R.I.P. Great White Bassist Lorne Black

Lorne Black, a former bassist with Great White, has died. Brave Words is reporting that he passed away on Sept. 27.

Black played on the Los Angeles hard-rock band's first three albums: 1984's self-titled debut, 1986's 'Shot in the Dark' and 1987's 'Once Bitten,' which yielded the band's first hit single, 'Rock Me,' a No. 60 hit.

The bass player had left the band before it scored its only Top 10 single, a cover of Ian Hunter's 'Once Bitten Twice Shy,' which reached No. 5 in 1989.

Black was part of the group's lineup in 1982, when it was still known as Dante Fox. They changed their name later in the year, and have continued on -- with various breaks and membership changes -- since then.

Former Great White singer Jack Russell issued a statement about his old bandmate. "It is with great sadness that we have been informed of the passing of Lorne Black yesterday (September 27th)! Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans. Lorne was a huge part of the first incarnation of Great White! May he rest in peace."

There are no details on the cause of death.