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 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. 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 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.

"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.

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

• Trapeze (1970)
• Medusa (1970)
• You Are the Music...We're Just the Band (1972)
• The Final Swing (1974)
• Hot Wire (1974)
• Live At The Boat Club (1975)
• Trapeze (1975)
• Hold On a.k.a. Running (1978)
• Live in Texas: Dead Armadillos (1981)
• Welcome to the Real World (1998)
• High Flyers: The Best of Trapeze (1996)
• Way Back to the Bone (1986)
• On the Highwire (2002)

• Play Me Out (1977)

• Saints & Sinners (backing vocals only) (1982)
• Slide It In (1984)
• Live in 1984: Back to the Bone (2014)

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

• Octopuss (1983)