Just as grand jury testimony in The Station nightclub fire begins to be released, Great White finds itself in the crosshairs, announcing a 25th anniversary tour and benefit concert – to aid baby harp seals.

Whether this means the band has decided to distance itself from its connection to The Station fire or if the charity aiding victims of the tragedy is cutting off Great White depends on who’s doing the talking.

The Boston Herald reported January 4th that the band would be kicking off a reunion tour January 27th in Los Angeles with a benefit for harp seals, not to help the now-depleted Station Family Fund charity. Included were several quotes blasting the band.

“I think if you’re in Great White and you’re talking about charitable endeavors, I don’t see how you look past the victims of the Rhode Island fire,” victims’ attorney Steven Minicucci said.

The paper also reported The Station Family Fund has “run dry” after distributing some $800,000 to victims’ families for housing costs, medical bills and other expenses. Fund president Victoria Potvin said the account is empty and the fund is “defunct.”

Great White has given about $82,000 but, according to Potvin, nothing since December 2003.

It could be a matter of “damned if you do, damned if you don’t.” The band’s management responded that organizers of the victims’ fund no longer wanted to be associated with the band.

“The Station Family Fund wanted to distance themselves from Great White,” manager Obi Steinman told the paper. “They thought Great White’s efforts were hindering their ability to raise money.”

As to whether any proceeds from the reunion tour or a new album would aid the Station victims, Steinman said, “We would love to continue our charitable endeavors. They asked us to disassociate with the fund. It was never the band’s wishes to. The band has always wished to raise money for the victims.”