Ken Mary, the drummer for Jack Russell’s Great White, broke his silence in the aftermath of the band’s namesake making his recent heartbreaking health announcement.
Jack Russell announced last week that after he was recently diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia Multiple System Atrophy, he is retiring from touring.
“I’ve been getting a lot of emails and texts in regard to Jack Russell’s announcement that he is retiring from touring,” Mary said in a video shared to Russell’s Facebook. “I just wanted to say a couple of things. First and foremost, to Jack and Heather, we love you guys, and you are in our thoughts and prayers. Secondly, I just want to say thank you so much for all the incredible musical experiences that we have shared over the last three years.
“You are one of the greatest singers ever,” he added. “And it truly was an honor to apply these amazing songs that you wrote, and to share that amazing journey with you.”
Mary also encouraged folks to support Russell by buying his new book — “The True Tale Of Mista Bone” on Amazon.
Russell, who is 63-years-old, has received an outpouring of love from fans since his announcement last week.
“To my fans and friends, It is with my heaviest of hearts that I must announce my retirement from the road,” he wrote on Facebook. “After a recent diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) in May 2024, I am unable to perform at the level I desire and at the level you deserve. Words cannot express my gratitude for the many years of memories, love and support. Thank you for letting me live my dreams. You have made my life a wonder. Love, Jack Russell.”
The Mayo Clinic describes MSA as “a rare, degenerative neurological disorder,” which affects the body’s “(autonomic) functions, including blood pressure, and motor control.” It also describes Lewy body dementia as “the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease.”
You can see Russell’s post and the responses here.
Loudwire reported that Russell performed with Great White from 1981 until 1996. He left the band in 1996 to pursue a solo career. The site said he has returned to perform with Great White on multiple occasions, and also had his own band, Jack Russell’s Great White.
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