Great White Singer Jack Russell Dies At 63 ▉

TOMÁS MIER for Rolling Stone:

JACK RUSSELL, ONE of the founding members of Eighties band Great White, has died. He was 63. In a social media post Thursday, Russell’s family announced that the glam metal singer died “peacefully” surrounded by his family and friends. Russell died of Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy, his memoir co-author K.L. Doty confirmed to Rolling Stone.

“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,” read the statement. “His family asks for privacy at this time.”

The singer announced in July that he would be stepping away from touring due to his dementia and MSA diagnosis. “I am unable to perform at the level I desire and at the level you deserve,” Russell said at the time. “Words cannot express my gratitude for the many years of memories, love, and support.”

Yet another reminder of just how short and fragile life can be. One minute you’re fine and the next you aren’t. It’s also a reminder to not take everything so seriously and just enjoy what you can while you’re here.

Russell was born in Montebello, California, and was once the lead vocalist for the rock band Great White, which had its biggest hits “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” (a cover of the Ian Hunter song) and “The Angel Song” in the late Eighties. He co-founded the band in 1982 with Mark Kendall, and dropped several LPs, including 1987’s Once Bitten and 1989’s Twice Shy.

Great White was one of those 80’s bands that came along at the very end of the Hair Metal days. I had no idea that “Once Bitten” was a cover until just now. To me it was always one of those songs that renforces that Rock N’ Roll comes from the blues. It’s a hell of a cover to be sure and like all good covers takes the foundation of the original and adds to it in the band’s own way. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel but it makes the wheel better.

It’s also a great reminder that the 80’s really were a ton of fun even if you were just a kid.

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