Great White vocalist Jack Russell stops by the CMS to get real about the band’s latest record, Rising. After years of what Jack admits was a “timid” vibe following their reunion, he claims the band has finally stopped over-rehearsing the soul out of their music. But it wouldn’t be a CMS interview without hitting the nerves that matter. We dive into the revolving door of bass players in the Great White camp—is it a personality crisis or just a lack of strings? Jack gets surprisingly spiritual, comparing his songwriting to a mix of “girls and God,” and explains why the arena rock era of the 80s is dead and buried, thanks to the very platform that built it: MTV. If you want to know where the bodies are buried in the “Shark” tank, this is the segment.

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THIS EPISODE ORIGINALLY AIRED ON 5/2/09!

ON THIS EPISODE

* THE TIMID REUNION: Jack admits the band was walking on eggshells during their initial comeback.

* THE REVOLVING BASS DOOR: Why Great White has gone through more bassists than Jack has had ex-girlfriends.

* MTV KILLED THE ROCKSTAR: How video killed the arena circuit and why the 80s magic can never be replicated.

* THE SPIRITUAL SHARK: Jack discusses the deep, borderline religious meaning behind the track “Shine.”

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