Great White vocalist Jack Russell has died (Picture: Larry Marano/Shutterstock)
Great White vocalist Jack Russell has died aged 63.
In a social media post on Thursday, his family announced that he died ‘peacefully’ surrounded by family and friends.
It was later confirmed he died of Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy.
A statement from his family read: ‘With tremendous sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved Jack Patrick Russell – father, husband, cousin, uncle and friend.
‘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 Pawlcik.’
It added: ‘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.’
A public memorial is set to be announced at a later date.
The rock singer died aged 63 (Picture: Manuel Nauta/Shutterstock)
A tribute posted on Great White’s page also 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, 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.
The 80s rock band was made up of Mark Kendall, Lorne Black, Audie Desbrow, Jack Russell, Michael Landrie (Picture: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
‘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.’
Russell announced in July that he would be stepping back from touring due to his dementia and MSA diagnosis.
Russell stepped back from touring earlier this year after his diagnoses (Picture: Images/Shutterstock)
Lewy body dementia is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, caused by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, according to the Mayo Clinic.
MSA is a rare condition of the nervous system that causes gradual damage to nerve cells in the brain, according to the NHS.
‘It is with the heaviest of hearts that I must announce my retirement from the road,’ Russell said earlier this year.
‘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.’
Great White were founded in Los Angeles in 1977, and best known for albums Once Bitten in 1987 and its 1989 follow-up …Twice Shy.
Russell left the group in 1996 before returning in 2003, when it started touring under the name Jack Russell’s Great White.
In 2003, a fire broke out when the band were performing in Rhode Island, known as the Station nightclub fire.
100 people died, including the band’s guitarist Ty Longley, and several others were injured.
The band currently consists of guitarist Robby Lochner, guitarist Tony Montana, bassist DanMcNay and drummer Ken Mary.
Russell is survived by his wife and son.
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