The Station Nightclub Fire - What It Looks Like Now 

The memorial garden is beautiful. At least those who lost their lives haven't been forgotten.

My fathers memorial is in the middle of the screen at 0:48. I was only 5 in 03 when he passed. r.i.p to all who perished in that fire.

I spent so many nights in that club. My wife at the time worked for a local radio station and had tickets, but I didn’t feel like going I couldn’t believe what I saw on the news that night.

I was supposed to be there that night but changed my mind due to a sleet storm that was rolling in. My good friend Johnny worked the front door and he helped save many lives, unfortunately I lost 4 friends that night. The restaurant across the street, the Cowessett Inn, was turned into a temporary triage unit for the victims and first responders. It was an extremely devastating night / day in Rhode Island history. God bless all of the fallen.

nothing makes up for such a careless tragedy, but this garden is a beautiful tribute to the victims and memorial for the event.

My father was a Firefighter/EMT who responded there. He’d been on the job for over 40 years and said this was the worst he’s ever seen - he retired a year or so later.

The thing I remember most about this entire situation is Raul “Mike” Vargas, the man who survived not only a motorcycle accident a few years before this tragedy, but also survived this fire by being under all those people in the crush right there where the door was. He was the last person to be pulled out alive, and aside from a burn on his leg, he was otherwise, physically unharmed. He went through some terrible things but still seemed like he was grateful to be here. I hope that wherever he is, he’s doing alright and I wish him well. 🧡

The irony is that the cameraman was there doing a documentary on nightclub safety. He left fast and survived but captured the most chilling footage ever.

I lived around the corner from there. and my daughter worked nights at the gas station at the top of the hill on the right side. I tried my hardest to win tickets for my now ex-husband, but thank god I didn't. My daughter and her friend helped some of the survivors to get to safety she had nightmares for months. I still remember it like it was yesterday. About 2 months later we moved to NC and followed the story online or through friends. I think under the pavilion they buried all the mementos people left after the fire

That building was a restaurant before a club, therefore grandfathered and sprinklers were not mandatory. Within weeks after this fire, Sprinklers became mandatory for any business that occupies more than 100 people That law applies in Massachusetts as well.

He was not going after his guitar. Witnesses say he used it to break open windows. He went back in for his best friend and to help others. As well as one of the security guards went in and out and ended up dying. But he saved multiple people

Good job 👍

That video has haunted me for a long time, I’ve become a bit of a killjoy on a night out because I’m constantly checking that there are multiple, accessible fire exits, that there aren’t too many people around us, etc.

My mom used to go there all the time with her friends. In her words, "the place was a dump, but the bands were decent and the drinks were cheap." She lost three friends that night. It's both horrifying and fascinating how so many people can die in a span of minutes.

Looks like a lot of thought went into that memorial site. Thank you to those responsible! A very fitting memorial to all the victims indeed!

I really respect that you actually travel to these places rather than sitting in your bedroom like most other youtube true horror content makers. The footage of the station nightclub fire was one of the most horrifying videos I have ever seen. The speed of which that whole building went up in just a couple of minutes just shocked me to my core, let alone the screams and the human crush that resulted. Really traumatic. Can't imagine what it would have been like to actually be there.

It's because of this disaster that whenever I'm at a club, I don't care how big or small it is, I always look for the exits prior to see where I can go.

This is why i avoid packed nightclubs

A nightclub in Brazil also caught on fire because of fireworks during a show. Hundreds died. All very sad.

For anyone looking for more information on this fire, the book “Killer Show: The Station Nightclub Fire, America’s Deadliest Rock Concert” pretty much covers everything from the history of the nightclub, the origins of the soundproof foam, the events that night, and the lawsuits afterwards. It’s a really great book, tough to read due to the emotional aspects of this disaster, but it’s worth it.

After reading the book “Killer show” I will never put myself in a crowded room, hall or building unless I’m right next to an exit.

Sprinklers would have suppressed fatal levels of heat and toxic fumes long enough for a safe evacuation of the structure. Due to the lack of sprinklers conditions within the club became deadly within ninety seconds of ignition. Sprinklers would have likely prevented these fatal conditions from occurring at all. There are some excellent modeling videos of this fire which demonstrate what sprinklers could have done that night.

