The vocalist Jack Russell helped to form the Hard Rock band Great White back in 1977 in Los Angeles, California. The band released their debut album in 1984 but they really became successful with the records “Once Bitten” (1987) and “…Twice Shy” (1989). He was a member of the band until 2011 when he left and formed his own version of the group, while the original one continued as Great White.
Now the musician announced that he is retiring from touring because he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, which “is a disease associated with abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain. These deposits, called Lewy bodies, affect chemicals in the brain whose changes, in turn, can lead to problems with thinking, movement, behavior, and mood. Lewy body dementia is one of the most common causes of dementia,” according to the National Institute on Aging.
Read the statement released by the Ex-Great White singer Jack Russell:
“To my fans and friends, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I must announce my retirement from the road. 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,” Jack Russell said.