Jack Russell: Voice of Great White and Survivor of Rock and Roll

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With his raspy howl, bluesy swagger, and untamed mane of blonde hair, Jack Russell was the perfect example of a rock and roll frontman. 

His voice, a raw and powerful instrument, became synonymous with the sound of Great White, the band he fronted. 

He helped define 80s hard rock, belting out anthems like “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” and “Rock Me.” 

But Russell’s story transcends typical rock and roll glory. 

There are ups and downs.

On, there are downs.

It’s the reality of pursuing a career in the music industry.

His recent autobiography, The True Tale of Mista Bone: A Rock & Roll Narrative, co-written with K.L. Doty, offers an unfiltered look at the man behind the microphone. 

The book reveals a life filled with both incredible highs and devastating lows, taking readers on a journey through Russell’s tumultuous life, from his early days in a small town to the heights of rock stardom with Great White. 

Russell doesn’t hold back, sharing intimate details about his struggles with addiction, his experiences with the music industry, and the devastating aftermath of the 2003 Station Nightclub fire, a tragedy that forever changed his life.

Great White, with Russell as the frontman, carved out a unique niche in the hard rock scene. 

They weren’t like the other “white” bands – Whitesnake and White Lion.

They blended bluesy grit with soaring vocals and earthy barroom hooks, capturing the true classic rock spirit of a generation hungry for guitar-driven energy. 

Russell had a swaggering charisma that channeled his idols, Robert Plant and Steven Tyler, while injecting his own unique brand of intensity.

But the band’s trajectory took a devastating turn on that fateful night in 2003. 

The Station Nightclub fire, a tragedy that claimed 100 lives, forever linked Great White and Jack Russell to one of rock and roll’s darkest hours.

This is the story of Jack Russell, the voice of Great White, a survivor with a passion that burned bright, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

From Small-Town Dreams to Rock and Roll Beginnings

Jack Russell’s journey to rock stardom began in the unlikely setting of Palo Verdes Estates, a quiet, affluent community nestled in the South Bay of Los Angeles. 

Born in 1960, Russell’s childhood was far removed from the gritty world of rock and roll. He was raised in a comfortable household, the youngest of five children, with a father who worked as a neurosurgeon. 

Beneath the surface of this idyllic upbringing, a rebellious spirit was brewing.

Music became Russell’s escape, a way to channel his emotions and express his individuality. 

He was drawn to singers who could convey both vulnerability and aggression in their voices, influences that would shape his own vocal style, a blend of bluesy grit and soaring range that would become his signature.

As a teenager, Russell began exploring his musical talents, forming bands with friends and playing local gigs. 

These early experiences were crucial in honing his skills and developing his stage presence. 

A pivotal moment in Russell’s musical journey came when he crossed paths with guitarist Mark Kendall. 

The two shared a passion for hard rock and blues. 

Together, they formed a band called Dante Fox, a name that reflected their early sound, a blend of classic rock influences and a touch of progressive metal.

Dante Fox marked the beginning of a musical partnership that would span decades and define both Russell and Kendall’s careers. 

Great White: From The Strip to MTV and Rock Radio

Dante Fox had all the ingredients for success: a charismatic frontman, a talented guitarist, and a shared passion for hard-hitting rock and roll. 

But the music industry is a fickle beast, and the road to stardom is rarely a straight line. 

Before they could conquer the airwaves and arenas, they needed a new identity, one that would capture their evolving sound and larger-than-life presence.

The name “Great White” came about in a rather unexpected way. 

Mark Kendall, with his flowing blonde hair, penchant for white clothing, and trusty white Fender Telecaster, had earned the nickname “The Great White” among friends and fans. 

It was a moniker that perfectly captured his image and stage presence. 

When the time came to rebrand the band, “Great White” seemed like a natural fit. 

It was bold, memorable, and hinted at the raw power that lay within their music.

The early days of Great White were a mix of struggle and determination. 

They honed their skills playing clubs on the Sunset Strip, building a loyal following with their live shows. 

To gain notice and exposure, they released an independent EP. 

These early recordings captured the band’s hunger and energy, laying the foundation for their future success.

Their big break came in 1984 when they signed with EMI Records. 

That same year, they released their self-titled debut album, a record that introduced the world to Great White’s signature sound. 

The album was straight-forward, showcasing Russell and Kendall’s fiery guitar work. 

Tracks like “Stick It” and “Hold On” captured the band’s raw energy, while songs like “No Way” and “On Your Knees” were right to the point.

Great White’s debut album may not have catapulted them to instant superstardom, but it established them in the hard rock scene. 

It was a solid first step, a testament to their talent and determination, and a sign of bigger things to come.

Great White’s Breakthrough and Beyond

By 1987, Great White had honed their sound and paid their dues. 

