August 19th 2024.
The world of rock music was struck with sadness last week as news of Jack Russell's passing spread. The beloved frontman of iconic band Great White had been battling Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy, and passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 63. In honor of their late friend and colleague, the remaining members of Great White have announced that they will be changing their name to Once Bitten, after their hit album, and will continue to perform with former frontman Terry Ilios.
The loss of Russell has been deeply felt by his bandmates, who released a heartfelt statement expressing their gratitude for the time they were able to spend playing music with him. They described him as a champion of rock music and have organized a tribute concert in his honor. In their announcement, the band shared that they will be moving forward without Russell, but out of respect for him, they will be changing their name. They also revealed that Ilios will be returning for the Illinois gig.
Great White, founded in 1977 in Los Angeles, is best known for their debut album Once Bitten and its follow-up ...Twice Shy. Their hits Rock Me and Once Bitten, Twice Shy have solidified their place in the rock music scene. Russell briefly left the band in 1996, but returned in 2003. The tribute concert, set to take place at the Arcada Theatre on August 23, will now feature Once Bitten as the headliner, with Vixen opening.
The Arcada Theatre took to social media to share the updated name with fans, explaining that Russell's illness caused him to back out of the show, but the band will still perform under their new name. President and CEO Ron Onesti expressed that Russell would have wanted the show to go on, and that this tribute is a fitting way to honor his musical legacy. The concert was also meant to coincide with the release of Russell's autobiography, "The True Tale of Mista Bone: A Rock + Roll Narrative," and although he cannot be there in person, author K.L. Doty, the "Official Jack Russell Family Spokesperson," will still attend to share stories about him.
It is unclear at this time if the band will continue on as Once Bitten after the tribute concert. However, Onesti shared that the decision to continue with the gig is what Russell would have wanted. He called the loss a sad day in rock and roll, and believes that there is no better way to honor his musical life than with a salute from his own bandmates.
Lewy body dementia, the condition that Russell suffered from, is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. It is caused by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Multiple system atrophy, the rare nervous system condition that Russell also battled, causes gradual damage to nerve cells in the brain, according to the NHS.
In the midst of this difficult time, the entertainment team at The Agency encourages anyone with a celebrity story, video, or pictures to reach out and share. They can be contacted through email, by phone, or by visiting the Submit Stuff page on their website. Let's honor the legacy of Jack Russell and continue to celebrate his contributions to the world of rock music.
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