I did a door supervision training course (here in the UK) in 2013 and this event was brought up with regards to handling people in an emergency. We were taught that in an emergency people's instincts will be to leave the way the came in. We were taught to bark instructions at people; some to use one exit, some to use another. Flight attendants will do the same if the emergency slides are in use.

I made my self watch that raw footage of what happened in that fire. After that I will NEVER question a fire inspector, and tell people who gripe about “rules and regulations costing to much”, that they should watch the raw footage of this fire, unedited and raw. Most rules and regulations are there for a freaking reason. As a moderate conservative, and disaster buff, I will NEVER argue against the fire code, or most other codes for that matter. May the 100 who perished RIP.😢 Edit. I know many buildings were updated and had sprinkler systems installed almost immediately in Rhode Island. I just hope the dead and injured sufferings where not on vain. There were so many injured the children’s ST. Jude hospital opened their doors for the injured and burn victims.

Being a Rhode Islander it’s a day you’ll never forget where you were when you 1st heard the news. Truly a tragedy of errors. For many years it was just an empty lot with bouquets of flowers strewn about honoring those who perished, Eventually enough funding was generated for a beautiful memorial. Chris & Lamont that was a wonderful tribute. 👍👍 up

Your channel rocks my dude. You do a terrific job of educating the audience and you do it very respectfully. What a horrific event.

This was such a tragic and preventable loss of life. My deepest condolences for the families of those who perished. I went to high school with Great White guitarist Mark Kendall (Marina High School, Huntington Beach, CA). I’m happy Mark survived; it is unfortunate not everyone did. RIP

Oh I'm so y'all got together. I've been waiting and hoping. Y'all were my 1st 2 favorite RU-vid people and still are. Y'all ROCK!!! The happenings at that concert were awful. Just purely devastating. I hope every victim is at peace. The memorial is beautiful. Thanks guys!! Love y'all

That display with the timeline is the most complete I’ve ever seen on a memorial itself. Beautifully designed and executed memorial.

An amazing a fitting memorial garden for those poor people...I like how they use what looks like Stage floor monitors for each person's own personal memorial. Attention to detail is great...and the timeline part I've never seen done before. Awful tragedy but a beautiful place for friends and family of those who died to go and pay their respects...or even just members of the public. Great video guys

Beautiful place, sad tragic story.

I’ve heard of this before but never had the chance to look into it. I love how your videos and Lamont’s give us the details and are so respectful, no music, just info.

Thank you for posting this. I have watched a number of documentaries on the Station Club Disaster but to see those people who were lost memorialized like this is truly beautiful. From the horror of the fire to the peace of this memorial is a gift to all the grieving families.

Chris, ya know what makes your videos so unique from other folks? The care that you put into them. You really seem to dig through the history of whatever you're presenting to the world, and by the end, your voice seems somber when it's a historical tragedy like this event. You back your videos up with the facts and really draw me into the moment. I never realized such a big memorial erected from this, but it reminds me of the video you done from the Oklahoma city bombing and how that event was memorialized. Both were tragic events with many families left to ask, "why me? Why them?" Sadly, I'm reminded of a local helicopter crash near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee where a mom, her 2 kids, her daughters boyfriend, and the helicopter pilot were all killed in a horrible accident due to mechanical failure. Regardless of whatever events, lives were lost in all of these tragedies and my condolences to those souls and the families who continue to tread through the losses of their loved ones. Thanks for sharing, brother.

I’ve found this channel a few months ago and I’m loving the content. I remember hearing about this a few years ago and it’s very unfortunate what happened. Thank you for covering this man, keep up the great work!

Another great video. Thank you both for sharing this story so well.

I’m a teacher for the public school system in Maryland and a few years ago we did “Crowd Management” training. The training incorporated this tragic night, using some of the raw footage. It was absolutely terrifying! RIP to all the souls lost that night and love to the survivors and anyone affected.

