Digital Extra: The Station Fire

05:34 PM EST on Monday, March 22, 2004

The Associated Press

Great White, the band whose pyrotechnics sparked The Station nightclub fire that killed 100 people, says it has nothing to do with a recently-released cover album titled "Burning House of Love."

A manager and a lawyer for the 1980s' rock band said the CD is an unauthorized release and that the title is in bad taste. The band is exploring legal action against Horizon Italy, the label that released the album.

The Feb. 20, 2003, fire at West Warwick club began when the band's pyrotechnics ignited flammable foam placed near the stage as soundproofing. Great White guitarist Ty Longley was among the dead. In addition, more than 200 concertgoers were injured.

The club's two owners and the band's former tour manager, who ignited the pyrotechnics, have been indicted on manslaughter charges stemming from the fire.

The album is comprised of covers of other bands' songs previously performed by several of Great White's musicians. The CD is being sold on Internet sites, including Amazon.com.

"It's a horrible thing. I'm sure the victims (of the fire) are outraged," said Ed McPherson, a lawyer for Great White.

McPherson said he's looking into whether Horizon Italy has the legal rights to the recordings.

The band's manager, Obi Steinman, said the title track is a cover of a song by the band "X" that Great White recorded before the nightclub fire.

Steinman said sometimes labels re-release albums under new titles, adding he believes the Italian label is trying to capitalize on the band's current notoriety.

Great White has urged fans not to buy the recording, in a message on its Web site.

There was no answer at a phone number in Italy that was associated with the record label.

Victoria Potvin, president of The Station Family Fund, which provides financial assistance to those affected by the fire, said the album is "truly tasteless," but has nothing to do with Great White, which has raised money for the fund.

"Whenever a tragedy occurs there are always people who are going to try to capitalize on it in some way or another," she said