Russell was 63
Original Great White frontman Jack Russell has died at the age of 63. His family shared the news via a social media statement earlier today (Thurs, Aug 15th).
“With tremendous sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved Jack Patrick Russell – father, husband, cousin, uncle, and friend,” the statement reads. “Jack passed peacefully in the presence of his wife Heather Ann Russell, son Matthew Hucko, cousin Naomi Breshears Barbor, and dear friends Billy and Cheryl Pawelcik. Details of a public memorial will be announced at a later date. 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 asks for privacy at this time.”
Following the news, the original Great White shared, “Our deepest condolences to the family of Jack Russell. We hope they take comfort in knowing Jack’s incredible voice will live on forever. His love for the fans and his sons went unmatched, as was his own love for rock music.”
They continue, “What do you say about someone that 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. It was a privilege and joy to share the stage with him -many shows, many miles, and maximum rock. In the studio, Jack was amazing. He always came ready to work. And work hard, he did. Jack stayed until he got the best performance for each song. He brought the same excellence to every show. The consistency of his live performances were always beyond comparison.
“Rest In Peace, to one of rock’s biggest champions.”
The news comes a month after Russell announced he was retiring from touring after being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia.
“To my fans and friends, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I must announce my retirement from the road,” Russell shared on July 17th. “After a recent diagnosis of Lewy body dementia (LBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) in May 2024, I am unable to perform at the level I desire and at the level you deserve. 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.”
Lewd body dementia is one of the most common causes of neurodegenerative dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. The National Institute of Aging says that lewd body dementia can lead to problems with thinking, movement, behavior, and mood. More than one million people in the US are affected by the disease.
Russell was with Great White from 1981 until 1996. He took three years off to record and release his first solo album, Shelter Me, before rejoining the band in 1999. The band broke up in 2001, but Russell continued to tour under his own name before rebranding to Jack Russell’s Great White from 2002 until 2005.
The original band reformed in 2006 but Russell left again in 2009 after injuring himself due to falling in his bathroom. He cracked two vertebrae and a herniated disc and underwent multiple back surgeries. He used a plethora of pain medication and fell into alcoholism before becoming sober after Warrant’s Jani Lane died suddenly in 2011.
The original Great White continued touring with a new singer in 2009. In December 2011, Russell resumed touring as Jack Russell’s Great White until his retirement this year.
