As previously reported, former Great White frontman Jack Russell will playing an acoustic show next month to mark the tenth anniversary of The Station fire that killed 100 Great White fans and the band’s guitarist Ty Longley.
The singer was planning to donate all proceeds from the show to the Station Fire Memorial Foundation, however Russell has released the following statement:
“This morning my manager received an email from the Vice President of the Station Fire Memorial Foundation, stating that they will refuse any donations from me to the foundation.
‘This is to respect the wishes of the families and survivors who do not wish to have any association with Jack or his Great White … We do not want our name associated with ANYTHING Jack Russell or [what] his band does. We do not want any donations or proceeds from anything he does.’
That being said, the proceeds from the show on February 7th will be donated to a different charitable organization, to be determined shortly.
I am saddened by the response of the foundation and the motives behind it, but we will put on a great show and make it for a worthy cause.”
The Station nightclub in Rhode Island burst into flames during a Great White show on February 20th, 2003, as a result of the band’s pyros making contact with flammable soundproofing foam. Within six minutes it had become the fourth-most-deadly club fire accident in US history, injuring 230 along with the fatalities.
9 Responses
I used to love this band and Jack’s voice so much. What the hell happened (besides his drug usage that is)? Some of my favorite music of the 80’s came from these guys. Great bluesy heavy rock. Jack and Mark Kendall were phenomenal together. Oh well….
Man thats rough, I can’t imagine that kinda turn down. But he’s a bigger man for respecting thier wishes.
Am I missing something here? Jack Russell didn’t cause that fire. Even if he did, why don’t they want his money???
I guess as long as they are comfortable cutting thier nose off to spite their face. Didn’t realize money was so easy to come by.
Why would Russell even think that they would want his money?