News Segment

GREAT WHITE COVER ALBUM TO BE PULLED:

March 24, 2004

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – 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. Obi Steinman added that the distributor agreed the name was in poor taste and planned to stop its sale.

The album, released by the label Horizon Italy, comprises covers of other bands’ songs performed by Great White. The title track, originally performed by the band X, was performed by Great White before the Feb. 20, 2003, fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick.

As of Wednesday night, the album was still available on Amazon.com.

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, that sales would be halted.

Steinman said the companies said they picked the album title without thinking about any connection to the fire. A message left with San Rafael, Calif.-based City Hall Records was not immediately returned Wednesday night.

The fire began when the band’s pyrotechnics ignited 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 has the legal rights to the recordings.

Courtesy of Associated Press