Russell Jack

American musician. Vocalist and founder of the musical group, Great White, whose pyrotechnics ignited the nightclub fire in Warwick, RI, that claimed nearly 100 lives and severely affected hundreds more. Russell claimed that the nightclub owners gave permission for the band to use the pyrotechnics and the nightclub owners denied that the band had ever asked. Jack Russell announced on November 5, 2001, when his father died, that he was leaving the band. However, the band played on to further success. Formed in 1978, the band released its first album in 1982 and caught serious attention in 1984. The rock and blues band went on to sell six million records and earn several Grammy nominations. Guitarist Ty Longley died in the fire and the band has established a foundation in his name, performing a benefit concert in late March 2003. Link to Wikipedia biography Read less