Jack Russell, Former Great White Lead Singer, Dies at 63

Jack Russell, a founding member of the Eighties band Great White, has died at the age of 63. According to a social media post from his family on Thursday, Russell passed away “peacefully” while being surrounded by his loved ones.

“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,” read the statement. “His family asks for privacy at this time.”

Although the exact cause of his death was not disclosed, Russell had announced in July that he was stepping back from touring after being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. He said at the time, “I am unable to perform at the level I desire and at the level you deserve. Words cannot express my gratitude for the many years of memories, love, and support.”

In his heartfelt message from July, Russell also expressed his deep appreciation towards his fans, saying, “Thank you for letting me live my dreams. You have made my life a wonder.” Over the summer, he published a memoir with K.L. Doty titled “The True Tale of Mista Bone: A Rock and Roll Narrative.”

A public memorial for Russell will be announced at a later date.

Jack Russell was notably the lead vocalist for Great White, the band which rose to fame with their hits “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” and “The Angel Song” in the late Eighties. Russell co-founded Great White in 1982 alongside Mark Kendall, releasing several albums including 1987’s “Once Bitten” and 1989’s “Twice Shy.”

Kendall took a hiatus from the group in 2000, and Russell announced the end of the band in 2001 to pursue a solo career, which did not achieve the anticipated success. Eventually, the musicians reunited and performed as Jack Russell’s Great White.

For some, the name Jack Russell brings to mind the tragic Station nightclub fire in 2003, which resulted in the death of 100 people and injuries to 230 others. Great White was performing at the nightclub when a massive fire broke out, caused by pyrotechnics igniting flammable acoustic foam at the back of the stage. The band’s guitarist, Ty Longley, was among those who perished in the fire.

In 2015, Russell announced his intention to release a documentary about the tragedy. “It’s a story of my life intertwined with the story of the fire,” he said at the time. “It’s really hard, you know, but it’s going to give me a chance to apologize and say how I feel about it. I never had the chance to say, ‘I’m sorry.’”

While Russell was not formally charged, he and Great White settled a $1 million lawsuit with the fire victims, forming part of an overall $176 million settlement fund. “That is that band’s legacy,” said Victoria Potvin Eagan, a fan who survived the incident, to Rolling Stone in 2013.

Mark Kendall has continued to tour under the Great White name with a rotation of different singers. His version of the band drew attention in July 2020 for performing without social distancing or masks.

Russell’s passing marks the end of an era for many fans of the rock and roll scene. His indelible contributions to music and the memories he leaves behind ensure that his legacy will endure for years to come.

Source: Particle News