Great White singer Jack Russell, who survived a 2003 nightclub fire that killed his band’s guitarist and dozens of fans, is dead at 63.
“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 posted on Instagram.
They said the “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” singer who headed a hair metal band that enjoyed moderate success at the close of the 1980s died peacefully with his wife, son, cousin and friends at his side. A cause of death wasn’t mentioned. Russell told fans he was retiring from music in May due to “Lewy body dementia (LBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA),” according to Blabbermouth.
The National Institute on aging says LBD is associated with abnormal deposits of a proteins in the brain that “can lead to problems with thinking, movement, behavior, and mood.”
Great White formed in Los Angeles in 1977 and were regularly played by MTV. They went through various incarnations, one of which was performing as Jack Russell’s Great White in February 2003 when a pyrotechnics mishap caused the Rhode Island concert venue The Station to be consumed by flames. The fire killed 100 people and injured 200 more.
Russell in the years since performed with his version of the group while the band’s founder, Mark Kendall, continued under the name Great White. They expressed condolences to the former frontman’s family Thursday.
“We hope they take comfort knowing Jack’s incredible voice will live on forever,” the band posted on its website. “Rest in peace to one of rock’s biggest champions.”
Twisted Sister singer Dee Snider and Poison frontman Bret Michaels were among the glam-metal rockers who also mourned Russell’s death online.
“Such an amazing voice,” Michaels posted.