Do you own JRGW “He Saw It Comin”? Be the winner of a Golden Ticket! Jack Russell’s Great White is randomly giving away 4 Golden tickets that could be in a CD or Signed Vinyl. A Golden ticket will get you and a guest a VIP Backstage Experience at a show of your choice!
Click on the link www.jackrussellsgreatwhiteband.com to purchase your CD or Vinyl, or a bundle that includes a CD or Vinyl for your chance to win! Contest ends May 15, 2018.
Thank you for your support, and best of luck to you all!
***Contact Administration at the official Jack Russell’s Great White Facebook page to redeem your VIP Golden Experience Ticket! Transportation not included!***
BREAKING NEWS:Frontiers Music Srl is excited to announce the signing of Jack Russell’s Great White to the label.
Jack Russell’s Great White represents the next phase of the iconic singer’s Rock n’ Roll legacy.
Since Jack Russell’s Great White inception in 2011, the frontman welcomed back longtime bassist and friend Tony Montana—this time as a guitar player and keyboardist—lead guitarist Robby Lochner (Rob Halford), drummer Dicki Fliszar (Bruce Dickinson) and Dan McNay (Montrose) on bass. The new album on the horizon, which is Jack’s 14th studio album, boasts the bluesy hard rock stomp that made Russell an icon in the first place.
“I want to say how happy and excited I am about my band,” states Jack Russell regarding the recent signing with Frontiers for the new album. “I have so much respect for Serafino, Mario, Derek and their team and am so thankful to be working with them. The band and I are off the hook about the new material. You are going to love it!”
The Grammys nominated Great White [Band] originally broke out of the Los Angeles scene in 1984 with its self-titled debut. The record was followed by the sophomore release Shot in The Dark and then by seismic platinum-selling outings such as 1987’s Once Bitten… and 1989’s …Twice Shy (which reached #9 on the Billboard Album Chart). Moving over 8 million copies worldwide, they stood out as tried-and-true rock stalwarts into the 21st century until 2011, when Russell went on to form Jack Russell’s Great White.
In 2014 JACK RUSSELL’S GREAT WHITE gave fans a taste of new music with the release of the single “Hard Habit” which received rave reviews from fans clamoring for the “classic” early sound of GREAT WHITE. Listen to “Hard Habit” HERE:
Ultimately, the new music is for the millions of fans who stuck by Russell all these years. It’s everything they’ve been waiting for and more. Russell leaves off, “this is fun, first and foremost. I feel like I’m 27 again. I hope it sounds like Great White—but for 2016.”
Frontiers plans to release the new record in early 2017.
JACK RUSSELL’S GREAT WHITE is currently performing various concerts around the U.S., for all dates and details visit the band’s website. Upcoming dates include:
July 20 – Stafford, TX
July 21 – Frisco, TX
July 22 – Beaumont, TX
July 23 – Leon, TX
Aug. 19 – Reno, NV
Sept. 29 – Hollywood, CA
Oct. 7 – Englewood, FL
Oct 8 – New Port Richey, FL
Oct. 29 – Joliet, IL
GREAT WHITE – The super legendary Hard Rockin’ and no stoppin’ GREAT WHITE will be performing at the amazing Gettysburg Bike Week, this Thursday, July 11th! At 8:00 pm EST, this Thursday, GREAT WHITE is gonna ROCK this event!
With their deep catalog of tremendously memorable hits, along with hits from their latest (fan/critic praised) studio release Elation (Frontiers Records), GREAT WHITE live will be a live Hard Rockin’ experience you won’t want to miss! Metal be thy name!
2014 MONSTERS OF ROCK CRUISE, March 29 thru April 2, 2014, has been announced and GREAT WHITE will be aboard once again!!
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GREAT WHITE will be setting sail with other awesome bands like Tesla, Cinderella, Ratt, Kix, Y&T, Winger, Firehouse, Carl Palmer of ELP, Quiet Riot and more!! Come with us!! Pre-book your tickets now!
GREAT WHITE took a different approach for this video Shotgun Willie’s. They let their audience helm the director’s chair. Filmed over the course of March’s 2013 Monsters of Rock Cruise, where GREAT WHITE headlined the floating Rock festival, the video encapsulates the high energy of everyone there and the five-piece band’s bond.
