Jack Russell, the frontman of the band Great White, has died. He was 63. Jack Russell’s Great White, the name under which Russell toured after the band disbanded in 2001, confirmed the news on Instagram Thursday. The statement states that “Jack passed peacefully,” surrounded by his wife, son, cousin, and two friends. The press release continues: “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.” Details of a public memorial will be disclosed later, according to the statement, and his family has requested privacy. A spokesman tells ABC Audio that the cause of death was Lewy Body Dementia and Multiple System Atrophy. During July,Russell declared his retirement from touring owing to the conditions. Russell’s former bandmates issued a statement on the official Great White Instagram page, giving their sympathies to the family. “We hope they take comfort in knowing Jack’s incredible voice will live on forever,” they added, saying that working with Russell was a “privilege and a joy”. It ends with, “Rest In Peace, to one of rock’s biggest champions.” Great White is most known for their late 1980s and early 1990s singles, such as “The Angel Song,” “Rock Me,” and their hallmark song, “Once Bitten Twice Shy,” which peaked at #5 in 1989. Russell continued to perform as Jack Russell’s Great White when the band split up in 2001.
During an infamous gig at The Station nightclub in Rhode Island in 2003, the band’s pyro display caused a fire that killed 100 people and injured 230. Their tour manager pleaded guilty in 2006 and served two years in prison; one of the nightclub’s owners went to prison, as well.
