Great White names Mitch Malloy as new vocalist

Great White has tapped Mitch Malloy to be their next lead singer, following the departure of Terry Ilous, who had been with the band since 2012. Malloy is the third vocalist in Great White’s 36-year history, following Ilous and original longtime frontman Jack Russell.

“Mitch is an incredible singer, artist, songwriter and engineer,” guitarist Mark Kendall said. “We’re beyond excited to stretch our musical muscles with a fresh, new take on Great White’s catalog of hits. Terry Ilous has been released to join his other projects. We wish him the best of luck and thank him for his run with Great White.”

Malloy, who originally hails from Dickinson, North Dakota, charted his first solo single, “Anything At All” in 1992. His subsequent hits “ “Nobody Wins In This War” and “Our Love Will Never Die” also made Billboard’s Top 100. Malloy has been in this is this situation before. In 1996, Van Halen asked Malloy to take the reigns as its singer. Although Malloy didn’t take the gig, he further established his reputation as a universally- respected frontman.

“I have to represent this music honorably,” Malloy said. “I respect what has come before me, and have to remind fans of where they were when they first heard these songs. I also have to be myself at the same time. When I first heard my own voice with Great White’s music, I knew something special was going on.”

Guitarist and keyboardist Michael Lardie praised Malloy for his musical chops and reputation.

“We had an immediate rapport with Mitch,” Lardie said. “I’m positive the fans will embrace Mitch and continue to support Great White. This music is bigger than any one person.”

Great White has sold over 10 million albums worldwide, has six Top 100 Billboard hits, nine Top 200 Billboard albums, and two platinum albums. The band is now comprised of Mark Kendall (lead guitar), Michael Lardie (guitar, keyboards), Audie Desbrow (drums, percussion), Scott Synder (bass) and Mitch Malloy (vocals).

Fans can get a closer look at the new lineup when Great White performs on the Bud Light Free Stage during the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 15.