11 years ago was the tragic fire at the Great White concert at the Station Nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island. During that tragic fire 100 lives were lost. I remember that night very well. From when I first heard the news of the fire on the television, I was glued to the reports in hopes that everyone would be found. Through the night and into the morning, we heard more and more about the loss of lives.
I remember being on AOL back at the time in the chat rooms where we were trying to get news about the people we knew who were there and hearing about the band members and how they escaped the fire. I was waiting for the news of Ty Longley and unfortunately it was days later when it was confirmed that guitarist Ty Longley lost is life along with 100 others during the Station nightclub fire. Ty was expecting his first child at the time with his then girlfriend Heidi.
Fast forward to today and Ty’s son Acey has his father’s dark curly rock star hair. Acey has been busy with a cause he created B.E.A.T.S. (Bringing Everyone A Tremendous Smile). Acey wanted a way to honor his father and music is important in his life as it was in his father’s. Acey explains about his cause, “My dad played guitar and I play drums so music is very important to my family. Music makes people happy and I want to bring happiness to kids who are sick in the hospital. I bring itunes cards and drumsticks. If I have a tough day I know playing my drums will make me feel better and I hope it makes these kids feel better also.”
So today as we remember the tragic fire and the lives lost, lets see if we can honor those by supporting Acey’s cause. You can visit his Facebook page and see how you can help too.
~ Marisol
Tremendous and heart warming story about Ty Longley’s son! Acey surely does look just like his father! Acey may not realize it now, yet he is a little hero. His dad will always be a Rock And Roll hero, in my Metal book! Thank you Marisol for spotlighting this story.
I lived in Connecticut at the time of this sad event; like you, I was horrified and glued to the television for updates. To this day, I cannot shake free the frightening images of the people that were stuck in the building’s front doorway, reaching and crying for help. That footage was quickly pulled from the news as the hours wore on. Frankly, I don’t think a single week goes by without my reflecting upon this heartbreaking event. God Bless both those taken and the survivors of that night. – Stone
Thanks Stone! I so remember that image of the people stuck in the doorway. It was terrifying! Then it went on for days trying to account for all the people.
Acey is such a wonderful little boy and definitely a true HERO!!
You remember that footage too… my heart still aches from it. I’ve even dreamed about it, totally unreal.
If you think like I do, Marisol, then I believe we will both be writing about Acey’s band releasing an album one day! 🙂
That is true about Acey!! Can’t wait, he already is killing it at drums!