Original Great White frontman Jack Russell filed a lawsuit against his former bandmates this week for wrongful use of the Great White name. Russell was hospitalized in the summer of 2010 after suffering a peroforated bowel, and had to back out of the band's 25th Anniversary tour to recover. In his absence, XYZ singer Terry Ilous filled the void, and was eventually asked to replace him on a permanent basis.
According to Russell, Ilous was only supposed to fill in until he was well enough to return to performing. However, when that time came, Russell alleges that the band set stipulations for his return that effectively prevent it, including that he stop taking prescription painkillers which doctors have advised he will need for the rest of his life.
Russell claims that he asked the band to perform under a different name, which they refused, but he accepted the fact that they would do shows under the name. But when Great White announced they were releasing a new album without Russell, he decided to take action, claiming the record would irrevocably tarnish Great White's discography, which is the crowning achievement of 30 years of the band's history with Russell.