Great White’s Jack Russell dies at 63, leaving behind a rock legacy marked by tragedy

Jack Russell, the co-founding lead vocalist of the glam metal band Great White, has passed away at 63.

His death was confirmed on social media, and the cause has not been disclosed.

In July, Russell had publicly shared his battle with Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy, revealing that his health challenges were impacting his ability to perform at his best. He expressed deep gratitude for the years of support from his fans and the opportunity to live his musical dreams.

Russell’s career with Great White included significant successes, such as the hit single “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” and several platinum albums during the 1980s.

However, his career was also marked by tragedy. In 2003, a pyrotechnics accident during a Great White concert at the Station nightclub in Rhode Island resulted in a devastating fire that claimed 100 lives and injured 230 others, including the band's guitarist, Ty Longley.

Mark Kendall, co-founder of Great White, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, honoring Russell as "one of rock’s biggest champions" with an "incredible voice" that will live on. Kendall reflected on their shared journey, expressing that Russell's contributions and dedication to music were unparalleled.

Russell, born on December 5, 1960, in Montebello, California, began his musical journey with various high school rock bands before meeting Kendall in 1977. The duo initially performed under names like Highway and Livewire before adopting the name Great White, inspired by Kendall’s nickname.

Russell's early career faced setbacks, including an arrest in 1979 for a crime that led to an eight-year prison sentence. After serving 18 months, he rejoined Kendall, and by 1982, Great White had released their debut album, "Out of the Night," and gained popularity in the hair metal scene.

Despite the band's success, including the hit albums "Once Bitten" and "Twice Shy," Great White's prominence waned with the rise of grunge in the 1990s. After several band changes and a brief period with Columbia Records, Russell disbanded the group following his father’s death.

Russell later pursued solo projects and briefly reformed Great White under his own name. The band’s resurgence was marred by further controversies, including the 2003 nightclub fire. Despite these challenges, Russell continued to perform and record, releasing solo albums and penning an autobiography.

He retired in 2024 and is survived by his wife, Heather Ann Kramer, whom he married in 2011. A public memorial will be announced in the future.