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Mel Galley

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Mel Galley
Background information
Born
Melville John Galley

(1948-03-08)8 March 1948
Died1 July 2008(2008-07-01) (aged 60)
GenresHard rock, funk rock, pop rock, blues rock, progressive rock, heavy metal
OccupationsGuitarist
Years active1967–2008
Formerly of

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

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Mel Galley (first from left) as part of Whitesnake in 1984

Galley was born in Cannock, Staffordshire on 8 March 1948. 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

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With Finders Keepers

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"Sadie, The Cleaning Lady" (single) (1968)

With Trapeze

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With Glenn Hughes

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With Whitesnake

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Mel Galley (to the left of singer David Coverdale) performing as part of Whitesnake in 1983

With Phenomena

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  • Phenomena (Bronze 1985)
  • Phenomena II "Dream Runner" (RCA 1987)
  • Phenomena III "Inner Vision" (1993)
  • Psychofantasy (Escape 2006)
  • Blind Faith (Escape 2010)

With Cozy Powell

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References

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  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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