7/5/04 Page 3
The lead singer of GREAT WHITE, the band that was playing before a nightclub fire that killed 100 people in Rhode Island, has sued a former publicist for slander. Vocalist Jack Russell alleges that spokesperson Charrie Foglio threatened to tell charity organizations associated with the 2003 blaze that the singer and his manager, Obi Steinman, were withholding money they promised for a fund set up to benefit survivors. The lawsuit was filed Wednesday (June 30) in Los Angeles County Superior Court. As of September, Great White had voluntarily donated $82,000 from various concerts since last July to a nonprofit organization - The Station Family Fund - created to benefit victims' families and survivors of the fire, according to the fund's overseer, Victoria Potzin. Russell claims in the lawsuit that all of the profits from the tour went to charity, and that Foglio was claiming he kept some of the money for himself. Russell said Foglio made the threat and then followed through after being fired in July 2003. It's unclear whether the story was ever reported. Foglio could not be located for comment by phone and did not immediately respond to an e-mail query. The Rhode Island fire started shortly after the band started its first song at The Station nightclub on Feb. 20, 2003. Victims included the band's guitarist Ty Longley. Pyrotechnics used by the rock band ignited foam placed near the nightclub's stage as soundproofing. The club's two owners and the band's former tour manager have been indicted on manslaughter charges. All three have pleaded innocent.
AMERICAN DOG's Statewide "All Over The Road" Summer Tour is Euro bound July 10 - 24th. In addition to confirmed dates with MOLLY HATCHET; Ohio's infamous beer swilling trio have been invited to team up with none other than ROSE TATTOO. Michael Hannon - the Dog's lead singer and bassist states that although he has no tattoos... this is the one he always wanted. "Angry Anderson & Rose Tattoo had a huge impact on all of us when we started out. It just doesn't get any cooler than this! We're all looking forward to kicking some serious ass and meeting the Aussie legends in person". American Dog have also been invited to perform at the SerieZ Festival in Spain Aug 28th with ZODIAC MINDWARP. Sept 3rd has them tearing things up at European Bike Week.
It has been revealed through Maidenfans.com that drummer Nicko McBrain has a new band on the side called MCBRAIN DAMAGE. The line-up consists of Nicko on drums, Dave 'The Beast' Spitz, formerly of BLACK SABBATH and GREAT WHITE (on bass), Jonathan Murphy (vocals), Rick Baum (guitar) from DEEPSET, and Chris Proano (guitar) from FAILSAFE. The band reportedly plays a set that consists of some of Maiden's biggest hits and original material, all performed with full sound and lights. Two gigs have been confirmed stateside, with more in the works. They are: August 28 - Maiden Madness 2, The Kelsey Club, Lake Park (FL) September 4 - Monsters Of Rock Tribute Show, BB King's, New York (NY)
