent 33 months in prison, while Jeff had to do 500 hours of community service. Survivor Phil Barr arrived to The Station early the night of the concert. Phil Barr: and I felt the door and I just heaved my shoulder into it. Get Pulsations, Glen Mills, PA, USA setlists - view them, share them, discuss them with other Pulsations, Glen Mills, PA, USA fans for free on setlist.fm! People come here to remember, said King, who wears a tattoo of his brother on his chest. They go for 15 seconds and they go 15 feet into the air. PATRICK LYNCH [press conference]: We have an investigation on going and we need help, we need answers and I'm trying to get them. The fire spread quickly along the walls and . It was a nightclub called Pulsations that opened in 1983. One victim died from stabbing during clashes. Published February 20, 2023 Updated on February 20, 2023 at 9:51 am. And who does drugs, violence, firearm possession . 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? 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. Judy Tygard is the executive producer. Since I had been there earlier in the night, I knew that there was at least an exit in the back barroom. The spaceship was 27 feet in diameter, pulled about 600 amps and had 70 lighting systems on it. WEST WARWICK, R.I. . Out of it. Lawsuits claim it wrecked their teeth. So, it was not a great decision to use these inside a nightclub that only has 12-foot ceilings. We've received your submission. Flames can be seen on the back wall. It was really everything to me at that time. The Derderians have always maintained that they never gave the band permission to use pyrotechnics. This was a mistake, King said. But even more than walking, Phil wanted to return to swimming. Survivors, families, friends, firefighters, doctors and nurses were left to carry the physical and emotional scars of that night. Fire safety work goes on: Advocates gather at Station memorial to mark tax law easing cost of sprinklers. While 94 of them have remained afloat, 84 have shut their doors. That's all I can keep seeing in my head. But for Karren Lee Ziner, staff writer for the Providence Journal, who was the first on the scene that February night, TheStationfire was its own special nightmare and it still haunts her. Why had the fire spread so quickly? 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. [tears up, shaking his head]. And I stood up. Jim Axelrod: Did either of you know anything about running a nightclub? 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: But that door became impassable almost within seconds because clearly there's foam that's burning at 800 or 1,500 degrees. 1 / 3. And I said my hands won't work. And I was responsible for the day to day. 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. It was THE spot in the Delaware Valley in the '80s, and tonight "The Goldbergs" recreate the legendary nightclub for Barry's bachelor party. ", "We are now at 65, and that may be higher ", Jeff Derderian: "Can you come in? For the rest of her life, she will bear the scars from that terrible night 20 years ago. 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