“We discovered after looking at the footage that not only do we look like we are having a blast,” guitarist Michael Lardie said. “But that our fans connected to our music in ways that we can’t always see from the stage under the lights. Some of the video is very much a party atmosphere, but this is also a video scrapbook of people who have never stopped loving our music and continue to be a part of the GREAT WHITE family.”
GREAT WHITE gives special thanks to all the fans that participated and contributed.
Shotgun Willie’s is the fourth single off of Elation (Frontiers Records).
Left to right: Michael Lardie (keys & guitar), Audie Desbrow (drums), Mark Kendall (guitar), Terry Ilous (lead vocals) and Scott Snyder (bass).
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“I genuinely love my fans.” – Terry Ilous
Terry Ilous is no longer the new singer of the legendary Great White. Terry Ilous is the singer of Great White. Make no mistake about it, the electricity is swirling in the air within the Great White camp and Terry Ilous is a credible reason why. One listen to Great White’s 12th studio album Elation and their newly released live gem 30 Years – Live From The SunsetStripand the energy and good-times vibes are contagious, all with a little boost from Terry Ilous.
With previous work with an envious list of who’s who within the Rock, Metal and Pop recording industries, plus previous live lead vocal duties under his belt for Great White, along with being an original member and vocalist for XYZ, Terry Ilous couldn’t have been a better choice for this new era of Great White. Terry Ilous answered the Rockin’ call. Big time.
With an intensely busy schedule, Terry Ilous was very considerate to answer a few questions for me. This music and fan driven artist reflects on his invitation to join Great White, making money, playing live, his greatest moments as a musician and yes… the fans. Here’s what Terry Ilous had to say:
Stone: Terry, how did it all unfold as your becoming the lead vocalist for Great White?
Terry: I was asked to join the band in 2010 to replace Jack (Russell) who was sick. I received a phone call from Mark on Wednesday asking if could perform with the band the next day. I said, ” Yes, of course!” The fans were very supportive. It wasn’t easy, to be honest, as those were big shoes to fill. Jack has recorded some amazing songs. I respect his talent.
The band was very helpful. I developed a strong friendship with them and it helped me tremendously. We performed over 80 shows. When Jack decided not come back in December 2011, I was asked to permanently join the band. Please remember I was initially asked to temporarily join the band, to fill-in during Jack’s absence.
It’s never easy to replace a lead singer. It doesn’t matter how good the singer is! Fans are used to a sound they love. Introducing someone new is very challenging. That’s why when I sing the classic Great White hits, I respect the core structure of the melody.
Stone: Of course, money is essential to live. However, what is more important, selling multi-millions of albums or playing the music that you love in concert for your fans?
Terry: I think both are important. An artist has to have both a business mind and a creative mind. How can I perform for my fans if I have to work two jobs to support my family? And, if I only have a business mind, how can I be creative and genuine for my fans? The music I would create would be calculated and not heart-felt. The fans can feel that. I spend a lot of time with them, I answer my own Facebook questions, not always timely as I receive over 200 emails per day, plus I manage my own Twitter account. I genuinely love my fans.
Stone: Media and fan response to “Elation” and your hit single “Hard To Say Goodbye” has been phenomenal. What were your expectations with the release of “Elation”? I look upon it all as a tremendous fresh and new start for Great White.
Terry: I didn’t know what to expect to be honest with you. All I could do as a singer/songwriter is to be honest with myself. The band sat down, started writing and writing non-stop, comparing ideas. Michael would come up with something then Mark and then myself, not necessarily in that order and we would jam on them and if one idea would please all of us, we would work on it. Audie and Scotty would also be at the studio to comment and help us as well.
At times, it was very exhilarating and at times scary, as we only had 2 weeks to write the songs. We went into the studio with 2 songs. We had to be finished writing, recording, mixing, and mastering within 28 days! It was a lot of pressure! I believe in sincerity and honesty, I know, I’m old-fashioned. So I gave it my very best. Yes, I was nervous, I knew some would welcome me and some would not. I know that replacing a singer is never easy. The fans are used to a sound and it’s sometimes difficult for some to accept a new singer but it’s been done many times before. Dio replaced Ozzy and Coverdale replaced Gillan. Talk about iconic singers being replaced!
We did what a real band does and that’s write music because we love music! They love their fans! Before anything else they are just a bunch of guys getting together to share their same passion for music, not money. Previously, you had asked me about money and the fans. In this case it’s all for the love of music!
Listen to and watch “Hard To Say Goodbye” below!
