Great White are a Grammy award winning American rock band, but their history is marred by one tragic gig played at The Station nightclub in 2003, long after their glory days had passed.
The band were formed in the early 80s and quickly developed a following in the LA area. Their first independent releases sold well and on the basis of that success EMI signed them. The release of Once Bitten…, and its hit single "Rock Me", was a platinum-selling achievement but it was 1989's …Twice Shy which really catapulted them to fame. It was this album which offered their biggest selling single, "Once Bitten, Twice Shy", a cover of an Ian Hunter track which seemed to best the original by Mott the Hoople.
Ensuing albums fared less well though they continued to tour to sold-out venues throughout the 90s. The departure of Mark Kendall prompted an acrimonious period for the band and although they were working on a new album, they split in 2001. The splintered band reformed in various permutations and it was as Jack Russell's Great White that they played The Station nightclub in 2003. Pyrotechnics from the stage show set light to the club and 100 people were killed, including the guitarist, Ty Longley. Although the band played a benefit tour for survivors and victims of the fire, Russell's entry into rehab in 2005 halted the doomed incarnation of Great White.
The classic line-up got back together in 2007, and though there has been no studio output from them, they have toured extensively since their reformation.
