While a founding member of the rock band Great White—and eventually Jack Russell’s Great White, news circulated that singer Jack Russell passed away at the age of 63. Passing away on August 15, the news sent shockwaves through the music industry. With fellow singers and fans taking a moment to honor the singer, a statement 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 Pawelcik.” While Jack Russell’s Great White mourned Russell’s death, it seems the band will continue performing under a different name.
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Jack Russell’s Great White, Not Great White, Changing Name
With Jack Russell’s Great White consisting of Dan McKay, Robby Lochner, Tony Montana, and Ken Mary, the band decided to move forward with their upcoming concerts. But never wanting to forget the legacy left behind by Russell, the group decided to go ahead and change its name. Instead of Jack Russell’s Great White, the rock band will go by the new name Once Bitten.
Not to be confused, Great White, the group Russell parted with in the early 2010s, will continue forward with their band name unchanged.
Jack Russell Honored With Special Tribute Concert
Sharing the news on Facebook, the Arcada Theatre, where Once Bitten looked to perform, wrote how a tribute concert will take place. “In memory of legendary former Great White lead singer Jack Russell, The Arcada Theatre will host a tribute concert on Friday, August 23. The rocker passed away August 15 at the age of 63. Jack Russell’s Great White was originally scheduled to appear with headliner Vixen, but Jack’s illness caused him to back out of the show just two weeks before. Jack Russell’s Great White Band will still perform the show under its new name, ‘Once Bitten,’ enlisting the powerful vocals of Terry Iliois, former Great White frontman.”
Releasing his own statement about the tribute performance, President and CEO Ron Onesti explained, “This is another sad day in Rock and Roll. Jack would have wanted the show to go on, what better way to honor his musical life than with a salute by his own bandmates?” He added, “I know this will be an emotional evening for all rockers present, including the girls from Vixen. I am sure they shared many co-bills with Jack and his band. Thanks to Vixen for being a part of this.”
(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
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