Great White’s Jack Russell Gone at 63

The hard rock singer retired from touring last month after Lewy body dementia diagnosis

August 16, 2024August 16, 2024 Ron Hart 0 Comments Great White, Ian Hunter, Jack Russell, Led Zeppelin, Mott the Hoople, RIP

Jack Russell of Great White (Image: Pinterest)

Great White might’ve been lumped in with the hair metal set in the 80s, but don’t get it twisted: These guys were the real deal.

And the group’s crown jewel was singer Jack Russell, who died yesterday at age 63.

It was only in July that Russell announced he was retiring from touring with his solo band, Jack Russell’s Great White, because he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy. And while it was announced on social media by his biographer K.L. Doty, who said that he passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends, the cause of death is not known at press time.

“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.”

The classic lineup of Great White broke up in 2001, but Russell made the choice to tour solo while still using the band’s name. And it was sadly under the aegis of Jack Russell’s Great White that tragedy struck in 2003 when the venue the band was playing in, The Station in West Warwick, Rhode Island, caught fire following a botched pyro display that resulted in the deaths of 100 individuals including guitarist Ty Longley.

Russell would reunite with the proper version of Great White in 2006 before splitting again in 2010, resulting in two versions of the band following a legal battle over the name.

However, nobody could deny the talent of the original Great White, whose albums like their eponymous 1984 debut, 1987’s Once Bitten, 1989’s …Twice Shy and 1991’s severely underrated Hooked remain some of the very best titles in the hard rock and metal genre of its era.

Great White press photo (Image: Capitol Records)

Great White paid tribute to Russell shortly after his death was announced, posting the following message on 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.”

If you want to hear a sample of that amazing voice, one must look no further than Great White’s stunning version of Led Zeppelin’s “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” from MTV Unplugged in 1990, which you can check out below.

Rest in Peace, Jack. Thanks for being my gateway to Ian Hunter and Mott the Hoople.