Written by: Alex Green

Former Great White frontman Jack Russell has revealed he’s been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia.

The diagnosis has resulted in Russell’s immediate retirement from rock and roll touring.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I must announce my retirement from the road,” he wrote in a statement. “After a recent diagnosis of Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy 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.”

The 63-year-old Russell hasn’t commented on whether or not he’ll continue to make music; he’s only announced a retirement from touring.

Born in Montebello, California, Russell co-formed Great White in 1981 after playing in a series of L.A. outfits. The band catapulted to fame in 1987 with hits like “Save Your Love” and “Rock Me.” Their commercial peak came with a cover of Ian Hunter’s “Once Bitten, Twice Shy.”

Russell had several tenures with the band, but left for good in 2011 and had been touring under the name Jack Russell’s Great White.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Lewy Body Dementia is defined as:”…a general term and includes both Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) (in which Parkinson’s disease is first diagnosed but a year or more later includes dementia) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) (which starts with dementia and is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease, but may include Parkinson-like symptoms at the time of diagnosis or later). LBD symptoms include dementia, visual hallucinations and frequent variations in cognitive ability, attention or alertness.”