I remember VH1Classic covering this incident for days. One one saddest moments in music history still today that shouldn’t have happened. Rest in paradise all 100 who died that day. 🙏🏻

Your videos are great! Its great to see you make a video in my little hometown, honoring those who lost their lives so tragically. My uncle was lucky enough to escape the fire that night, but the collective loss felt throughout the community is unfathomable over 18 years later. To this day, when I drive by the location, the magnitude of the devastation that was seen when day broke the following morning is seared in my mind.

You're always so respectful to everybody and everything. You seem like a real good man

Thank you for this video and keeping these people's memory alive.

My late great friend Scott passed away there. I still miss him so very much!!!! Rest in peace All who passed as well!!!!

I remember. Beautiful memorial. May they rest in peace. 💜

Yes! You two collaborated again! Great video.

Thanks for putting up this video. I am really glad there is a memorial to those who perished. I do live events for a living, and this tragedy still haunts me.

Good Job! My brother was one of the 100 people killed and he had to identified thru dental records! And he was one of the ones that the bouncer didn’t let out that stage door!

It is the most horrific thing I have ever seen. My heart continues to bleed for the souls lost.

Gut wrenched with guilt when folly fails. Why is that when I wasn't even there? Sincere thanks Chris, Lamont. 👍👍

The memorial garden is an beautiful. Thank you for collaboration and telling us this story.

Love your channel as well as “Lamont at Large”. I think it is really cool to have you two on the same video. Thanks for sharing.

That's about the most beautiful ceremonial monument I've seen in a long time.

Beautiful memorial

I live one city over (Warwick) and remember this night vividly. I'd been to the club many times before, as I have friends whose bands would play there. I can only imagine how horrific it was that night.

That video is gut-wrenching to watch. I always feel like I want to reach through the video screen and try to help pull some of those people out. I was 33 when this happened, and most of the victims were around my age. God rest their souls.

You two did a great job talking about this tragedy and now memorial park. Thank you.

How cool to see you and Lamont together in a video! You guys are both awesome channels!

Beautiful Memorial

The footage is shown often in Australia, highlighting the dangers of fires and how fast they engulf the indoors. Good to see this memorial.

Love your videos! The 2 people i consistently watch everytime i see a new video of are these 2 dudes. Lamont and mobile instinct are an awesome team

Thank you for this video and for showing your respect. The memorial is beautiful. RIP to all the victims.

Great video Chris and Lamont.

I lived in Warwick back then was at the Station the week prior and was suppose be there but decicded to stay on vacation few more days than planned so I missed the show and it hurts always will . RIP my friends .

What stunned me most about the video is the time it took from the first spark to the front door being completely clogged was only about 1 minute total.

Thank you for videoing this. It is beautiful. I enjoy all of your videos

Another interesting video. 👍 1:03 The Gazebo is where the bathrooms and the office would have been. Coming in through the archway (the entrance) the bar and kitchen would have been to the left, the dance floor and stage would have been to the right, and the bathrooms would been straight ahead. The reason the building didn't have a sprinkler system was because it was built in 1946 before sprinkler systems were required. Most old buildings are still not required to have sprinkler systems today. However this building and been remodeled and converted multiple times back and forth between nightclub and restaurant and it had been gutted in a previous fire and repaired. There were questions as to why it wasn't required to have a sprinkler system installed during those remodels. Which nobody seems to have a good answer for.

Nice to see quite a few uploads from both of your channels in the past couple days!

Thanks for sharing this! I’ve heard documentaries about it but never really knew that much about it!

Very well done on this video. May all lost lives rest easy

This is such a beautiful memorial, god bless you Lamont an friend.❤❤❤

This was such a tragedy. I was asked to go see the concert but I had other plans. It was so surreal to see this on the news later that evening and my heart goes out to all of the families! I have not been by this area in quite some time, so it was nice to see the memorial that has been set up.

Wooow two of my favorite RU-vidrs exploring together!!! I love it thank you 🙏🏻 💕💕💕

I love you guys and love seeing you together. I watch both your channels daily. Thank You for your great videos.