Stone: Terry, could you pinpoint the greatest moment you’ve experienced as a musician, regardless of how small or large the moment was?
Terry: Coming to America with $500 dollars in my pocket! Getting the deal with XYZ, opening a sold out show for Ted Nugent in Detroit, performing on stage with an acoustic guitar and hearing eighteen thousand fans sing the song a cappella with me, and of course joining the Great White! That’s for sure!
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* For more info on GREAT WHITE, click on the links below!
Our fans are the are the most loyal fans in the world. We are totally grateful and feel very blessed! – Mark Kendall
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The story of Great White has many twists and turns; rising to a hard-earned status of world-wide popularity in the 80’s, with millions of albums sold, resulting in an instantly recognizable and branded band name, a 1990 Grammy nomination, touring across the globe with the industries biggest name bands, tragedy, a media intensified change in lead vocalists, lawsuits and then… Elation. With the arrival of Terry Ilous as the new frontman for Great White, a whole new era of Rock ‘N’ Roll spirit was ushered in as well for this legendary band.
Mark Kendall, Great White’s founding member, guitarist and songwriter, has recently took the time from his packed schedule to be interviewed by me; for which I extend a tremendous thank you to this talented and legendary gentleman of Rock. Mark elaborates on what the current vibes within Great White are like, the band’s newest studio and live albums, the changeover with lead vocalists and of course the fans. Here is what Mark Kendall had to say:
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Stone: What was (until now) the untold “big break” that Great White encountered during the early days of the band?
Mark: One of our first big breaks was meeting our Manager Alan Niven and making our first 5 song EP. This was such a huge moment for us. Michael Wagener was brought out from Germany to Engineer and Produce it and we already knew of him because of his work with Accept. Then when airplay followed on the 2 biggest Radio Stations in Los Angeles on KMET and KLOS we had really started to get excited.
Stone: After all these years, can Great White declare a feeling of Elation, just as your new album title reads?
Mark: Absolutely! We are really enjoying ourselves at the moment and the energy within the band is very positive!
Stone: During the exit period of Jack Russell was there ever a time when you thought Great White was “on the ropes”?
Mark: I never felt the band was on the ropes, but I felt Jack was. It’s very difficult to watch a person self destruct and you can’t do anything about it. I have never put that much energy and attention into trying to get a person sober and healthy in my entire life. It just wears on you and it’s a very difficult thing when someone just won’t accept help. His addiction unfortunately is winning and it has literally destroyed his body. He has this huge extended stomach, skinny little legs and just looks so sick, it’s very sad. I asked people who have 30 plus years sobriety is there anything I am missing or is there something else I can be doing for him. I was told that if an addict is not ready to surrender to his addiction there is nothing anyone can do. I work with a lot of struggling addicts and alcoholics on a daily basis, as well as I am involved with the Grammy Foundation through MusiCares to give back to the program and help people. What I have found is the ones who do well and are successful are the ones who want it more than anything! One can only hope he finds help before it’s too late..He remains in our prayers…
Stone: Is there a new-found feeling of brotherhood within Great White, now that Terry (Ilous) has become your new lead vocalist?
Mark: Everything is just easy and fun. We are having fun again without any drama. That alone is worth its weight in gold! Terry leaves it on stage every night and always brings everything he has to our live shows. He is a pleasure to be around and always has a positive vibe. He makes you feel good when you’re around him. The brotherhood is totally intact and our creative juices are flowing like crazy! I can’t wait to do the next record.
GREAT WHITE:
Mark Kendall – Guitar Michael Lardie – Keyboards & Guitar Scott Snyder – Bass Audie Desbrow – Drums Terry Ilous – Vocals
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Stone: Mark, how did it all unfold as Terry becoming the lead vocalist for Great White?
Mark: He filled in when Jack was on his path of self-destruction. Jack had to pull out of a tour with more than 30 dates on the books. To save face with the promoters we asked Terry to fill in. Terry had already filled in for one show. We actually had Jani Lane fill in for a few shows as well. When Jack reached the point of no return and announced he was moving on, Terry was a no brainer. We loved the man. Terry is such a good singer and a total pro. He is very dedicated and wants to work very hard all the time and is always very motivated. He vibrates at a frequency that’s a little higher than your average person!
Stone: Of course money is essential to live, however, what is more important, selling multi-millions of albums or playing the music that you love, live for your fans?
