Jack Russell, the former frontman of 1980s and '90s glam rockers Great White, has died aged 63.
The news comes from Instagram page for Jack Russell's Great White, which is the name of the band the frontman toured with after the group broke up in 2001.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved Jack Patrick Russell — father, husband, cousin, uncle and friend,” the statement began, adding that the singer “passed peacefully” surrounded by his wife Heather Ann, son Matthew Huko. and other family and friends. “Jack is adored and remembered for his sense of humor, his great zest for life and his unwavering contribution to rock and roll, where his legacy will live and thrive forever.”
The family requests privacy and shared that details of a public memorial will be announced at a later date.
at Instagram page for the Great White, Russell's original partners shared their “heartfelt condolences to Jack Russell's family. We hope they take comfort in knowing that Jack's incredible voice will live on forever.” The statement ended: “Rest In Peace, to one of rock's greatest champions.”
Great White landed six songs on the Billboard Hot 100 in the late '80s and early '90s, including the top five smash “Once Bitten Twice Shy,” which reached No. 5 in 1989 and whose the music video was in heavy rotation on MTV. The album of the song, 1989 …Twice shywas a top 10 hit on the Billboard 200 chart, peaking at No. 9.
After the group broke up in 2001, the singer hit the road as Jack Russell's Great White – most infamously headlining Rhode Island's The Station nightclub in 2003, when fireworks started a fire that killed 100 people, including his bandmate band Ty Longley, and wounding 230 Russell. The tour manager, Daniel Biechele, pleaded guilty to 100 counts of manslaughter in 2006 and served two years in prison on top of a 15-year sentence. The owners of The Station, Jeffrey and Michael Derderian, pleaded no contest, with Michael serving nearly three years in prison and Jeffrey sentenced to community service. The group also reached settlements with victims in several lawsuits.
Last month, Russell's Instagram page announced his retirement from touring after being diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and Multiple System Atrophy. “Words cannot express my gratitude for the many years of memories, love and support,” the retirement announcement read. “Thank you for letting me live my dreams.”
Find the family and band statements below.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/great-white-jack-russell-dead-1235754482/