It was less “hard rock by the numbers” and had more soul.

They were primed and ready for their breakthrough. 

That moment arrived with the release of their third studio album, Once Bitten…, a record that would catapult them to the forefront of the hard rock scene.

Once Bitten…‘s success transformed Great White from a Sunset Strip club band to an opener to be reckoned with.. 

Their music video for “Rock Me” showed up on MTV. 

Great White toured relentlessly, opening heavyweights like Judas Priest, further expanding their fanbase. 

They even landed a nationally televised concert opening for Guns N’ Roses.

Great White, like many bands that were getting noticed but not in Billboard’s Top 10, faced internal pressures and external forces that threatened to derail their momentum. 

Lineup changes became a recurring theme, with bassist Lorne Black departing after the release of Once Bitten…

Great White continued to ride the wave of somewhat success. 

Tony Montana stepped in to fill the bassist role. 

They followed up Once Bitten… with …Twice Shy (1989), an album that further solidified their status as hard rock heavyweights. 

The album featured their biggest hit to date, a cover of Ian Hunter’s “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” which reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned them a Grammy nomination.

The band’s subsequent albums, Hooked (1991) and Psycho City (1992), continued their streak of solid hard rock releases, though they struggled to match the commercial success of …Twice Shy

The rise of grunge in the early 90s presented a new challenge, as the musical landscape shifted towards a rawer, more alternative sound. 

It was the unofficial American punk movement, and hair metal was that generation’s disco.

Once again Great White carried on. They continued to tour and release new music, adapting to the changing tides of the industry while staying true to their hard rock roots. 

Albums like the acoustic-driven Sail Away and the criminally underrated Let It Rock gave them reasons to keep playing live, although to much smaller crowds.

In 1999, there was a last effort at mainstream success with Can’t Get There From Here, their ninth studio album. 

It showcased a band that refused to fade away, still delivering solid hard rock with bluesy undertones. 

While the album may not have reached the heights of their late 80s success, it featured standout tracks like “Rollin’ Stoned,” a driving rocker that captured the band’s signature energy and earned airplay on mainstream rock radio. 

Can’t Get There From Here served as a reminder that Great White still had some relevance.

Alas, Great White wouldn’t carry on after this somewhat resurgence. They broke up and released a farewell album.

Great White’s Thank You…Goodnight!: The Farewell Concert serves as a poignant time capsule, capturing the band at a crossroads. 

Released in 2002, this live album documents their final performance before a planned disbandment announced by Jack Russell in late 2001. 

Recorded on New Year’s Eve at The Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana, California, the setlist spans their career, showcasing their hard-hitting anthems and bluesy ballads. 

The album includes two previously unreleased tracks, “Back to the Rhythm” and “Play On,” hinting at a potential new direction for the band. 

Jack wanted to go solo so he could release a new style of music.

However, a devastating tragedy lay just around the corner, one that would test Russell’s resilience and forever alter his trajectory.

The Night the Music Died: The Station Nightclub Fire and its Aftermath

February 20, 2003, began like any other night for Jack Russell’s Great White. 

Jack Russell embarked on a solo tour in support of his album “For You,” eventually performing under the moniker “Jack Russell’s Great White.” 

Russell persevered, showcasing his usually reliable vocals and enduring stage presence to dedicated fans across the country. 

Interestingly, the tour eventually saw a reunion of sorts when Mark Kendall, Great White’s founding guitarist, joined Russell on stage for a series of shows. 

This unexpected reunion brought together two key figures from the band’s history, offering fans a glimpse of the magic that had once fueled Great White’s rise to fame.

They played a small club in West Warwick, Rhode Island – The Station Nightclub. 

As the band launched into their opening song, “Desert Moon,” pyrotechnics were ignited as part of their stage show. 

Within seconds, sparks from the pyrotechnics ignited flammable soundproofing foam on the walls and ceiling surrounding the stage. 

The fire spread with terrifying speed, engulfing the club in flames and thick, black smoke.

Panic erupted as concertgoers scrambled for the exits. 

The main entrance, the same one they had used to enter, quickly became a bottleneck, trapping people inside the burning building. 

Many were overcome by smoke and flames, while others suffered injuries in the desperate crush to escape. 

In a matter of minutes, the club was transformed into a scene of unimaginable horror.

The fire claimed the lives of 100 people, including Jack Russell’s Great White’s guitarist, Ty Longley. 

Over 200 more were injured, many suffering from severe burns and smoke inhalation. 

The Station Nightclub fire became one of the deadliest nightclub fires in U.S. history, a tragedy that sent shockwaves through the nation and the music world.

For Jack Russell, the aftermath of the fire was devastating. 

