Former Great White Lead Singer Jack Russell Dies at 63

Jack Russell, the former frontman of the 1980s and ’90s glam rock band Great White, has died at age 63.

The news surfaced on the Instagram page for Jack Russell’s Great White, the name Russell used for touring after the band disbanded in 2001.

“With tremendous sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved Jack Patrick Russell—father, husband, cousin, uncle, and friend,” the statement began. It added that the singer passed peacefully, surrounded by his wife Heather Ann, son Matthew Hucko, and other family and friends. “Jack is loved and remembered for his sense of humor, exceptional zest for life, and unshakeable contribution to rock and roll where his legacy will forever live and thrive.”

The family has requested privacy and mentioned that details of a public memorial will be announced later.

On Great White’s official Instagram page, Russell’s original bandmates expressed their deepest condolences to Russell’s family. “We hope they take comfort in knowing Jack’s incredible voice will live on forever,” the statement concluded with, “Rest In Peace, to one of rock’s biggest champions.”

Great White had six songs on the Billboard Hot 100 in the late ’80s and early ’90s. They achieved significant success with the hit “Once Bitten Twice Shy,” which peaked at No. 5 in 1989 and was a favorite on MTV. The album featuring the song, **…Twice Shy**, reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart.

After the group ended in 2001, Russell continued performing under the name Jack Russell’s Great White. In 2003, a tragic incident occurred when pyrotechnics during a performance at The Station nightclub in Rhode Island started a fire, killing 100 people, including bandmate Ty Longley, and injuring 230 others. Russell’s tour manager, Daniel Biechele, later pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter in 2006 and served two years of a 15-year sentence. The nightclub’s owners, Jeffrey and Michael Derderian, also faced legal consequences, with Michael serving almost three years in prison and Jeffrey sentenced to community service. The band settled several lawsuits with the victims.

Last month, Russell announced his retirement from touring via his Instagram page after being diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and Multiple System Atrophy. “Words cannot express my gratitude for the many years of memories, love, and support,” the announcement read. “Thank you for letting me live my dreams.”

Find the family and band statements below.