It is sad to see a band that I know and love go through so much. If only everyone could just work out their differences so the fans win. It is not fun seeing a band divided up, much less split into two versions/lineups. What follows is the ongoing saga between Jack Russell and Great White. We are just showing the statements both parties have released.
The Following is a statement from Jack Russell formerly of Great White:
All My Friends:
Just wanted to announce that I will be coming back with my band Great White and a BRAND NEW line up. My new band mates are some of the most incredible musicians I have ever had the privilege to play with, Matthew Johnson former guitarist for Great White, Derrick Pontier former drummer for Great White, Dario Seixas former Bassist for Firehouse and the… Stephen Pearcy Band, and Robby Lochner former Guitarist for Rob Halford’s Band and Cherie Currie.
I am very excited about this new beginning. I am feeling better than ever, despite any rumors you may hear to the contrary. Unfortunately, and as confusing as it will be, my former band mates and their manager have decided to continue to tour next year under the name I created, Great White. I will be touring under the name Great White featuring Jack Russell, to try avoid any confusion. So now the true fans will know the difference. I will be announcing tour dates as soon as they become available.
Our first performance will be at the Pre-NAMM Jam January 14 2012. Only shows advertised as Great White featuring Jack Russell will include myself on vocals. I have missed all of you terribly and look forward to seeing you all on the road. You have no idea how much your love and devotion has meant to me during what has been one of the hardest periods of my life. Happy Holidays! Much peace and love to you and your families. Have a blessed New Year. Yours as always, Jack Russell, founder and lead vocalist, Great White. JACK IS BACK!!!!
OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING JACK RUSSELL ANNOUNCEMENT
First and foremost, our main concern is our fans. We have
spent 30 years trying to be the best we can be and bring our fans the top
quality of music they have become accustomed to and deserve. It
saddens us today to have to respond to Jack Russell’s announcement.
Jack Russell announced on Facebook on Saturday, December 10, 2011 that he was
returning to Great White with a new line-up. This was a complete shock to the
entire Great White Family.
This couldn’t be further from the truth.
As we all know Jack Russell has been fighting drug and
alcohol abuse for many years. He
has had numerous stints in and out of treatment facilities and hospitals.
In 2010 Jack’s physical condition deteriorated to the
point that he routinely fell on and off stage, forgot lyrics and we had to
cancel shows due to his inability to perform. In the past two years, Jack has
had five major surgeries and has almost died three times. His drug abuse was so bad that his body began to
shut down and ultimately resulted in colostomy surgery from a perforated bowel
(he nearly died during this procedure). The colostomy surgery saved his life,
but vanquished him with a colostomy bag for a year.
We stood by Jack; we supported his sobriety and eagerly awaited
his return.
Jack was first slated to return to Great White this past
summer. Unfortunately his frail body and his drug abuse prohibited this event. In
the following months, Jack had three more surgeries that delayed his return.
Finally, he chose February 2012 as his target return date. We had five clear
conditions for Jack’s return:
1. Jack had
to be drug free. Off all Opiates, Methadone, Valium or Xanax.
2. Jack had
to be off Prednisone (a steroid that ate away at Jack’s internal organs that
caused the perforated bowl).
3. Jack had
to be sober and off crack cocaine and all alcohol.
4. Jack had
to agree to weekly drug tests.
5. Jack
must attend weekly meetings for AA and NA.
Last week Jack notified management he would not make it
back by February 2012. Jack referred to his doctor’s opinion that he would not
be ready. He had just started physical rehabilitation again and his legs and
back needed more rehab to handle the rigors of touring. Jack thought he would
be ready by May to start the summer touring season. However, he wasn’t sure if
he could be off the Methadone by then or ever. Management reiterated that he
had to be completely drug free for his return. He owed it to the fans. He owed
it to us. He owed to himself.
Out of nowhere, we all received an email on Saturday,
December 10, 2011 stating that he was coming back now and that he was starting
his own (a different lineup) Great White. As you can imagine, this was shocking
to say the least. We were saddened and hurt from this shocking announcement..
We only want to do right by our fans. We aim to give
the best possible show and have every fan leave the show feeling they
got their monies worth. This band is sober and music is our passion. With
Jack Russell, not being drug free and unable to physically perform on stage. It
will only let down our fans.
Time and again, Jack Russell has let down his band and fans.
His addictions have ruined his life the past eight years. We will not sit by
and enable our brother to abuse alcohol and drugs to kill himself. We have lost
too many loved ones to this madness. After the passing of our dear friend, the
talented Jani Lane, it has become more evident that this has to stop. It must
end.
Since Jack’s departure in August 2010, Great White has
performed almost 100 concerts. We’ve had no shortened sets, cancellations or
song choice limitations due to vocal issues. In this struggling economy, fans
need and deserve more—not less. We owe it to our fans and the promoters to not
to allow Jack Russell and some garage band to hurt Great White’s classic rock
legacy and bright future.
Jack Russell does not have the right to start his own
Great White or use the name without our names in the lineup. We
will litigate any promoter that books ‘Jack Russell’s Great White’ or uses
any logo featuring the name Great White.
We give you our word, we will continue through 2012 and
beyond to provide you with the top quality musical performances you have been
accustomed and deserve. We hope and pray that Jack gets healthy, happy and
sober. His health and well-being is the only thing that matters.
Keep Rocking, God Bless and Happy Holidays!
Mark, Audie, Michael, Scott and Terry
