(Photo: Stephen J. Cohen/Getty )
- Jack Russell, the founding member of the hard rock band Great White.
- He has passed away at the age of 63.
- His death was announced on his Instagram page on Thursday, August 15.
Rock star Jack Russell, the iconic vocalist and founding member of the hard rock band Great White, has passed away at the age of 63. His death was announced on his Instagram page on Thursday, August 15. Russell had been battling Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy.
The statement on Instagram expressed deep sorrow, stating, “With tremendous sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved Jack Patrick Russell—father, husband, cousin, uncle, and friend.” It was noted that Russell passed away peacefully in the presence of his wife, Heather Ann Russell, his son, Matthew Hucko, cousin Naomi Breshears Barbor, and close friends Billy and Cheryl Pawelcik. Details of a public memorial will be shared at a later date, the statement added.
Russell was known for his humor, passion for life, and significant contributions to rock and roll. Just last month, he announced his retirement from touring due to his health struggles, expressing gratitude for the years of love and support from his fans.
Born in Montebello, California, in 1960, Russell co-founded Great White with guitarist Mark Kendall in 1977. The band, initially named Highway, gained fame with hits like “The Angel Song” and “Once Bitten, Twice Shy.” However, their career was marred by tragedy in 2003 when a fire at The Station nightclub in Rhode Island claimed 100 lives, including that of Great White guitarist Ty Longley.
In the wake of Russell’s passing, Great White paid tribute to their longtime bandmate, stating, “What do you say about someone who was there by your side on such an amazing journey, the good and the bad? We prefer to let the music fill in the blanks. All those wonderful years together will be held close to our hearts.”
