He was 63. In a social media post Thursday, Russell’s family announced that the glam metal singer died “peacefully” surrounded by his family and friends.
Russell died of Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy, his memoir co-author K.L. Doty confirmed to Rolling Stone. “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,” read the statement. “His family asks for privacy at this time.”
The singer announced in July that he would be stepping away from touring due to his dementia and MSA diagnosis. “I am unable to perform at the level I desire and at the level you deserve,” Russell said at the time. “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,” he ended the note in July. Over the summer, Russell released a memoir of his life with K.L. Doty titled The True Tale of Mista Bone: A Rock and Roll Narrative. According to the statement, a public memorial is set to be announced at a later date. Russell was born in Montebello, California, and was once the lead vocalist for the rock band Great White, which had its biggest hits “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” (a cover of the Ian Hunter song) and “The Angel Song” in the late Eighties.
He co-founded the band in 1982 with Mark Kendall, and dropped several LPs, including 1987’s Once Bitten and 1989’s Twice Shy. On Thursday, Great White shared their “deepest condolences” for Russell in an Instagram post, writing that his “incredible voice will live on forever” and calling him “one of rock’s biggest champions.”
