Great White Rock Band’s Founding Vocalist Dies at 63 in Tragic Fire

Jack Russell, the vocalist for the 1980s hair metal band Great White, passed away Thursday at 63, due to multiple system atrophy and Lewy body dementia, as reported by Rolling Stone.

Russell had announced his retirement from touring just last month following his diagnosis.

“I am unable to perform at the level I desire and at the level you deserve,” Russell shared on social media at the time. “Words cannot express my gratitude for the many years of memories, love, and support.”

Today, he is being remembered fondly by his family.

“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 thrive,” his family stated in an online tribute.

Founded in Los Angeles in 1977, Great White achieved significant success during the mid-1980s metal wave. Their platinum-selling 1987 album Once Bitten and its 1989 follow-up …Twice Shy were particularly notable. The band’s hits, Rock Me and Once Bitten, Twice Shy, were staples on MTV.

Russell left Great White in 1996 but returned in 2001, leading the band under the name Jack Russell’s Great White.

In 2003, Great White was performing at The Station nightclub when their stage pyrotechnics ignited a fire. The blaze spread rapidly, engulfing the club in flames within six minutes. It was a tragic incident, resulting in the loss of 100 lives, including band guitarist Ty Longley, and injuring 230 others. It remains the deadliest fireworks accident in U.S. history.

Legal proceedings followed, involving several parties, including the band. By 2008, the legal issues were resolved through monetary settlements.

Jack Russell is survived by his wife, Heather Ann Russell, and his son, Matthew Hucko. A public memorial service will be held at a later date.