Great White frontman Jack Russell dies aged 63 as band pays heartfelt tribute to singer
Jack Russell has died at the age of 63
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Great White singer Jack Russell has died at the age of 63 as the band announced his death in a statement on Friday morning, with the star being surrounded by his family - including wife Heather Ann and son Matthew Hucko.
His cause of death was Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy, both of which impacted his motor skills, according to a representative of the singer told TMZ.
The singer previously announced his diagnosis in July when his condition forced him to retire from touring.
Great White issued a statement on their X account confirming his death which read: "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. What do you say about someone that was there by your side on such an amazing journey, they 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.
— OfficialGreatWhite (@GreatWhiteRocks) August 15, 2024
"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 was always beyond comparison. Rest in peace to one of rock's biggest champions."
Fans of the singer have been left heartbroken at the news, and flocked to the comment section to issue their condolences to the family, with one fan noting: "Brilliant singer who didn’t get the credit he deserved!"
"This sucks. Hate it. Absolutely loved hearing Jacks's voice. Prayers for him, his family, and his former bandmates. Fly high Jack," another added before a third said: "Love Great White and especially Jack Russell. One of my all-time favorite songs is House of Broken Love. His voice is amazing. He's a legend. RIP."
Jack Russell formed the band back in 1977
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Someone else penned: "So sorry to hear this news. Peace and love to his close friends and family. RIP he will be missed."
"Rest in peace, Jack. Forever be missed and loved with his fantastic voice and performances," a fifth noted before another fan expressed: "What a terrible loss. That voice is part of my life soundtrack. Thoughts and prayers to Jack’s family, friends, and fans.
Russell initially formed the band under the name Dante Fox in 1977 with Mark Kendall, before changing the name to Great White, with the group going on to make hits such as Rock Me, Once Bitten, Twice Shy and The Angel Song.
After his success in the band, Russell decided to go solo and made hit albums such as Shelter Me and For You, before he rejoined the group in 2002 and renamed it Jack Russell's Great White.
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Jack Russell's death was announced by his band mates on X
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Russell isn't the first member of the band to have died, as guitarist Ty Longley was one of those killed in The Station nightclub in Rhode Island after the band's pyrotechnics sparked a fire.
They started a benefit tour that summer which ran until 2005, before Russell entered rehab following a relapse with alcohol and cocaine.