Jack Russell, Founding Singer of Great White, Dead at 63

Jack Russell, founding singer of the glam metal band Great White, has died at the age of 63.

Just last month, Russell retired from touring after announcing he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy. He passed away “peacefully” on Thursday, August 15th, surrounded by his family and friends, according to a statement released by K.L. Doty, who co-authored his memoir.

“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,” Doty wrote. “His family asks for privacy at this time.”

Russell fronted Great White during its commercial heyday in the late 1980s, singing on hits including “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” “Rock Me,” “Save Your Love,” and “The Angel Song.”

After the band broke up in 2001, Russell went solo but began touring as Jack Russell’s Great White. It’s with that outfit that he performed at The Station in West Warwick, Rhode Island in 2003 when the band’s pyro display set off a fire that tragically resulted in the deaths of 100 people at the venue, including guitarist Ty Longley.

Russell reunited with Great White in 2006, but split with the band again in 2010. From there, two incarnations of Great White existed: Great White and Jack Russell’s Great White, leading to a legal battle that eventually allowed both acts to tour and record separately.

With the original Great White, Russell and the band released 11 albums, and went platinum with the 1987’s Once Bitten and double-platinum with its follow-up …Twice Shy (1989). Meanwhile, Jack Russell’s Great White only released one proper studio album, 2017’s He Saw It Comin’.

Great White paid tribute to their former singer, posting the following in social media:

“Our deepest condolences to the family of Jack Russell. We hope they take comfort in knowing Jack’s incredible voice will live on forever. His love for the fans and his sons went unmatched, as was his own love for rock music. What do you say about someone that 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. 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. Rest In Peace, to one of rock’s biggest champions.”

Poison singer Bret Michaels also honored Russell, writing, “To my friend Jack Russell, such an amazing voice. May you rest in peace.”