News Segment

COMPANY APOLOGIZES FOR GREAT WHITE TITLE:

March 25, 2004

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A record company that released a cover album by the band whose pyrotechnics sparked a deadly nightclub fire apologized Thursday for the title it gave the CD, “Burning House of Love.”

The Italian company, Comet Records, said a producer picked the name without thinking about Great White’s connection to the February 2003 fire, which killed 100 people in West Warwick.

In a statement to The Associated Press in Rome, Comet said it had no intention of exploiting the tragedy, and that distribution of the album will be halted.

“We at Comet are deeply sorry,” the company said.

The album 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 fire, the victims of which included the band’s guitarist Ty Longley.

The company said it will seek Great White’s input to rename the album, which was released under Comet’s Horizon Italy label.

Obi Steinman, a Great White manager, has said the CD was an unauthorized release. But Comet said the rights to the recordings have been licensed to Comet by San Juan Music Group in New Jersey.

The fire began when the band’s pyrotechnics ignited foam placed near the stage as soundproofing. The club’s two owners and the band’s former tour manager have been indicted on manslaughter charges.

Courtesy of Associated Press