Jack Russell, the rock legend best known as the former lead singer of Great White, has passed away at the age of 63.

A representative for Russell’s biographer, K. L. Doty, confirmed his passing via email on Thursday. Doty “was personally approached by Jack to narrate his story” and “in line with Jack’s wishes, she will continue to be his voice,” stated publicist Laura Orrico.

Russell’s family also shared the news on his unofficial Instagram account on Thursday. They mentioned that he was “cherished and remembered for his humor, his love for life, and his undeniable impact on rock and roll, a legacy that will live on forever.” The family mentioned that details for a public memorial would be forthcoming.

Publicist Olivia Reagle stated via email on Friday that Russell died in Southern California, surrounded by his loved ones. He succumbed to Lewy body dementia and multiple systems atrophy, conditions he noted when announcing his retirement from performing just last month.

The Los Angeles band Great White gained fame in the late 1980s with hit albums like “Once Bitten” (1987) and “…Twice Shy” (1989), including popular tracks “Rock Me” and “Once Bitten, Twice Shy.” The current lineup consists of Mark Kendall, Audie Desbrow, Michael Lardie, Scott Snyder, and Brett Carlisle.

After disbanding in 2001, the group performed under the name Jack Russell’s Great White until 2006.

In 2003, during a concert in Rhode Island, the band’s pyrotechnics ignited a fire at The Station nightclub, unfortunately leading to the deaths of 100 individuals, including guitarist Ty Longley, and injuring several others. This tragedy is one of the worst nightclub fires in U.S. history, according to The Providence Journal, part of the YSL News Network.

The sparks from the pyrotechnics ignited foam soundproofing material on the club’s walls, leading to a rapid spread of fire that trapped many patrons inside.

During the incident, Russell faced public scrutiny, but he was never charged with any crime. The only individuals charged were Daniel Biechele, the band’s road manager who initiated the pyrotechnics, and the nightclub’s owners, Jeffrey and Michael Derderian. Both Biechele and the Derderians were charged with 100 counts of manslaughter; Biechele pled guilty while the Derderians entered no contest pleas. Biechele and Michael Derderian served four years in prison but were released early, while Jeffrey Derderian was sentenced to community service.

A series of lawsuits followed, leading to settlements totaling almost $180 million.

As the 10th anniversary of the fire approached in 2013, Russell planned to host a benefit concert in California and donate the proceeds to a foundation for a memorial at the fire site; however, the Station Fire Memorial Foundation declined his donation offer.

Great White paid tribute to Russell on their unverified Instagram account on Thursday, stating that his “affection for his fans and his sons was unparalleled, as was his passion for rock music.”

“It’s hard to express what it’s like to have someone by your side through such an incredible journey, both the highs and the lows. We prefer to let the music fill those gaps,” the statement continued. “Those wonderful years together will remain close to our hearts. Rest in Peace to one of rock’s greatest supporters.”