Former Great White frontman Jack Russell diagnosed with two degenerative illnesses, announces retirement from touring

Jack Russell onstage
(Image credit: Artist Representation & Management Inc)

Former Great White frontman Jack Russell has announced his retirement from touring after being diagnosed with a pair of degenerative conditions, Lewy Body Dementia and Multiple System Atrophy. 

In a statement, Russell says, "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."

The news comes just weeks after the launch of Russell's autobiography, The True Tale of Mista Bone: A Rock + Roll Narrative, by K. L. Doty. "This book was written in such a way that the heart of all humankind might open to let in the beauty of the story that each and every one of us has," said Doty. "Jack and I hope you enjoy every chapter and every word of his."

The book features a forward written by former Runaways guitarist Lita Ford, as well as contributions from Eric Singer, Kip Winger, Eddie Trunk, John Kalodner and more. 

Russell, who was fronting Great White at the time of the tragic nightclub fire that killed 100 people and injured 230 fans at the Station venue in West Warwick, Rhode Island, in 2003, left the band in 2011 after a series of injuries left him unable to perform.

Fraser Lewry
Online Editor, Classic Rock

Online Editor at Louder/Classic Rock magazine since 2014. 38 years in music industry, online for 25. Also bylines for: Metal Hammer, Prog Magazine, The Word Magazine, The Guardian, The New Statesman, Saga, Music365. Former Head of Music at Xfm Radio, A&R at Fiction Records, early blogger, ex-roadie, published author. Once appeared in a Cure video dressed as a cowboy, and thinks any situation can be improved by the introduction of cats. Favourite Serbian trumpeter: Dejan Petrović.