WASHINGTON — Jack Russell, the former frontman of the 1980s hard rock band Great White, has died after a battle with dementia, according to a statement from his family. He was 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," a statement posted to his Instagram account said.
Russell co-founded Great White with guitarist Mark Kendall. The band's hits included “Once Bitten Twice Shy” and “Rock Me.” Russell was with the band from 1981 to 1996, then left to release a solo album and rejoined in 1999 until the group broke up in 2001, according to his online bio. He briefly toured solo under his own name, then changed the band's name to Jack Russell's Great White.
In 2003, Russell's group was involved in one of the deadliest nightclub fires in U.S. history. During a show at The Station nightclub in Rhode Island, the band’s pyrotechnics ignited flammable soundproofing foam and sparked a fast-moving blaze that caused a bottleneck as fans tried to flee. The fire killed 100 people, including the band’s guitarist, Ty Longley, and injured more than 200 others. Lawsuits brought by families of the dead and the injured were settled for $176 million.
In 2006, Russell began touring again with the official Great White band, but left in 2009. He started touring again with his spin-off group in 2011, until recently.
Russell's death comes four weeks after he announced he was retiring 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. Thank you for letting me live my dreams. You have made my life a wonder," his July 17 statement said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