He faced intense scrutiny and public outrage, with many blaming the band’s use of pyrotechnics for the tragedy. Legal battles ensued, with Russell and the band’s manager facing criminal charges. 

Russell himself was haunted by guilt and grief, struggling to come to terms with the loss of life and the role he played in the events of that night.

The fire cast a long shadow over Jack Russell’s career. The name “Great White”may have been blacklisted from many venues, and their reputation was tarnished. 

Russell, battling his own personal demons and the weight of the tragedy, struggled to maintain his sobriety. The future of Jack Russell seemed uncertain.

Despite the immense pain and challenges, eventually Russell and the other members of Great White sought to rebuild and move forward. 

They participated in benefit concerts to raise money for the victims and their families. Russell, though deeply affected by the tragedy, continued to make music, both with Great White and as a solo artist. 

He channeled his grief and remorse into his songwriting, using music as a form of therapy and a way to connect with fans.

The Final Act: Jack Russell’s Later Years and the Legacy of Great White

The Station Nightclub fire cast a long shadow over Great White, but it didn’t kill their desire. 

Great White reformed and soldiered on, but it wouldn’t last forever, eventually splitting into two separate entities. 

Mark Kendall continued to tour and record under the Great White banner with a variety of vocalists, keeping the band’s music alive.

Terry Ilous, formerly of XYZ, stepped into the role in 2010, bringing his own powerful vocals and stage presence to the band’s classic hits. 

He fronted Great White for eight years, recording two studio albums and touring extensively. 

In 2018, Mitch Malloy, a seasoned vocalist and songwriter with a successful solo career, took over vocal duties. 

Malloy brought a fresh perspective to Great White’s live sound, injecting his own style and energy into the band’s performances. 

Though both Ilous and Malloy have since moved on to other projects, they each contributed a unique chapter to Great White’s ongoing story, ensuring that the band’s music continues.

Jack Russell, meanwhile, continued with his own version of Great White, dubbed “Jack Russell’s Great White,” performing the band’s classic hits. 

This move led to legal disputes with Kendall over the use of the band’s name, further highlighting the internal divisions that had plagued Great White for years.

Despite his musical endeavors, Russell continued to battle personal demons. 

His struggles with addiction persisted, and his health deteriorated in his later years. He faced a series of medical challenges, including surgeries for a perforated bowel and a brain aneurysm. 

In 2023, he announced that he was suffering from Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy, conditions that forced him to step away from touring.

On June 15, 2024, Jack Russell passed away at the age of 63. 

His death marked the end of an era for Great White and for the fans who had grown up with his distinctive voice and stage presence. 

He left behind a complex legacy, one marred by tragedy but also filled with moments of musical brilliance and undeniable rock and roll swagger.

Russell’s contributions to rock music are undeniable. 

His powerful voice, bluesy influences, and charismatic stage presence helped define the sound of 80s hard rock. 

Jack Russell co-wrote some of Great White’s most enduring anthems, songs that continue to resonate with fans today. 

His music, a blend of hard-hitting riffs, catchy melodies, and soulful vocals, captured the spirit of “Captain Jack.”

Great White, despite the internal conflicts and the shadow of the Station Nightclub fire, continues to be a beloved band. 

They continually tour a well crafted path of casinos and music festivals. Gone are the days of a tour bus or van traveling from small market to small market.

Jack Russell’s voice may be silenced, but Great White’s classic music lives on. 

The Show Goes On

In a moving tribute to their fallen comrade, the members of Jack Russell’s Great White – Robby Lochner, Tony Montana, Ken Mary, and Dan McNay – have continued performing under the new name “Once Bitten.” 

They were joined by former Great White vocalist Terry Ilous for a special tribute concert to honor Russell’s memory at The Arcada Theatre. 

This gesture ensures that Russell’s musical legacy will live on, carried forward by the bandmates who shared his love for rock and roll.

Jack Russell’s Swan Song

Jack’s last release was Medusa – teaming with LA Guns’ Tracii Guns.

It’s exactly what you would expect – solid vocals with solid guitar work.

Nothing strays far from the formula that Great White or LA Guns fans would expect. It was a promising partnership.

Great White Today

Great White’s current lineup is a blend of seasoned rock veterans and youthful energy.

With Brett Carlisle at the helm, the band has found a new edge. 

Carlisle’s voice and stage presence carries on Captain Jack Russell’s legacy well.

This synergy of old-school craftsmanship and fresh talent keeps Great White alive and well.

Rock on!

Reviews:

“The book has all the bells and whistles. It has a nice foreword by Lita Ford, and a generous section of colour photos, with old and rare photos and memorabilia, articles and more.” – Metal-Rules.com

Jack Russell from Great White's book cover

Buy on The True Tale of Mista Bone: A Rock & Roll Narrative Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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