Fireworks Guaranteed
Central Coast Herald
Thursday February 27, 2003
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 nightclub fire in Rhode Island, according to a 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 were fine for large arenas or outdoor shows, but could be deadly in small clubs.
They said the key was having bands and venue owners agree beforehand on exactly what could be used on stage.
Sparkler fountains at a Great White concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island, ignited the small club last Thursday night, killing 97 fans and injuring more than 180 others.
``People want a thrill, people love spectacle and ... to be entertained," Stanley, Kiss's lead singer, said.
``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."
© 2003 Central Coast Herald