Federal Agency Fines GREAT WHITE, Club Owners For Safety Violations

August 20, 2003

Jack Russell Touring Inc., the corporate entity that handles business affairs for GREAT WHITE, faces a $7,000 fine by the federal agency that regulates workplace safety for failing to protect employees from fire hazards, according to the Providence Journal. In addition, The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined Derco LLC, the business that ran the Rhode Island club (The Station) where 100 people perished in February, $85,200 for one "willful" violation and six serious ones.

OSHA charges the band stored unused pyrotechnics too close to those being fired, did not have a plan for the pyrotechnics' use, did not have the proper pyrotechnic operator licensing, and didn't separate the pyrotechnics from the audience by the minimum 15 feet.

"I don't think it's appropriate," band attorney Ed McPherson said of the fine. "What GREAT WHITE, did in and of itself, wouldn't have done anything but for the polyurethane being sprayed on the ceiling and on the walls."

McPherson said it is likely the band will appeal the fine, but an appeal is still being discussed.

In other news, GREAT WHITE have announced additional dates as part of their "weekend warrior" concerts, in which they are playing a mix of clubs and large festivals every Thursday through Sunday until October. The tour, dubbed "Help Us - Help Our Own", has so far raised $25,000 for The Station Family Fund, a nonprofit organization benefiting victims and relatives of those injured or killed in the Station fire.

"Help Us - Help Our Own" tour dates (more shows to be added):

Aug. 22 - Russel, KS @ Plains Amphitheatre
Aug. 23 - Kearney, NE @ Kearney Nebraska Fairgrounds
Aug. 24 - Yankton, SD @ Club 52
Sep. 05 - Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
Sep. 06 - Middletown, OH @ CC Showcase
Sep. 07 - Gibraltar, MI @ Big Al's Sports Bar
Sep. 11 - Everett, WA @ The Broadway
Sep. 12 - Portland, OR @ The Crystal Ballroom
Sep. 13 - Tacoma, WA @ Temple Ballroom
Sep. 14 - San Francisco, CA @ TBA
Sep. 18 - Hewitt, MN @ Checkers
Sep. 19 - Mahnomen, MN @ Shooting Star Casino
Sep. 20 - Havre, MT @ Ice Dome
Sep. 21 - Missoula, MT @ Elbow Room
Sep. 25 - Scranton, PA @ Staircase

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