On February 25th 2008 bands and musicians from all walks of life came together to support a cause that should strike a chord in all of us -The Station Nightclub Fire.  On February 23, 2003 several of our friends (whether in blood or just music) perished in the fire that struck the club that Great White was playing at.  Living in New England this is something that I have seen affect people on a personal basis from that very day until now.  It doesn’t go away.  For the remaining family members of those that were lost and to the survivors that live on with the scars and the burns, they are reminded of this event every day. 

The benefit concert was a way to celebrate the lives of those that were lost, to raise awareness of the troubles that the survivors are having both financially and emotionally, and to prove that musicians and their fans (regardless of the genre) will always step up to the plate when needed.

The show was hosted by Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider who really took the cause under his wing.  Some of the artists who participated from near and far were: John Rich, Dierks Bentley, Gretchen Wilson, Whiskey Falls, Aaron Lewis, Tesla, Twisted Sister, Kevin Max, Stryper, Marc Bonilla Carmine Appice’s,Tom Scholz & Gary Pihl of Boston, Eric Martin, Danny Seraphine with CTA, Facing Forward, Pete Fish, Travis Davis, Eric Cole, Brandon Allen Read, and Gary Hoey.  Fans showed up in record numbers to purchase tickets (who’s proceeds went to The Station Family Fund) and were treated to a once in a lifetime show.

I had the distinct pleasure of shooting the show.  I shot from the soundboard because VH1 was shooting from the photo pit to air the concert at a later date.  It was the first time I had to shoot a show from the soundboard so I was a little worried but I think I was able to capture some unique moments and hopefully share some of the magic of the show.

The Station Family Fund is always looking for your generous donations, so whether you have five dollars to spare or five hundred dollars to spare, it will go to a very good cause.  Donate here.

You can view my full gallery of photos from the show here.