Mark: Playing live is everything to us!! Selling music has nothing to do with anything as far as just pure enjoyment. The great thing if you are selling millions of records though means your music is reaching a lot of people. That probably means more people will be at the shows and that’s very cool. Playing live is my favorite thing about making music though. Nothing else even comes close!
Stone: I look upon your newly released “30 Years – Live From The Sunset Strip” (Frontiers Records) as not only a celebration of Great White; I look upon it as a band that has persevered and showcases one of America’s greatest live Hard Rock Bands of yesterday and today. Did you guys have to be prodded for this live anniversary album or was it always in the cards?
Mark: No we didn’t. This is a tremendous milestone and we really wanted to celebrate it. We felt what a great way to do it by bringing it back to where it all started for us on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood California! It was such a great night. All our friends, fans and family came down to the show. We brought the video cameras out and recorded the show.
Stone: Media and fan response to “Elation” and your hit single “Hard To Say Goodbye” has been phenomenal. What were your expectations with the release of “Elation”? I look upon it all as a tremendous fresh and new start for Great White.
Mark: The feedback from everyone has been absolutely amazing!I think it’s a very great first effort. It was a lot of fun to make and we are all happy. I think the album is consistent and for writing, recording, mixing and mastering the album in 35 days we can’t complain. I really look forward to doing the next one. I am ready to make a statement and the next album I feel is going to be our strongest ever. I am setting my goals high and I wouldn’t say that if I didn’t believe it. This is a new chapter in the Great White book and we are enjoying riding the wave. Our fans are the are the most loyal fans in the world. We are totally grateful and feel very blessed!
Listen to and watch “Hard To Say Goodbye” below!
Stone: Frontiers Records has continuously signed the crème de la crème of 80’s Rock and Hard Rock bands. Were you approached by Frontiers or did you approach them?
Mark: We approached them and a few others. I think it’s great that there are labels that help get rock and roll music to the people. It’s a different world now than it was back in the day. We no longer have all the mediums like MTV and Radio, so it’s harder to get our music to the people. I just want people to hear our music. Everything is internet now so you really need a good team of people who know how to network.We have a great staff who are doing a wonderful job!
Stone: Mark, could you pinpoint the greatest moment you’ve experienced as a musician, regardless of how small or large the moment was?
Mark: For me it was having a musician father that encouraged me. I had some natural ability and there was always music in my house. I think having a Mother and Father that encouraged just about anything I did musically was a great experience and I don’t think anything else could really compare to that.
As reported on the official facebook of GREAT WHITE (Band):
Bought your tickets to a GREAT WHITE concert and need a ride? Let someone else do the driving while you and your friends get to arrive in style. We will be giving away special prizes to the Rally Bus folks, as well as cool exclusive videos.
Visit the Rally Bus Great White page and check it out!
GREAT WHITE’sHard to Say Goodbye is now No. 8 on the Classic Rock radio Mediabase chart. The third single from Elation last charted at No. 10 and is expected to continue its climb, with news that the video has just been picked up by MTV.com.
GREAT WHITE released Elation (the band’s 12th studio record) from Frontiers Records in May 2012. Elation thrives on GREAT WHITE’s signature grit and blues-hued sound, only marked with a new synergy.
“The validation from our fans and the radio community has been phenomenal,” said GREAT WHITE founder Mark Kendall. “The energy on this record has been building higher and higher. This is the GREAT WHITE sound and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this amazing experience.”
GREAT WHITE – 2013 TOUR DATES:
GREAT WHITE’s robust touring schedule keeps growing with two additional dates just added, August 15’s UP State Fair (Escanaba, Mich.) and October 26 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino (Calgary, Alberta, Canada).
March 16 – 20, Monsters of Rock Cruise (various)
March 30, Sierra Ballroom at Boomtown Casino (Reno, Nev.)
April 5, Chester’s Harley Davidson Pavilion (Mesa, Ariz.)
May 4, Yucaipa Festival (Yucaipa, Calif.)
May 10, The Railhead at Boulder Station Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
June 1, Ride for a Cure (Salt Lake City, Utah)
June 8, Thunder on the Lot at Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (Lancaster, Calif.)
June 27, Chumash Casino (Santa Ynez, Calif.)
July 6, Concerts on the Green (Hollister, Calif.)
July 11, Gettysburg Bike Week (Gettysburg, Pa.)
July 12, BBQ Festival (Kankakee, Ill.)
July 20, Waukesha County Fair (Waukesha, Wis.)
