LEAD singer Jack Russell from the ’80s rock band Great White has died at 63.
The rock front man, who formed the band in 1977, died surrounded by friends and family on Thursday.
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“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,” an Instagram post read.
Russell died of Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy, per the co-author of his memoir, K.L. Doty, confirmed to Rolling Stone.
A public memorial for the musician will be announced at a later date, per the post.
The singer leaves behind his wife Heather Ann Russell and his son Matthew Hucko.
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‘JACK WAS AMAZING’
On Thursday, Great White shared their “deepest condolences” for Russell’s family in an Instagram post.
“We hope they take comfort in knowing Jack’s incredible voice will live on forever,” they wrote.
“His love for the fans and his sons went unmatched as was his own love for rock music.
“What do you say about someone who was there by your side on such an amazing journey, the good and the bad? We prefer to let the music fill in the blanks. All those wonderful years together will be held close to our hearts.”
They continued, “It was a privilege and joy to share the stage with him – many shows, many miles, and maximum rock. In the studio, Jack was amazing. He always came ready to work. And work hard, he did.
“Jack stayed until he got the best performance for each song. He brought the same excellence to every show. The consistency of his live performances were always beyond comparison.”
In July, the singer announced his “retirement from the road.”
He revealed his Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy diagnosis to fans in the same post.
“I am unable to perform at the level I desire and the level you deserve,” he shared.
“Words cannot express my gratitude for the many years of memories, love, and support.
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.
Family statement
“Thank you for letting me live my dreams. You have made my life a wonder.”
Russell had just released a memoir of his life with K.L. Doty titled The True Tale of Mista Bone: A Rock and Roll Narrative in July.
GREAT WHITE
The band was founded in Los Angeles in 1977 by Russell and guitarist Mark Kendall.
Great White hit the charts in the mid-1980s with their platinum-selling 1987 album Once Bitten and its 1989 album …Twice Shy.
The 1989 album featured singles including Rock Me and Once Bitten, Twice Shy.
Russell announced the band was splitting in 2001, a year after Kendall took a hiatus, to pursue a solo career which failed.
While a solo artist, he from 2002 to 2005 under Jack Russell’s Great White.
In 2003 while Kendall and Russell were performing with Jack Russell’s Great White in West Warwick, Rhode Island, a fire broke out.
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What is known as the Station nightclub fire killed 100 people and injured 230 others.
A pyrotechnic display ignited flammable acoustic foam around the stage and in seconds the building was on fire.
The band’s guitarist Ty Longley died in the blaze.
Russell wasn’t charged but he and the band settled a $1 million lawsuit with the victims of the fire, which was part of an overall $176 million settlement fund, per Rolling Stone.
In 2006, Russell and Great White rejoined but later separated in 2009 due to Russell’s health issues.
Kendall continued to tour with the bad with rotating vocalists filling Russell’s slot.
The band made headlines when it performed in July 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic.
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