GREAT WHITE Singer Says He Finally Has 'A Little Peace' In His Life

GREAT WHITE singer Jack Russell recently spoke KNAC.com 's Jeff Kerby the tragic nightclub fire two years ago that left 100 people dead. Several excerpts from the interview follow:

KNAC.com: Can you describe the first time you took the stage after the fire?

Jack Russell: "I was a little apprehensive because we didn't know what to expect. It was a packed show though, and the people were really gracious and supportive of us and what we were trying to do. It really reinforced my belief in humanity in a way because there was a time in my life where I didn't care about anyone else, and now, for me to see people caring about others is inspiring. Our fans really are blue-collar type people, and to see some of them putting $500 towards The Station Family Fund was great. I mean, that might be a week's salary for that guy. It really is like the people who can afford to give the least, give the most. Where are the Donald Trumps of the world? Why aren't they down here helping out?"

KNAC.com: Aren't there more glamorous charities though, or ones that other people see as being more glamorous to champion than helping out the victims of this fire? Obviously, the tsunami that just occurred was greater in scale, but in many ways, it seems as though that cause is accepted in a different way — why do you think that is?

Jack Russell: "You know, I don't get that either. For me, I think charity begins at home. I think some people are always more willing to help people overseas but when it comes to taking care of their own backyard, they're a little more reluctant. It seems as though instead of taking care of their own yard, some people would rather look over at his neighbor's yard and start pulling his weeds. It's almost like some people feel as if they are donating to someone at home that they aren't giving in some way. It's like, 'Wow, this is for somebody over in Thailand!'"

KNAC.com: How does your desire to raise the profile of the fund affect how much or even where you tour?

Jack Russell: "It's been two years, and it has almost gotten back to a place of normalcy with regard to what we do. Every night we take donations for the fund, and we're always donating part of our own income to that. We will continue to do so. For the most part, you don't want to forget it, but you also don’t want to relive it every day of your life either. There was a time not so long ago where that is where we were at though. It was every day — that's all we thought about. It was like you never got a respite from it. Now it's like I have a little peace in my life. I'll never forget it, nor do I want to, but I just don't want to continue to live it over and over again every single day."

Read Jack Russell's entire interview with KNAC.com at this location.