Jack Russell, Great White vocalist and founding band member, dies at 63
Jack Russell, the raw silken co-founding lead vocalist of the glam metal band, Great White, died on Thursday at the age of 63.
Jack Russell, the raw silken co-founding lead vocalist of the glam metal band, Great White, died on Thursday at the age of 63. His death was confirmed on the musician’s social media. In July, the singer had shared a statement regarding his struggles with Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy.
“I am unable to perform at the level I desire and at the level you deserve,” Russell wrote on Instagram on July 17. “Words cannot express my gratitude for the many years of memories, love and support. Thank you for letting me live my dreams. You have made my life a wonder.”
That life of wonder had highs such as Great White’s Ian Hunter-penned hit single “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” and several platinum albums throughout the hair metal 1980s. Russell and his band also were at the center of great tragedy too when, in 2003, their pyrotechnics-filled show at the small Station nightclub in Rhode Island set fire to the venue, killing 100 people and injuring 230 others. Among the victims was Great White guitarist Ty Longley who perished in the fire.
Guitarist and Great White’s fellow co-founder Mark Kendall sent condolences on Instagram after news of Russell’s death emerged. Kendall heralded his one-time partner as “one of rock’s biggest champions” with an “incredible voice that will live on forever.”
“What do you say about someone who was there by your side on such an amazing journey, the good and the bad?” the Instagram post read. “We prefer to let the music fill in the blanks. All those wonderful years together will be held close to our hearts. 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.”
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