Kiss Says Pyrotechnics Are Here to Stay
NEWARK, N.J. – Pyrotechnics have become as much a part of rock concerts as guitars and drums, and will continue to be used despite last week’s deadly Rhode Island nightclub fire, according to a rock band known for its fiery displays.
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of Kiss, which has built stage shows around pyrotechnics for 30 years, said the displays are fine for large arenas or outdoor shows, but can be deadly in small clubs.
They say the key is having bands and venue owners agree beforehand on exactly what can be used onstage.
Onstage sparkler fountains at a Great White concert in West Warwick, R.I., ignited the small club Thursday night, killing 97 fans and injuring more than 180 others.
“People want a thrill, people love spectacle and people love to be entertained,” Stanley, Kiss’ lead singer, told The Associated Press. “That’s why people go to horror movies, why they go on roller coasters, and why a band like us has been able to be around as long as we have.
“But you have to be extremely careful with anything that has to do with fire,” he added.
Bassist Simmons, who accidentally has set his hair ablaze a half-dozen times while breathing fire onstage, said he “would no more ban pyrotechnics at rock concerts than I would on the Fourth of July.”
“It’s all about full disclosure,” Simmons said. “The venue has to know what it’s buying.”
That has emerged as a central question in the Rhode Island fire. Great White claims it had permission to use pyrotechnics inside The Station, but club management denies it. Fire officials said the required permits were not obtained, and would have been denied had they been sought.
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