July 26, Braun’s Concert Cove (Akron, N.Y.)
July 27, Mattawa Voyageur Days (Mattawa, Ontario, Canada)
August 2, Rocking the River (Detroit, Mich.)
August 3, Yamhill County Fair (McMinnville, Ore.)
August 15, UP State Fair (Escanaba, Mich.)
October 26, Deerfoot Inn & Casino (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
Featuring Kendall (guitar), and 28-year-veterans Michael Lardie (guitar, keyboards) and Audie Desbrow (drums), lead singer Terry Ilous and bassist Scott Snyder join them. GREAT WHITE emerged unscathed from late 2011 band member changes. Best known for the 1989 smash “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” GREAT WHITE’s worldwide sales are approaching 10 million. Their song arsenal also includes “Rock Me,” “Save Your Love,” “The Angel Song,” “Mistabone,” “I’ve Got Something For You” and “Feeling So Much Better” (recent Top 20 on the classic rock chart.) Visit http://GREATWHITEROCKS.COM for additional information.
GREAT WHITE – Multi-platinum recording artists, GREAT WHITE announced today that the band’s third single off of Elation, Hard to Say Goodbye, has reached No. 10 on the classic rock radio Mediabase chart. The heartfelt single has tugged the heartstrings of audiences, especially the military.
GREAT WHITE released Elation (the band’s 12th studio record) from Frontiers Records in May 2012. Elation thrives on GREAT WHITE’s signature grit and blues-hued sound, only marked with a new synergy.
“’Hard To Say Goodbye’ and ‘Promised Land’ should be staples on Nashville radio this summer,” wrote Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles’ Mitch Lafon.
“Great to see them back and rockin’ better than ever,” said ‘Hitman’, program director for KQXX FM (McAllen/Brownsville, Texas).
“’Hard to Say Goodbye’ from GREAT WHITE brings a great band back to radio, it’s a huge phone request with our ladies,” said Max Volume of KOZZ FM (Reno, Nev.).
Catch GREAT WHITE live on KUSI TV’s Good Morning San Diego, Thursday, January 31, 9 a.m. pacific time. Tune in to KGB FM (San Diego) at 6:45 a.m. pacific time on Friday, February 1, and watch XETV TV (San Diego) at 8:20 a.m. pacific time for more coverage.
GREAT WHITE’s robust touring schedule just added a direct support slot for WHITESNAKE on July 27 at the Mattawa Voyageur Days in Mattawa, Ontario. With more dates to be announced soon, the current 2013 concert dates:
February 1, Sycuan Casino (El Cajon, Calif.)
March 16 – 20, Monsters of Rock Cruise (various)
March 30, Sierra Ballroom at Boomtown Casino (Reno, Nev.)
April 5, Chester’s Harley Davidson Pavilion (Mesa, Ariz.)
May 10, The Railhead at Boulder Station Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
June 1, Ride for a Cure (Salt Lake City, Utah)
June 27, Chumash Casino (Santa Ynez, Calif.)
July 6, Concerts on the Green (Hollister, Calif.)
July 11, Gettysburg Bike Week (Gettysburg, Pa.)
July 12, BBQ Festival (Kankakee, Ill.)
July 20, Waukesha County Fair (Waukesha, Wis.)
July 26, Braun’s Concert Cove (Akron, N.J.)
July 27, Mattawa Voyageur Days (Mattawa, Ontario, Canada)
August 2, Rocking the River (Detroit, Mich.)
August 3, Yamhill County Fair (McMinnville, Ore.)
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Featuring founder Mark Kendall (guitar), and 28-year-veterans MichaelLardie (guitar, keyboards) and Audie Desbrow (drums), lead singer Terry Ilous and bassist Scott Snyder join them. GREAT WHITE emerged unscathed from late 2011 band member changes. Best known for the 1989 smash “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” GREAT WHITE’s worldwide sales are approaching 10 million. Their song arsenal also includes “Rock Me,” “Save Your Love,” “The Angel Song,” “Mistabone,” “I’ve Got Something For You” and “Feeling So Much Better” (recent Top 20 on the classic rock chart.) Visit GreatWhiteRocks.com for additional information.
Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of GREAT WHITE’s celebrative live album 30 Years – Live From the Sunset Strip on February 22nd in Europe and February 26th in North America.
