Now There's Two Versions of Great White

Step aside L.A. Guns... now there's two versions of Great White. And go ahead and file this one under the "I didn't see this coming."

So yesterday Jack Russell wrote a little letter, announcing his own version of Great White:

"To all my friends:

Just wanted to announce that I will be coming back with my band, GREAT WHITE, and a BRAND NEW lineup.

"My new bandmates 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 bandmates 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 just don't even know what to do with this information. I guess we'll be getting one of these versions at M3 this year... I mean, how can we not? I didn't think there was any friction between Great White and Jack... I even thought things were cordial between replacement singer Terry Ilous and Jack... but I guess not. Clearly something has gone down. Whatever the case, I wish all parties good luck. I just hope Jack is well enough to go back on the road. He's been recovering from surgery for months - and you don't mess with your health. Thoughts?

Comments

[Christian]

My guess - he wants the pay day but his former band mates don't think he's up to it, yet. Either way, great way to turn your band in to a punchline. How is Tracii Gunns ever a guy to follow if you want to make smart career decisions ?

[Ace Steele]

Yeah, I have a thought. Jack, STOP.

Faster Pussycat & L.A. Guns has proven before just how much something like this DOESN'T work. If he's not going back to Great White.. the REAL Great White, go ahead and start another band, but get a new name!
Here's a few suggestions:

(1) Just go the solo route -
JACK RUSSELL - formerly of Great White

(2) Go a step further back in your history -

DANTE FOX - featuring Jack Russell

(3) a whole new name, & this is my favorite:

JACK RUSSELL's "TERRIER" ...

Hasn't the recent Tracii Gunns clusterf*#k w/ Dilana proved to be enough of an insult to the fans of these 80's bands?

Please, Jack... Reconsider.

[Rob Rockitt]

This is a perfect example of what NOT to do in rock n' roll. I understand that Jack has to make a living, but come on.

[Metalboy!]

Seriously. Nothing like another one of these ridiculous dual band situations going down. At this rate, it won't be dual lead guitars that's one of the signature hallmarks of a Glam Metal. It's gonna be dual bands!

Before I was coming to Gunns' defense in regards to his rights to the L.A. GUNS moniker. But, as Ace is saying, and I've said previous comments, he would be better off starting something new. He's got more talent as a guitarist than anyone on the scene but just seems clueless as far as how to package it. Obviously, he totally lacks any kind of music biz sense.

Now it seems Jack Russell is demonstrating the same.

p.s. Ace! Love the names. And I've got a demo boot CD of Dante Fox.

[Metalboy!]

And it's Tracii Guns, two "II's" one "N". I knew sumthin' didn't look right.

You know, another aspect of this great band, Great White, splintering in two that's really rather sad is the way it's happening now, in light of all the tragedy they've been rife with starting with that horrifying night in Rhode Island.

[Bryon]

It's really just pathetic. I get that these guys want/need to tour in order to earn a living, but all it does is destroy what's left of their reputation. LA Guns is now just a joke, and what's left of Great White is well on their way.

[Nigel]

No,no,no...just stop it, Jack!
Haven't we learned anything from Tracii Guns?

[Roy]

It is hard enough to survive these bad economic times. I understand musicians have to make a living, however, I agree with everyone that the Tracii Gunns LA Guns version is now just a joke and he has made some very uncanny band decisions .. Jack should avoid this measure, and come up with a different plan and reevaluate his situation. He has a great voice..

A thought - How about Jack and Tracii starting a NEW project and a NEW name??? LOL!!

[Smknotsmf]

Tracii joins Jack and forms LA's Great White Guns. They will only sing Warrant songs

[nc rocker]

I like Terry....but didn't enjoy him singing for Great White at M3 last year. Thought he was just a "fill in".

It's hard enough for 80's bands to stay relevant outside of a few of us hard core fans.....you've got to have that original singer.

[CK]

Agree with NC Rocker ... dont harbor ill feelings toward the guys in Great White or Illous or Russell, but the performance at 2011 M3 just wasnt interesting... I would be happiest if neither version was at Merriwether Post Pavillion for it in 2012.

[Manny]

This is silly, they do not have a large enough fanbase to support two bands touring under the same name.

[GNR]

Jack Russell is Great White, lets face it. Better yet, FACE THE DAY !! Great White is made up of two guys Jack and Mark Kendall. It does suck that Mark will not be playing with Jack in the near future. But c'mon which one are you going to want to see for your money ?

Terry's led Great White is good. I saw them last summer opening for Loverboy :) Honestly, Terry's Great White should expand their set list and stick to the tunes Jack doesn't sing (aka, Lady Red Light) and throw in some XYZ stuff.

As for the name ? Jack should just go solo and play whatever he wants. His voice is that good to cover such a range of stuff. His band mates are obviously skilled, but its still all about Jack. As with most lead singers :) Look at the monsters we create !!

[GNR]

BTW ~ this is all Gallagher's fault thinking 2 comedians could smash watermelons

[bluejayart]

good one GNR!

[Bob]

LOL GNR! Nice Gallagher reference! As for Jack, this is an absolutely terrible idea. As others have pointed out, jack has a great voice. Why limit himself to the Great White legacy?

[Dave]

Yawn!!!

Loved these guys once!!!

Not anymore.

Tribute band at best.

Very SAD Jack

[kari]

Confused, Disappointed, Saddened.....I don't understand b/c I thought Mark and Michael were waiting for Jack to get healthy and come back. I can't stomach it. Here's another band that's just DEAD TO ME now!

I will never support TERRY ILLOUS singing with GW and I don't know how I could handle hearing Jack Russell singing without Mark Kendall to his left.

Very disappointing news!

[Jeff]

Tracii joins Jack and forms LA's Great White Guns. They will only sing Warrant songs

December 13, 2011 | Smknotsmf

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This answer nearly made me spew my drink into the laptop screen!

[Kenny Ozz]

The only reason I can see as to why the rest is the guys wouldn't let Jack come back is if they feel he still hasn't fully recovered from his back and stomach surgeries. Or if he may still be addicted to the pain-killers and booze. The last time I saw them with Jack it was sad to see. He had to sit in a chair and sing. If hes not ready to be back out on the road, I fully support them not raking him back. But the second he's ready he needs to be back fronting the band he created and helped make famous.