ONCE BITTEN, the brand new band that includes previous members of GREAT WHITE — Tony Montana from the multi-platinum period and co-writer of a few of their greatest hits, and powerhouse vocalist and former member of GREAT WHITE, Andrew Freeman — together with longtime members of JACK RUSSELL’S GREAT WHITE, Robby Lochner, Dan McNay and Ken Mary, has launched its debut single, “Rockin’ Like The 80’s”.
ONCE BITTEN states: “‘Rockin’ Just like the 80’s’ is our tribute to the period we grew up in — the time when GREAT WHITE was at its peak. It is full of the sounds, the vitality and the vibe of that decade… however most significantly, it is devoted to YOU — our family and friends who’ve stood by us by means of JACK RUSSELL’S GREAT WHITE and now with ONCE BITTEN. From working band pages, to spreading the phrase, to displaying up at exhibits — you have been a part of the journey, and we’re grateful and really feel blessed for the friendships we have made alongside the way in which. This tune is our open letter of thanks.”
In a video replace, Freeman mentioned about “Rockin’ Like The 80’s”: “Tony Montana wrote this superior tune. I tracked the vocals for it. It is a enjoyable tune, and it is attempting to bridge the hole between the ’80s technology and right this moment. And it is good. Tony wrote the entire thing, and it is good. Tony and Robby Lochner, I believe, will get an honorable point out. I do know he did one thing on it so far as writing is worried.”
Relating to ONCE BITTEN‘s future plans, Andrew mentioned: “Mainly, ONCE BITTEN is JACK RUSSELL’S GREAT WHITE with me singing. So the fellows that performed with Jack all these years are within the band, and we had been performing some exhibits and we’re doing songs, we’re writing songs. As a result of why not? As a result of they do not wanna cease enjoying, and I do not blame ’em. So we’re making music, ‘trigger that is what we do. And we weren’t blessed with a model identify the place we may simply exit and do no matter we wish. However we can do no matter we wish, and we’re.”
ONCE BITTEN performsGREAT WHITE classics and new hits.
Tony first got here on the scene because the bassist for GREAT WHITE on the tour for “As soon as Bitten…” and was a part of the band by means of its most profitable interval. After spending time away, he reunited with authentic GREAT WHITE singer Jack Russell, first enjoying bass after which guitar in JACK RUSSELL’S GREAT WHITE.
Russell‘s dying was introduced by his household in a social media assertion on August 15, 2024.
The information of Jack‘s passing got here lower than a month after he introduced that he was retiring from touring following a analysis of Lewy physique dementia.
Russell was performing together with his model of GREAT WHITE when a pyrotechnics show sparked a nightclub hearth that killed 100 folks at a 2003 live performance in Rhode Island. On the time of the fireplace, the group that was on the street was referred to as JACK RUSSELL’S GREAT WHITE. Guitarist Mark Kendall, who based GREAT WHITE with Russell in 1982, later mentioned he was requested to affix Russell and his solo band on the tour to assist enhance attendance. Guitarist Ty Longley died within the blaze.
Russell exited GREAT WHITE in December 2011 after he was unable to tour with the group due a sequence of accidents, together with a perforated bowel and a shattered pelvis. Jack largely blamed these accidents on his alcohol and painkiller addictions in addition to the prednisone drug he was prescribed.
Russell sued his onetime bandmates in 2012 over their continued use of the GREAT WHITE identify after Jack had taken a depart of absence from the band for medical causes. A short while later, Russell was countersued by Kendall, rhythm guitarist/keyboardist Michael Lardie and drummer Audie Desbrow, claiming the vocalist’s self-destructive conduct was damaging the GREAT WHITE identify (additionally they alleged he was charging promoters much less for his personal touring model of GREAT WHITE). The events settled in July 2013 with out going to trial, with Russell performing as JACK RUSSELL’S GREAT WHITE up till his dying whereas the others are persevering with as GREAT WHITE.