To mark its 30th Anniversary LIVE on March 22, 2012, GREAT WHITE celebrated the only logical way – on stage. In a nod to its early days, GREAT WHITE returned to the infamous Sunset Strip, where a storied past of music’s biggest fans are fused into the walls of the Key Club. GREAT WHITE delivered its entire repertoire to a packed house, pining for the band’s raw energy and cheering its illustrious history track after track.
The Southern California Blues Hard Rock band debuted with a Don Dokken / Michael Wagener produced EP in 1983 and later on were signed by EMI for 1984’s self-titled debut album. Since then, GREAT WHITE has achieved worldwide success, encompassing sales of over six million records. They received a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance for the song “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” and earned a double platinum certification for the album “…Twice Shy”.
It’s the soulful, Blues-based signature sound that turned songs like “Face The Day”, “Rock Me” and “Save Your Love” into international hits. The late 80’s were boom years for the band, marked by non-stop touring with some of the biggest bands of the era, including stints in Europe and Japan. GREAT WHITE recorded two more albums for Capitol — “Hooked”, which was certified gold and “Psycho City”.
With a line up featuring Co- Founder Mark Kendall, Audie Desbrow, Michael Lardie, Scott Snyder and new singer Terry Ilous (former XYZ), a natural frontman blessed with bluesy-heritage rock tone, Ilous fits the band like a glove. GREAT WHITE’s biting guitar riffs, contagious rhythm section and newfound energy is ready to honor its past and create the next chapter. 30th Anniversary Live is just one night – but the music is timeless.
30 Years – Live From the Sunset Strip– Track Listing Includes:
Desert Moon; Lady Red Light; Face The Day; House Of Broken Love; Save Your Love; Mista Bone; The Big Goodbye; Back To The Rhythm; Rock Me; Can’t Shake It; Once Bitten Twice Shy.
GREAT WHITE – It’s difficult for me to write a review for Elation without admitting that I greatly miss hearing the vocals of Jack Russell. My generation of the 80’s grew up with Jack Russell as the frontman for Great White and his vocals were an identity to this bands overall sound. Thank goodness there is a back catalog of Great White that has Jack Russell’s voice all over it.
I don’t really care what the feud between Jack Russell and the members of Great White was or is about; all I know is Elation doesn’t sound like Great White to me. Is that a terrible thing? No. Elation does feed my ears quite impressively, with new vocalist Terry Ilous (of XYZ fame) giving it his all and sounding like the bona fide Rock star that he truly is. The tried and true musicians of Great White all sound, well, great. It’s just not the Great White vibes I was looking for. Something is missing and it’s Jack Russell.
Musically, this is still Great White and their playing some memorable Hard Rock; various parts bluesy and filled with plenty of spirited energy, along with a party till dawn atmosphere. Elation is an elevation of Hard Rock compared to their 2009 album Rising, still, no J.R. to hear. The mid-tempo and sappy ballad of Love Is Enough should have been shelved. This entire song sounds like a struggle for Terry to sing. I listen to Heart Of AMan, Lowdown, Just ForTonight and Shotgun Willie’s and I’m thrilled by each note!
Still, something is missing and… it’s… Jack Russell. Warrant couldn’t replace (the late) JaniLane with Jaime St. James. That wasn’t Warrant for me. Yet, Warrant pulled it off marvelously with Robert Mason and now… they’re Warrant again. Many world-class bands have successfully changed over vocalists, I realize that. It’s just different with Great White, you know? I guess my Metal point is not every band can replace their long-time vocalist and expect every fan to celebrate in the streets with their decision.
I’ll make it clear, Terry is a talented Heavy Rock vocalist, no question. It’s just my interpretation (after listening to Elation several times) that the band “name” of Great White does not ring like it once did for me. Why couldn’t these guys have chosen a brand new name for their band? What would have been so terrible about the band name: Terry & The Titans? Or maybe: The band formerly known as Great White? Let’s try: The Sharks/Featuring Terry Ilous?
Certainly “branding” is key in any industry and the music world is familiarized with the (band) name Great White. That draws the money in for touring, merch and record sales, no problem. I get it. I have no reservations about recommending Elation to Rock, Hard Rock and Arena Rock fans; this album is a foot stomping, dirt kicking, quality album of Hard Rock songs. However, I really don’t know what to tell long-time Great White fans. It’s an essence thing that’s at issue here and Jack Russell carried 50% of it with his voice.
