Rock singer from the 80s has been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia; she is retiring from touring

80s rock singer Jack Russell, founding member of hard rock/glam metal band Great White, is retiring from touring after being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia.

“It is with a heavy heart that I must announce my retirement from touring,” Russell said in a statement Wednesday. “Following a recent diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia and Multisystem Atrophy in May 2024, I am no longer able to perform at the level I desire and deserve. Words cannot express my gratitude for the many years of memories, love and support. Thank you for letting me live my dreams.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second most common form of neurodegenerative dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. It affects brain regions responsible for thinking, memory and movement, causing a decline in mental abilities and sometimes visual hallucinations. Actor and comedian Robin Williams was diagnosed with LBD in an autopsy after his death in 2014.

Russell is best known as the lead singer of Great White, charting in the mid to late 80s with songs such as “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” “The Angel Song,” “Rock Me,” “Lady Red Light,” “House of Broken Love,” and “Save Your Love.” Russell has also performed as a solo artist and under the name Jack Russell’s Great White.

Russell was performing with Great White when a pyrotechnics display at a 2003 concert in Rhode Island sparked a nightclub fire that killed 100 people. Great White guitarist Ty Longley died in the flames and the band’s then-tour manager spent two years in prison.

“Why did I survive and so many others didn’t? I feel guilty because people came to my games and lost their lives. It’s really hard to deal with,” Russell said in 2015.

Russell reflects on his career, the Station Nightclub tragedy, the heyday of MTV and his battle with substance abuse in his new autobiography, “The True Tale of Mista Bone: A Rock & Roll Narrative,” which came out last week. The book, co-written with KL Doty, also includes a foreword by Lita Ford.

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