Band at center of deadly 2003 Station nightclub fire “apologize to those who disagree with our decision to fulfill our contractual agreement” with Thursday night concert.

After news of the gig surfaced on social media, Great White issued a statement (via Blabbermouth) where the band apologized for “to those who disagree with our decision to fulfill our contractual agreement” and play the concert.

North Dakota’s government recommends masks be worn, however, we are not in a position to enforce the laws,” Great White said in a statement.

“We have had the luxury of hindsight and we would like to apologize to those who disagree with our decision to fulfill our contractual agreement.

Great White, then performing under the moniker Jack Russell’s Great White, were onstage at the time of the Station nightclub fire in February 2003 in West Warwick, Rhode Island, a blaze that killed 100 people including the band’s guitarist Ty Longley.

Following the fire, Great White split into two factions, one led by singer Jack Russell and another by founding guitarist Mark Kendall; the latter is the only member to perform at both the Station concert and Thursday’s North Dakota gig

Variety notes that Great White’s next show is scheduled for August 7th at Fort Madison, Iowa’s Riverfest FM festival, which is “absolutely happening” despite the pandemic

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