Mel Galley

British guitarist (1948–2008)

  • Finders Keepers
  • Trapeze
  • Whitesnake
  • Phenomena
Musical artist

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.

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

  • Play Me Out

With Whitesnake

Mel Galley (second from right) performing as part of Whitesnake in 1983
  • Saints & Sinners (backing vocals only)
  • Slide It In
  • Live In 1984: Back To The Bone (2014)

With Phenomena

  • Phenomena (Bronze 1985)
  • Phenomena II "Dream Runner" (RCA 1987)
  • Phenomena III "Inner Vision"
  • Psychofantasy (Escape 2006)
  • Blind Faith (Escape 2010)

With Cozy Powell

  • Octopuss

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.

External links

  • Guardian obituary
  • Glenn Hughes' Trapeze page
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Trapeze
  • Mel Galley
  • Dave Holland
  • Glenn Hughes
  • Rob Kendrick
  • Peter Goalby
  • Mervyn Spence
  • Kex Gorin
  • Geoff Downes
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Studio albums
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  • 30th Anniversary Collection
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  • Snakebite
  • Long Way from Home
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David Coverdale solo albums
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