This is an interview I did with Jack after he left Great White. As most of you know from my old site, I had interviews with Gary, Tony, Mark, Audie, and another with Mark... all about leaving Great White. I am going to leave it up to the people who come to this site to decide if they should go up or not. I feel since this really is a new Great White, maybe looking forward and not back is the best? Shoot a quck note to Me, Shot with your feelings and If enought people want to read them, I will put them up. So, with that... onto the Jack Russell "For You" interview.
Shot
Shot
It's been about 5 months now since you have left Great White ... Please take a few seconds and fill all
of your fans in on what's been going on in your life.
Got engaged on Valentine's Day, finished a new album, moved to Palm Springs, and been rehearsing for
the upcoming tour. Needless to say I have been pretty busy.
You have a solo CD coming out in a couple months. From what I hear, it's going to be a popish CD. Tell us
what we can expect. And why the change from hard rock/heavy metal.
You can expect some heart felt music reflecting where i am in my life right now. The reason the
difference in the music is that I felt it was time for a change.
OK, us Great White fans know about your solo cd that was put out in Japan called "Shelter Me." The
band included greats like Michael Lardie and Matthew Johnson. Tell us how that CD came about, and what was your decision
not to have that band together for your new CD. Also... there were plans for Shelter Me to be relieved in the US... what is the
status on that?
I felt it was time for me to do something on my own, but still had not found a direction so consequently it
sounded close to Great White in some aspects. For the new album I wanted a whole new team of musicians whose background
wasn't primarily hard rock. As Far as Shelter me being released in the U,S. that is up to the record label, Imago.
For people who have not visited www.planetjr.com, tell us about your new band, and maybe some of the
groups they have been in.
Bob Kulick-Guitar-Meatloaf/Kiss
It isn't a huge secret that drugs and alcohol are a big part of music. Most Great White fans know about
your struggles with these vices, but also know that you have been to rehab. How is the sobriety thing going, and how do you
manage to keep yourself clean.
I take two showers a day and use a lotta soap...Just kidding. Everything's fine, my life is back on track. I
found the inner peace I had been missing for the last couple of years and I realize what is really important and that is my
music and the people that I love. When I was using, the only important thing was self destruction.
I have seen Great White about 25 times live. Ever since I can remember, you have always been available
for your fans... either before the show, or after the show. Why do you think it's important to meet your fans... and why do you
My fan's are the reason that I am able to do what I do. It's important to me to let them know that they
mean more than a ticket or sale of a CD.
What are your thoughts on the 80's metal scene in 2002? Why do you think there is so much band
jumping going on??? I.e.: Jizzy Pearl in Ratt, Love/Hate, LA Guns... John Corrdi in Motley Crue and Ratt. Where did the loyalty
go?
I think that people are reluctant to admit that the 80's are not coming back, and that's o.k. It was great
time and I am glad I was there to barely remember it.
OK... lets take the middle questions and talk about Great White. Why did you decide to leave the
band?
It was time to move on. In twenty-four years I feel that the band accomplished what we set out to
do.
I have to ask. is there any chance of you working with any of your ex band mates... specifically Mark,
Sean, Michael, Matthew, Audie, or Tony? Can we expect maybe another GW CD somewhere down the road? Mark told me in an
interview that he could not look back... but he ended up back with GW for several shows. Have you written GW off completely,
or do you take the never say never attitude?
Anything is possible but right now my focus is totally on my new project. We remain friends. As far as
Sean goes he is playing bass for the currently booked live shows.
Negative things have been said about you in several interviews that I have conducted for "Shot in the
Dark : A Great White Story. Both Audie and Gary Holland had several interesting comments on you. I want to give you a chance
to speak your piece on the Audie situation... and let people know what happened between you and Gary. I have a picture up on
that site from Dante Fox and you too seem very happy. How did that go down so bad?
As far as Audie goes I have nothing bad to say about him, he was my oldest friend and I wish him nothing
but the best. The one thing that did hurt me was that he used to live at my parents house with me when we were in another band
before Great White, and was always very close to my parents, but when he heard my Father passed away he never
acknowledged it, I suppose he had his reasons.
Can you tell me a few shows that stick out in your head? Both from the arena days and the club
days.
The last show with Whitesnake/Great White Tour
I have seen you play in front of 12,000 people (Poison Tour a few years back) and I have seen you play
in front of 80 people at Jaxx (second night of two shows two Aprils ago) and one thing stuck out to me. You gave the same
effort to the 80 people (if not more) as you did the 12,000. What are your thought on that? Which did you prefer to do?
