Home > Great White

Great White is a hair metal band known primarily for the hit "Once Bitten, Twice Shy", a cover version of a song written by Mott the Hoople's Ian Hunter. Great White formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, California. Fronted by lead singer Jack Russell and great admirers of Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and Mott the Hoople, the band didn't hit the mainstream until their fifth album, ...Twice Shy ( 1989; see 1989 in music), which included their sole hit.

Although they appeared in tight leather pants and threw their hair around, they were considered more committed to blues-based rock and roll than to glamor.

They continued touring and recording throughout the 1990s, but never had another hit. In 2003, Great White was playing in Rhode Island when their fireworks caused a fire that killed 100 people (see The Station nightclub fireThe Station nightclub fire on February 20, 2003 was the fourth deadliest nightclub fire in U. history, killing 100 people and injuring more than 200. Ninety-six perished on the night of the fire, and 4 died later from their injuries at local hospitals.).

Guitarist Ty LongleyTy Longley ( September 4, 1971 February 20, 2003) was an American guitarist and vocalist. He was born September 4, 1971 in Sharon, Pennsylvania. Longley joined the band Great White in 2000. He died in The Station nightclub fire on February 20, 2003. Exter died in the fire and a soundman for the band was injured.

Quotation

The lyrics of "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" are about a girl who loves rock and roll and rock and roll musicians. They include the lines:

You didn't know that rock n' roll burned

So you bought a candle and you loved and you learned