Mel Galley

Melville John Galley (8 March 1948 – 1 July 2008) was an English guitarist, best known for his work with Whitesnake, Trapeze, Finders Keepers and Phenomena.

Mel Galley
Background information
Birth nameMelville John Galley
Born(1948-03-08)8 March 1948
Cannock, Staffordshire, England
Died1 July 2008(2008-07-01) (aged 60)
Heath Hayes and Wimblebury, Staffordshire, England
GenresHard rock, funk rock, pop rock, blues rock, progressive rock, heavy metal
OccupationsGuitarist
Years active1967–2008
Formerly of

Biography

Galley was born in Cannock, Staffordshire. While a member of Whitesnake, he badly injured his arm in an accident at a fairground in Germany and had to leave the band, as he was unable to play the guitar because of nerve damage as a result of incompetent surgery.[1] Later he became known for playing with "The Claw", a specially developed spring and wire device fitted to his hand which enabled him to play the guitar again. Together with his brother Tom Galley and Wilfried Rimensberger, he was a founding member of Phenomena[2] where his songwriting and guitar playing skills had a major impact on its success.

On 7 February 2008 Galley revealed that he was suffering from oesophageal cancer, and had only a short time to live.[3]

"I have been very lucky. I have seen some great bands, and played with many great musicians. And I have enjoyed some tremendous experiences. I am thankful that I can say a proper goodbye to all the friends I have made, who are now rallying round me".

Galley died on 1 July the same year at the age of 60.[4]

Discography

With Finders Keepers

"Sadie, The Cleaning Lady" (single)

With Trapeze

With Glenn Hughes

With Whitesnake
Mel Galley (second from right) performing as part of Whitesnake in 1983

With Phenomena

With Cozy Powell

References
  1. "Whitesnake History". Deep-purple.net. 16 April 1984. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  2. "projectphenomena.com". projectphenomena.com. Archived from the original on 2 May 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  3. "Former WHITESNAKE/TRAPEZE Guitarist 'Seriously Ill With Cancer'". Blabbermouth. 7 February 2008. Retrieved 27 June 2018.
  4. "Tributes for Whitesnake guitarist". BBC News. 3 July 2008. Retrieved 30 March 2022.


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