My late mother used to say “it takes two to tango” and that way of thinking makes perfect sense to me here. I only wish Great White and Jack Russell would tango together again. This entire Great White saga has me reflecting on this quote, as taken from the iconic 1967 film, Cool HandLuke: “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.” Then again, the late and legendary Frank Sinatra once sang a song called “That’s Life” and I couldn’t have expressed my opinions here more truthfully as I have done.
* Elation is the twelfth studio album from Great White, released back on May 18th, 2012, via Frontiers Records.
FRONTIERS RECORDS – Take a look and listen below to 3 fantastic album releases from Frontiers Records! Releasing in North America on May 22nd are new studio albums from GREAT WHITE (Elation), HARDLINE (Danger Zone) and WIG WAM (Wall Street). A triple dose of Rockin’ good-times! Metal be thy name!
Press release as it appears on The Official Website of Great White:
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
GREAT WHITE
* For more info on GREAT WHITE, click on the link below:
GREAT WHITE vocalist Jack Russell has issued the following statement:
“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 RobbyLochner – 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 PS. JACK IS BACK!!!!!!!!”
Russell recently recovered from surgery after suffering a perforated bowel. Terry Ilous of XYZ has replaced Jack on vocals in Great White.
Great White “Rising” for me, is a retrospective listen, and it is not Heavy Metal. This is some inspiring, well written and high quality – Hard Rock. I can even go as far to say that “Rising” can be defined as a Rock album. You are not going to hear the 1980’s flamboyant, grandiose, guitar riff – infused Heavy Metal tunes here. No insanely – Metal driven solos either, some tastefully crafted solo’s do appear however, (“Danger Zone”), so do not despair. What I do hear on “Rising”, is a band that has clearly found themselves creating music straight from the heart. I am not trying to sound sappy here, sappy is not allowed on Metal Odyssey. What I am trying to convey is that Great White has proven to us Metalheads years ago, that they can play heavy and light up an Arena or two. I am convinced, after listening to “Rising”, that Great White is just as enthusiastic and talented as ever. Great White are real musicians… they do not need to carbon copy their past albums onto a 2009 release. “Rising” has some really addicting Old School Hard Rock flavor throughout.
Jack Russell on lead and background vocals has close to no resemblance of the Hair Metal heyday of his 1980’s voice. Forget the comparisons anymore to the legendary Robert Plant! (It started to get very old, even though Great White is what I consider the greatest Led Zeppelin cover band in the world). It is refreshing to hear Jack Russell not sound like a 1980’s retread. His vocals are absolutely superb on this album. “Danger Zone” and “Down On The Level” are two of the more hardest rockers on “Rising”, giving way to some of Jack Russell’s vocal past. “My Sanctuary” exemplifies what the Hard Rock ballads sound like on this album… free flowing with plenty of catchy grooves. “Situation” and “Shine” are songs that are similar, being heavy enough that they are very far removed from being mellow meltdowns. “All Or Nothin” is laden with enough grooves, hooks and foot stomping moments to make this my favorite track. “Loveless” is a real retrospective visit to late ’70’s early ’80’s Hard Rock sound- only it is a really good visit at that.Great White in my Metal opinion, has found the perfect balance of melody and harmonious vocals with just enough heavy guitar and rhythm section to make “Rising” a legitimate Hard Rock keeper.
I cannot possibly compare Great White of the ’80’s to Great White of 2009. I dig the music from both Great White eras. I find it cool when a band, especially one that is renowned for Heavy Metal, digs a little deeper into their musical souls and delivers a knock out of an album, filled with tunes you were not really expecting. Great White “Rising” should appeal to a very vast audience of genres… Hard Rock, Rock and Heavy/Hair Metal fans should find what they like on this album, I know I have. With all of my mentioning of retrospective on this review of “Rising”, I am steadfast against the labeling of music as being dated. Just because music brings back memories of other decades or sounds like music from the past, does not make it uncool. Look at how many CD’s and albums that the immortal Elvis and legendary Beatles sell on a weekly basis… if dated music does exist, then I guess dated music is in. Great White of 2009 is happening for me. I have spoken my Metal point.
“Rising” was released on April 21, 2009, on Shrapnel Records. And now, a Metal Odyssey roll call of the members of Great White, as they appear on “Rising”: Jack Russell – lead and background vocals, Mark Kendall – guitar and background vocals, Audie Desbrow – drums, Michael Lardie – guitar, keyboards, mandolin, sitar, harmonica, percussion and background vocals, Scott Snyder – bass and background vocals.
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