Great White tour manager Dan Biechele and the Station nightclub owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian were indicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter yesterday, stemming from the February fire that claimed 100 lives.

Each of the three faces 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter, and each pleaded innocent to charges, the first criminal counts handed down after the tragedy. The Derderians were freed on $5,000 bail each, Biechele posted $10,000 bail.

The fire started just moments into Great White's February 20th show in West Warwick, Rhode Island, when the band's stage pyrotechnics ignited soundproofing foam in the venue. The fire quickly consumed the Station; 200 fans were injured and Great White guitarist Ty Longley was among those killed. The band and the club's owners offered differing stories as to whether the pyrotechnics were authorized.

Several civil suits against the principals involved in the fire have also been filed.

ANDREW DANSBY
(December 9, 2003)