Special Events
The Derderian brothers, new owners of The Station nightclub, had limited experience operating a rock club but quickly learned to cut corners on payroll, overpack the venue, and stiff local bands. Their first major event was a W.A.S.P. concert on March 8, 2000, which served as a dry run for the new owners, with all proceeds and expenses managed by the previous owner, Howard Julian. W.A.S.P.'s lead singer, Blackie Lawless, was known for his shock-rock stagecraft, including throwing raw meat into the audience and using torture racks.
When the Derderian brothers purchased The Station from Howard Julian in March 2000, they were new to operating a rock club. Their approach to management involved:
- Cutting corners on payroll.
- Stuffing patrons into the club beyond capacity.
- Stiffing local bands.
Their first significant event was a concert by the 80s heavy-metal band W.A.S.P. on March 8, 2000. This performance was intended as a "dry run" for the new owners:
- The concert was run "on the Derderians' license."
- All proceeds and expenses for this specific performance were borne by Howard Julian.
- Jeff Derderian worked with W.A.S.P.'s road manager to prepare for the show.
W.A.S.P.'s lead singer, Blackie Lawless (born Steven Edward Duren), was known for his controversial stage acts:
- With a previous group, Sister, he lit his boots on fire and ate live worms.
- With W.A.S.P., he threw raw meat into the audience and positioned girls on torture racks.
- His stage persona included studded, cut-out leathers, raven-dyed shoulder-length hair, heavy eyeliner, and sometimes mounting a demonic-looking metal sculpture that served as a microphone stand.
- The band's debut single from 1982 was "Animal (Fuck Like A Beast)."