Introduction
Melville John "Mel" Galley (8 March 1948 – 1 July 2008) was an English guitarist and singer, best known for his work with Whitesnake, Trapeze, Finders Keepers and Phenomena.
Galley was born in Cannock, Staffordshire, England. 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 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 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 esophagus 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".
Discography
With Finders Keepers
"Sadie, The Cleaning Lady" (single)
With Trapeze
- 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
With Glenn Hughes
- Play Me Out
With Whitesnake
- Saints & Sinners
- 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