1. Home
  2. Electronics & Gadgets
  3. Radio
Nightclub Tragedy Also Took Dr. Metal
Dateline: 2/25/03
Join the Discussion
Discuss this in the Forum

Related Resources
Radio DJs vs. Mobile DJs and Club DJs

One of the victims claimed in that tragic fire that occurred at "The Station" nightclub last Thursday night in West Warwick, Rhode Island was WHJY-FM's "Dr." Mike Gonsalves. Joe Bevilacqua, the Program Director for 94HJY has confirmed that the body of the "Dr. Metal", as he was affectionately known, was positively identified by officials.

Although each individual who died in that fire consitutes a tragic loss, I thought I'd take a moment to tell you who Mike Gonsalves was. The Doctor was born in 1962 in New York City and worked at various Radio stations including WRIC and WXIN at Rhode Island college.

According to the 94HJY website, Gonsalves liked bands from Metallica and Led Zeppelin Static X, Sevendust, and Godsmack.

Dr. Metal knew his way around the rock world. He claimed to have partied with Chris Robinson, Slash, Vince Neil, Dave Mustaine, and Metallica in addition to meeting acts like Ozzy Osbourne, Candlebox, Dream Theatre Queensryche.

The 94HJY website has posted the following tribute:

"OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS GO OUT TO THE FRIENDS AND FAMILIES WHO WERE AFFECTED BY THE TRAGEDY AT THE STATION IN WEST WARWICK ON THURSDAY NIGHT. OUR ROCK N ROLL FAMILY HAS LOST 97 PEOPLE INCLUDING OUR OWN DR. METAL. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS! - THE STAFF OF 94HJY"

- Corey Deitz

Subscribe to the About.com Radio Newsletter for weekly site updates!

Previous Articles

Explore Radio

About.com Special Features

Family Tech Center

Stay connected and entertained with reviews on tips on the latest HDTVs, cellphones and more. More >

How to Buy a BlackBerry

Sleek and trim or loaded with extras? Select the right smartphone for your lifestyle. More >

  1. Home
  2. Electronics & Gadgets
  3. Radio

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.