Ty didn’t go back for his guitar I believe, according to the book ‘Killer Show’ he went to find a friend in the crowd and died in the patio area instead of exiting through the band’s door.

I’m from Rhode Island and remember that well 😢

That is a nice Memorial. Excellent respectful episode as usual. Lamont, watched your mausoleum visit last night, I couldn't believe it...

I loved playing the Station. I was in basic training and two Sergeants I didn't know asked I any Soldiers were from RI. They then asked if we frequented the Station. I played there a ton and knew everyone there. My battle lived on Silverwood Ave right behind there... they brought is into a side room and at the time the death toll was at 30 and expecting to rise... I was shocked. Incredibly sad day in music, and Rhode Island history. Great job on the video and ty

Very sad... I remember this happening and it being on the local news. Very nicely done remembrance.

Beautiful memorial. If I was anywhere close, it would be top of my list to visit.

Good job guys. Brought back some memories and tears.

I remember this happening as a child. This is an amazing memorial. Thanks for sharing

Enjoyed the video. This is a very tragic story. You and Lamont are my two favorite RU-vidrs. I love the Scarlett Motive, too!

An absolutely beautiful memorial.🌹 Done with so much respect to the victims. You can feel, and see, the love put into it.❤️

Your videos are great! Thanks for doing these.

Well done, Men.....Thank you for another great video and for explaining this tragedy so it can "sink into" our heads. Most of all, I can add these poor souls to my daily prayers and I hope others will, too !

Another amazing video. I remember when this tragedy occurred and it was terrible. I'm amazed at how beautiful the memorial park is.

Lovely memorial. So sad.

My dad used to play at that club often and almost attended the Great White show that night. So many family friends lost... I work down the road now and pass by this memorial daily. They did such an amazing job with it. Thank you for your respect, knowledge, and taking the time to create your content!

Nice job as always brother!

Wow I absolutely love it when y’all get together!!! RIP to all the victims. No other men could pay tribute to them like y’all can.❤️

Two of my favorite people together in one video. So glad you two got together on this. I'm glad to see they have made a really nice memorial garden where the Station once stood. One thing that bothers me is how they tried to partially blame the camera man. He was the first one to start heading to the door as soon as he saw the fire. You can also hear him telling people to get out, but people thought it was part of the show at first. The whole thing is just tragic.

Dude your very respectful in all your videos, keep up the good work..

I still remember it so clearly. I couldn't imagine what so many people had to go through. People stacked at the door, the chaos was unbelievable. I love what was done to the site and remembering the victims, it's beautiful. Thank you both so much for sharing this. You are two of my favorites. God bless.

Mike Gonzales was the local late night medal radio show host his name was Dr medal on 94 WHJY. It was called Metal Zone with Dr. Metal and he was absolutely awesome!!! He did not work for Great White. This was at a time when metal was not popular like it is now and you were weird if you liked it especially if you were a girl. He put out a kick-ass show where we got to listen to stuff that you couldn't easily find on the radio or in record stores. A very sad day when he died as well as everybody else who died there.

The Station was a popular place to see music acts and I saw Warrant, Blue Oyster Cult, and Great White (in 1999) there. I still feel nauseous whenever I see something about it even though I moved away from RI some time ago. The owners were two brothers, one of whom was a local TV reporter. There was no sprinkler system as the local fire codes did not require them because the building was so old (1940's or 50"s?). I'm so glad to see that a proper memorial site has been constructed there, and I think I might visit it next time I'm visiting family in the area. I seems like everybody that lived in southeastern New England at the time knew a victim, a victim's family member, or were familiar with a survivor. I did too. What a terrible tragedy it was and is. So many suffered so terribly.

Thank you for making this video. You did a great job and it's a wonderful tribute to those who didn't make it.

Thanks for the update

Beautiful memorial 💙

Was just going to put a sprinkler system would have bought time. The garden is beautiful. The sounds of people try to escape and the sounds of people shouting out loved one's names haunted my thoughts for about 5 days afterwards i cannot comprehend being there. 🇬🇧❤️

Thank you for posting this. What a beautiful place.

Great video thanks for sharing this memorial it is beautiful