Hard rock singer Jack Russell, a founding member of the 1980s band Great White, is dead at age 63.
Russell died peacefully while surrounded by family and friends, his family announced Thursday. The cause of death was Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy, according to Rolling Stone.
“Our deepest condolences to the family of Jack Russell. We hope they take comfort in knowing Jack’s incredible voice will live on forever,” Great White said in a statement. “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.”
Russell revealed last month that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy, forcing him to retire from touring.
“I am unable to perform at the level I desire and at the level you deserve,” Russell said in July. “Words cannot express my gratitude for the many years of memories, love, and support.”
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second most common type of neurodegenerative dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Mayo clinic. It affects brain regions involved in thinking, memory and movement, causing a decline in mental abilities and sometimes visual hallucinations. Actor-comedian Robin Williams was diagnosed with LBD in an autopsy after his death in 2014.
Russell is best known as the lead singer of Great White, reaching the charts in the mid-to-late ‘80s with hard rock / glam metal songs like “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” “The Angel Song,” “Rock Me,” “Lady Red Light,” “House of Broken Love,” and “Save Your Love.” Russell has also performed as a solo artist and under the name Jack Russell’s Great White.
Russell was performing with Great White when a pyrotechnics display sparked a nightclub fire that killed 100 people at a 2003 concert in Rhode Island. Great White guitarist Ty Longley died in the blaze and the band’s then tour manager spent two years in prison for his role in the tragedy. Russell was not charged but he and the band did settle a lawsuit with victims of the as part of an overall $176 million settlement fund, according to Rolling Stone.
“Why did I get to live and so many other people didn’t? I feel guilty for people coming to see me play and losing their lives. It’s really hard to deal with it,” Russell said in 2015.
Russell wrote about the Station Nightclub tragedy, his career, and his struggles with substance abuse in a new autobiography, “The True Tale of Mista Bone: A Rock & Roll Narrative,” released last month. The book, written with K.L. Doty, also features a foreword by Lita Ford.
“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,” his family said in a statement. “His family asks for privacy at this time.”
Survivors include his wife Heather Ann Russell and his son Matthew Hucko.
“To my friend Jack Russell, such an amazing voice. May you rest in peace,” Poison singer Bret Michaels wrote on social media.
