LEAD singer Jack Russell of 1980s rock group Great White has died aged 63.
The rock frontman, who founded the band in 1977, died surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, his family confirmed.
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Jack Russell, lead singer of the rock group Great White, died on Thursday at the age of 63Credit: Getty
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He was previously diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophyCredit: Getty
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Great White was founded by Russell (third) and Mark Kendall (second) in 1977. Credit: Getty
“Jack is loved and remembered for his sense of humor, exceptional zest for life and unwavering contribution to rock and roll where his legacy will forever flourish,” the Instagram post read.
Russell died of Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy, his memoir co-author KL Doty confirmed to Rolling Stone.
A public memorial service for the musician will be announced at a later date.
The singer is survived by his wife Heather Ann Russell and son Matthew Huck.
‘JACK WAS AMAZING’
On Thursday, Great White shared his “deepest condolences” to Russell’s family in an Instagram post.
“We hope they take comfort in the fact that Jack’s incredible voice will live on forever,” they wrote.
“His love for his fans and his sons was unparalleled, as was his love for rock music.
“How about someone who has been with you on such an incredible journey, the good and the bad? We prefer to let the music fill in the gaps. All those wonderful years we spent together will be close to our hearts.”
They continued: “It was a privilege and a joy to share the stage with him – many concerts, many miles and maximum rock. In the studio, Jack was amazing. He always came ready to work. And he worked hard.
“Jack stayed until he got the best performance for every song. He brought the same excellence to every performance. The consistency of his live performances was always beyond compare.”
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In July, the singer announced his “retirement from the road”.
He revealed his dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy to fans in the same post.
“I can’t perform at the level I want and the level you deserve,” he said.
“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 unwavering contribution to rock and roll where his legacy will forever flourish.
Family statement
“Thank you for letting me live my dreams. You made my life a miracle.”
Russell just released a memoir of his life with KL Doty titled The True Tale of Mista Bone: A Rock and Roll Narrative in July.
GLOSSY 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 album Once Bitten in 1987 and the album …Twice Shy in 1989.
The 1989 album featured singles including Rock Me and Once Bitten, Twice Shy.
Russell announced that the band was breaking up in 2001, a year after Kendall went on hiatus to pursue a solo career that had failed.
While he was a solo artist, he worked under Jack Russell Great White from 2002 to 2005.
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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Great White hit the charts in the mid-1980s with two consecutive albums Credit: Getty
What is known as the Station nightclub fire killed 100 people and injured 230 others.
The pyrotechnic display ignited flammable acoustic foam around the stage and within seconds the building was ablaze.
The band’s guitarist Ty Longley died in the fire.
Russell was not charged, but he and the band settled a $1 million lawsuit with the victims of the fire, which was part of a total settlement fund of $176 million, writes Rolling Stone.
In 2006, Russell and Great White reunited, but later split in 2009 due to Russell’s health issues.
Kendall continued the bass tour with a rotating cast of singers filling in for Russell.
The band made headlines when they performed in July 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic.
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Great White broke up in 2001, before reuniting in 2006. Credit: Getty
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Russell announced his retirement from touring in JulyCredit: Getty
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In July, he also released a memoir about his life with KL Doty titled The True Tale of Mista Bone: A Rock and Roll NarrativeCredit: Getty
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