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.

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]

"Sadie, The Cleaning Lady" (single)

• Trapeze
• Medusa
• You Are the Music...We're Just the Band
• The Final Swing
• Hot Wire
• Live At The Boat Club
• Trapeze
• Hold On a.k.a. Running
• Live in Texas: Dead Armadillos
• Welcome to the Real World
• High Flyers: The Best of Trapeze
• Way Back to the Bone
• On the Highwire

• Play Me Out

• Saints & Sinners (backing vocals only)
• Slide It In
• Live In 1984: Back To The Bone (2014)

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

• Octopuss

• Guardian obituary
• Glenn Hughes' Trapeze page

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