Digital Extra: The Station Fire

10:38 AM EST on Thursday, March 25, 2004

The Associated Press

PROVIDENCE -- The band whose pyrotechnics sparked a nightclub fire that killed 100 people said they have been assured that a recently-released cover album titled "Burning House of Love" will be pulled from store shelves.

A manager for the 1980s rock band Great White said the CD was an unauthorized release and the company that distributed it planned to stop its sale, agreeing it was in poor taste.

The album, released by the label Horizon Italy, comprises covers of other bands' songs performed by Great White. The title track is a cover of a song by the band X that Great White recorded before the Feb. 20, 2003, fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick.

As of this morning, the album was still available on Amazon.com.

The band's manager, Obi Steinman, said he didn't know when the Internet sites would stop selling the album, but said he was assured by Horizon Italy and its North American distributor, City Hall Records, sales would be halted.

"I agree that the appearance of your clients having exploited a tragic event in which they were involved, for commercial gain, is disgusting. As the appearance is a false one, the product is reprehensible," wrote Robin Cohn, of City Hall Records, in a letter to Steinman. Steinman read the letter to The Associated Press.

The fire at The Station began when the band's pyrotechnics ignited flammable foam placed near the stage as soundproofing. Great White guitarist Ty Longley was among the dead, and more than 200 concertgoers were injured.

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

Steinman said the band's lawyers are still looking into whether Horizon Italy had the legal rights to the recordings.