In a recent chat with Alma Hard from Brazil, GREAT WHITE’s Mark Kendall delved into the departure of the band’s original frontman, Jack Russell, almost 15 years ago. Russell left the group in December 2011 due to a string of injuries, including a perforated bowel and a shattered pelvis, which hindered his ability to tour with the band. Blaming his issues on alcohol and painkiller addictions, as well as a prescribed drug called prednisone, Jack ultimately parted ways with GREAT WHITE.
Reflecting on the situation, Kendall admitted, “It was awful.” Having been sober himself for nearly 16 years, Kendall emphasized the importance of getting healthy and overcoming addiction. Despite the challenges, Kendall expressed empathy for Russell, recognizing him as a talented vocalist with an incredible range and unique voice. Remembering their early days of building the band from the ground up, Kendall shared, “He’s still a brother. It’s unfortunate because he’s such a talent.”
When asked about the possibility of a Jack Russell guest appearance with GREAT WHITE in the future, Kendall remained uncertain, noting Russell’s current health struggles. However, Kendall hinted at the band’s desire to maintain consistency and loyalty to their fans.
Recently, Russell announced his retirement from touring after being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy. These neurodegenerative diseases impact memory, decision-making, motor skills, and more. Russell’s new autobiography, “The True Tale Of Mista Bone: A Rock + Roll Narrative,” has just been released and features contributions from industry figures like Lita Ford and Eric Singer.
Despite past legal disputes over the band’s name, GREAT WHITE has continued to evolve. In 2022, Brett Carlisle was named as the new lead singer, following a brief tenure by Andrew Freeman. With Carlisle now on board, GREAT WHITE is pushing forward with new energy and a fresh perspective on their iconic sound.
