Hard Rock Icon Jack Russell of Great White Dead at 63

Jack Russell looks on outside nightclub "The Station" in West Warwick, R.I. on 21 Feb. 2003. John Mottern/AFP via Getty Images

Jack Russell, the former frontman of the popular 1980s hard rock band Great White, has died at the age of 63.

News of his passing was confirmed through the musician’s official Instagram account in a statement on Aug. 15 on behalf of his family.

“With tremendous sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved Jack Patrick Russell - father, husband, cousin, uncle and friend,” read the post.

Russell passed peacefully in Southern California, surrounded by family and friends, the statement said. He is remembered for his “sense of humor, exceptional zest for life, and unshakable contribution to rock and roll, where his legacy will forever thrive.”

In July, the singer opened up about his health struggles after being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia (LBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA).

LBD is one of the most common forms of dementia and, according to the National Institute of Aging, and can lead to problems with thinking, movement, behavior, and mood.

Meanwhile, MSA is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that shares symptoms with Parkinson’s disease, like slow or stiff movement and rigid muscles. It can also cause loss of coordination or balance as well as changes in speech or loss of control of other bodily functions.

In a statement to The Epoch Times, author of Russell’s biography, K. L. Doty, said the conditions affected Russell’s motor skills and muscle strength, calling his decline “imminent” and to some “sooner than expected.”

“I spoke with Jack regularly throughout the summer, keeping him updated on matters regarding his autobiography, which I penned, but he was often too tired to speak long. At times, he was quite lively, but the moments were fleeting,” said Doty.

“His wife assisted him mostly and he was eager to get back to Southern California for what I assumed were possibly his final days. As it turns out, they were. I am glad he is no longer suffering,” she said.

Russell is survived by his wife, Heather, and son Matthew. A public memorial will be announced at a later date.

Russell—who joined the band in 1981—announced his retirement from singing on July 17, adding he would not be able to tour and 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,” read the post.

The official Instagram account for Great White also released a statement, offering the band’s condolences and remembering Russell’s love for family, fans, and rock music as “unmatched.”

“What do you say about someone who was there by your side on such an amazing journey, the good and the bad? We prefer to let the music fill in the blanks. All those wonderful years together will be held close to our hearts,” read the post.

American rock band Great White attend the 17th Annual American Music Awards, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Calif., Jan.22, 1990. Left to right: bass player Tony Montana, guitarist Mark Kendall, drummer Audie Desbrow, guitarist Michael Landrie and singer Jack Russell. Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

The Los Angeles-based band rose to fame in the late 1980s. Although they produced several albums, they are best known for their platinum-selling records “Once Bitten” and “Twice Shy.”

The group, which consisted of members Mark Kendall, Audie Desbrow, Michael Lardie, Scott Snyder, and Brett Carlisle, eventually disbanded in 2001 but, by the end of the next year, took on the name Jack Russell’s Great White until 2006.

Russell also recorded several solo albums, such as “Shelter Me” and “For You,” with Great White holding several reunion performances.

Jack Russell’s Great White made headlines in 2003 when pyrotechnics during their Rhode Island show ignited a fire, killing 100 people and injuring 200 others.

Following the tragedy, Jack Russell Touring INC. agreed to pay $1 million to survivors and families of the victims.