To me it's always the more the merrier but people deserve the same performance whether its a crowd of
12000 or 12.
Going to give you a few names, and tell me what comes to your mind about them:
Why was the bass players position like the Drummers in Spinal Tap? By my count, GW had 6 different
bass players! Why??? LOL
Just kept trying to put a square peg in a round hole
Give me some of your best memories of Great White. And some of your worst.
Our first record deal, the first time I heard myself on the radio, First tour, Etc.....
The music of Great White changed from CD to CD. If you take "The Black CD" (self titled) and play it
back to back with Sail Away... to non GW fans, they would never guess it was the same band. Was it planned to make each CD a
unique sound? And explain the intro to "Call it Rock n Roll" from Hooked. Was that done on purpose to play off of the success
of OBTS???
Every CD takes on a life of it's own. If you try to make it something it's not, It will sound forced. The
answer to the next question is yes, we did it more for the humor than anything else.
Great White had such awesome music. Great rock songs like "Aint no Shame" and "Lives in Chains."
Awesome blues with songs like "Pain Overload" and "Hand on the Trigger." Great ballads like "Alone" and "Save Your Love."
With such incredible songs... why were there covers on most of GW's CD's?
Just for the fun of it, it was never for lack of material. just a way to play songs we wish we would have
written.
When you tour with your new band, do you plan on doing any GW songs? And if so, what can we expect
to hear?
yes I am sure we will do a couple, set list is not done yet.
Ok... enough of GW. Explain to us why you hate the Internet so much?
It's like the electronic National Enquirer without consequence of a lawsuit. The thing that bothers me the
do surf the net occasionally... what are some of your favorite sites to visit?
What are some of the toughest things about being on the road touring?
Being away from people you love. The reverse of my daily routine as when I am not on the road I actually
get up early.
Can you explain a bit about your Record Label... they seem to have a unique idea about the music.
It's a very artist friendly label, which enables me to have a lot of control of how my music is being
represented. I did not even think of looking to the major labels after my last go round with Great White.
You always took time to let me know about your dad whenever I saw you. I would like to pass along my
deepest condolences on his passing. For people who never got to learn about Dad Russell... please take some time and tell
everyone what kind of person he was.
He was a man's man, my best friend, my biggest fan, and I miss him deeply. I know he would be happy and
proud of what I am doing in and with my life right now.
Any resentment towards your parents for naming you Jack? I mean... did you get picked on at all when
you were a kid for having the same name as a breed of dog? lol
None whatsoever. Growing up with the name Jack was definitely a challenge on the playground though.
We all know how big of a fan you are of Robert Plant and Steven Tyler... have you ever gotten the
chance to meet with them?
Never met Robert Plant, Steven Tyler and I became friends many years ago.
When you are not singing, what are some of your hobbies?
Right now I am so busy I don't have time for a hobby, and that's o.k.
Final question Jack. In 30 years, when you are old and gray... how do you want to be remembered? By
your fans, friends, and fam.
I am old and gray, but thanks...As a good man is how I want to be remembered the most.
Thanks a ton Jack. It sounds like you are doing very well, and I wish nothing but the best for you! To check out where Jack will be playing... and yes, according to Jack, with Sean McNabb! check out the Tour Dates page. Once again, Thanks to Jack Russell for taking the time to do this interview!
Jack Russell
Billy Sherwood-Background Vocals-Yes/Worldtrade
Vinnie Colaiuta- Drums-Sting/Frank Zappa/Celine Dion- Worlds Number 1 Drummer!
Tony Levin-Bass-Peter Gabriel/King Crimson/Seal/John Lennon
think with today's music... it just doesn't happen.
Gary Holland, I never realized that there was bad blood between us. That was so long ago I can barely remember the
circumstances of his departure. but as with anyone else, I wish him well.
Irvine Meadows
The Forum
The last show with Great White @ The Galaxy
Mark Kendall
Gentleman
Michael Lardie
Loyal
Audie Debrow
Painful
Sean McNabb
Fishing Buddy
Tony Montana
Great hair
Lorne Black
Is he still alive?
Dave Spitz
The Lawyer
Teddy Cook
Stressful
Gary Holland
Are you over it yet?
Alan Niven
Who?
Worst Moment: Lack of label support on Can't Get There From Here
most is that there are some people that hide bad behavior behind anonymity.