At long last, speculation about the trial, its proceedings, and the subsequent findings by the court is laid out for us by Forrest J Ackerman himself.
On Forry's website main page there is a letter from Forry to us regarding the whole illicit affair. Speaking pointedly and specifically about Ray Ferry and his criminal business dealings in regards to Famous Monsters.
From a selfish standpoint, it's awesome to see that what I've reported to you henceforth regarding the Forry/Ferry fiasco has been absolutely correct and without error. Including Ferry's attempt to circumvent the judgement of the court by trying to sell his assets and claim bankruptcy....both moves which were reversed by the court.
In Uncle Ack's own words, you will read the truth of the matter. Not his truth...but THE truth, which is supported by court documents and matters dictated by Ferry's own mouth, where he admitted under oath lying to his FM readers regarding the matter. Something he continues to do to his readers on his website, Filmland Classics, as I reported last week.
The specific matter of FMs return is still hanging out there, so I emailed Forry today about the specifics concerning my beloved mag and, hopefully, I'll get an answer sometime soon. He has been kind enough to respond to previous emails so I'm holding on to some hope. Naturally, I'll let you know what he says.
Until that time, I'm running another poll on my Masters of Horror website regarding Famous Monsters' possible return to the news-stand. Check it out and place you vote....and be heard!!!....as i'm contemplating emailing the results to Forry and Ferry just for fun.
BUILDINGS WILL GO, MEMORIES WILL REMAIN
Wow. It is tough hearing the sad news about the complete and utter demise of the Twin Bays/Squires locations. Many a fond memory came via Squires Lounge, where Blade rocked the house down in several incarnations.
And Twin Bays Cinema, where I will always hold a fond memory of the Apes-A-Thon they had where they showed all Planet of the Apes movies in order. And yes...I sat thru them all, with a steady diet of popcorn, jordan almonds, twizzlers, and coke. Also where I saw Poseidon Adventure!, which is one of my all time favorites "You want another life??? Then take ME!!!". It is also where Nolan introduced me to a little known film called Evil Dead. I could go on and on.
The bar that was next to Twin Bays where I began my solo career was called Bootleggers (BOOTLEGGERS! Yes, that was it!--Nolan). I got that gig by playing my guitar sitting outside of Pop & Sons waiting for Nolan. As usual, the call of the day was their famous Patty Melt (which always inspires). Anyway, some guy pulled up next to me and sat in his car as I played a couple tunes. Turns out it was the bar owner who was looking for someone to play in his club. Of course I was all to happy to oblige. Had a great little run before getting a different job that all but ended the opportunity to play...I went into retail.
Now that I play in front of audiences again, even if the rare occassion, I always think of that little bar. I'm sure it had more meaning to me than anyone else on this planet, but maybe i'm allowed just a little selfishness.
GREAT WHITE CONCERT TURNS DEADLY
The big news up here, and possibly down there, is the tragic loss of 95 lives and counting, from the fire at a Rhode Island nite club. It can only be considered incredible stupidity by allowing pyrotechniques at a indoor concert. Forget the fact that it's made out of wood walls which are lined with painted styraphome which hung mere inches above the massive flame coming from the torch below.
I can say that with assurance as one of the survivors was taping the Great White concert going on inside and got the beginning of the fire, which began when the above mentioned torch TORCHED the ceiling which rapidly spread. It took less than a second upon viewing the video that this was a grossly bad idea.
Making matters worse, everyone ran to the front to escape and didn't go to the side or back exits. They are now saying this is due to the fire in Chicago, where 20+ perished because of locked exits. The saddest part in all this is that the side and back exits were open, but the panic sent everyone to the front.
The natural elapse of time has led us to the blame game portion in all this. Great White says they were given permission by the owners to use pyrotechnics. The owners claim they NEVER gave such permission. The fire marshall has stated a special permit was required for the pyro's that was not, and never would have been issued because of obvious safety issues.
I saw one of the owners on television today talking to some committee and the guy was sobbing. Being an owner of the club, I feel it was his responsibility to not allow the fire onstage. If he knew it was to be used, it's on him to stop it. That's just my opinion. He says he never gave permission to Great White to use the fire show. It was a packed house, and if he didnt know, it would have been virtually impossible to do anything about it once the show began, because the fire started almost immediately.
As for Great White, that must have been some reefer they were smoking to think it okay to have that massive fire indoors. If you've seen the video you know what i'm talking about. Those torches were blazing. Someone would have to be brain dead not to forsee the possible tragic implications. Which, sadly, were realized. Whether they had "permission" or not, common sense should have screamed at all concerned this was a very bad idea.
Regardless of who's to blame, the victims families are left with futures that will forever be tatooed by someone else's collective ignorance, stupidity, and thoughtless conduct. Certainly we should all say a prayer to God on behalf of the victims and their families. And not just this tragedy, but to all survivors of the unfortunate, some very close to home, who have to trudge along with some of life's worst memories.
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R.I. FIRE CLAIMS GREAT WHITE GUITARIST
With the death toll now standing at 97, we must now include the name of Great White Guitarist Ty Longley, who was declared dead earlier in the week.
Longley, not one of the original members during the bands heyday, joined the group in 2001, and was planning on marrying his pregnant girlfriend after the tour. As the tragedy's and overall victems climb in this nightmare, there are still some 60 people in the hospital as a result of the fire, with over half of them critical due to burns. Even if they survive and live, their bodies are scarred forever. Certainly that's a tough thing to overcome.
Meanwhile, the surviving members of Great White have to face a grand jury in Rhode Island this week, where they will be asked for an official record of what they say transpired leading up to the Station nightclub burning to the ground.
Lead singer Jack Russell insists that tour manager, Dan Biechele, asked for, and received, permission to use the pyrotechnics from Mike Derderian, one of the club owners who, by the way, has not spoken to authorities since last Thursday, which officials say is hindering the investigation.
Coming forward in support of the club owners are club managers of venues where Great White has recently played, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida and Maine. All...ALL...of which say Great White used the pyros without attaining their permission to do so while playing in their club.
Paul Vanner, Sound Manager for the club, said he had previously warned the Derderians about the use of pyrotechnics and that, to his knowledge, they heeded his advice and none had been used up until last week's tragedy. In fact, he said he was "taken by suprise" when the pyros went off, and went to grab a fire extinguisher, but it spread too fast, and he had to exit the building.
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Till next time, take care, say a prayer, and God bless
Matthew
