(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – This week brought a bitter-sweet moment for rock music fans, as frontman for the 1980s metal band Great White, glam rocker and famous rock star Jack Russell passed away at 63, surrounded by family and friends.
According to Rolling Stone, Russell died after battling multiple system atrophy and Lewy body dementia.
“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 shared in an online statement.
Great White was founded in Los Angeles in 1977, hitting its peak in the mid-1980s with the platinum-selling 1987 album “Once Bitten” and the 1989 follow-up “…Twice Shy.”
Their singles “Rock Me” and “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” became staples on early MTV.
Additionally, the late singer left the band in 1996 but rejoined in 2001 when the group began touring under the name Jack Russell’s Great White.
This later version of Great White is notoriously linked to the 2003 fire at a Rhode Island rock club.
The band’s stage pyrotechnics ignited highly flammable acoustic foam, causing a blaze that killed 100 people and injured 230 more.
While among the public was included guitarist Ty Longley, it remains the deadliest fireworks-related accident in U.S. history.
Last month, Russell announced his retirement from touring due to his diagnosis.
“I am unable to perform at the level I desire and at the level you deserve,” the rock star shared on social media.
He added, “Words cannot express my gratitude for the many years of memories, love, and support.”
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