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Jack Russell, the lead singer of the 80s rock band Great White, has died at the age of 63.

The group announced Russell’s death in a statement on Friday (August 16), following his death on Thursday. Russell died of Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy.

He had only announced his diagnosis last month when his poor health forced him to give up touring.

At the time he said: “I am not able to play at the level I want and that 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 made my life a miracle.”

Russell died surrounded by his family, including his wife Heather Ann and his son Matthew Hucko.

“Our deepest condolences go out to Jack Russell’s family,” the band said. “We hope they find comfort in knowing that Jack’s incredible voice will live on forever.”

They said his love for fans and his son was “unmatched,” as was his “love for rock music,” and expressed their appreciation for being with them “on such an incredible journey, through good times and bad.”

“All of those wonderful years together will remain close to our hearts,” the band said, calling him “one of rock’s greatest champions.”

Russell founded the band, originally called Dante Fox, with Mark Kendall in 1977.

The group’s biggest hits were the Ian Hunter covers “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” and “The Angel Song”, released in the late 1980s.

Russell briefly left Great White in 1996 to pursue a solo career, but returned in 1999. Great White split up again in 2001.

A year later, Russell and Kendall hired three new musicians and began touring as “Jack Russell’s Great White.”

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During a performance by the group at the Station Nightclub in Rhode Island in 2003, pyrotechnics sparked a massive fire that killed 100 people, including Great White guitarist Ty Longley, and injured 230.

The two brothers who owned the club and installed the highly flammable soundproofing foam around the stage, as well as the band’s tour manager, were charged in connection with the fire.

No charges were filed against Russell, but the band members agreed to pay $1 million in compensation.