Mourners say farewell to rocker

Scores of mourners gathered to pay their last respects to former Whitesnake guitarist Mel Galley.

St John's Church, in Hednesford Road, Heath Hayes, was packed with at least 100 people while around 20 others braved the constant rain huddled beneath umbrellas and trees listening to the service via a PA system.

Famous faces were among those who came to grieve for Mr Galley including former Trapeze bandmate and Deep Purple star Glenn Hughes, Wolverhampton TV presenter Suzi Perry and former Whitesnake bandmate and Black Sabbath bass player Neil Murray.

Addressing the congregation, Glenn Hughes recalled how he, aged 12 or 13, snuck into the Med in Cannock to watch Mr Galley play and the fun, jokes and laughter they had on tour in the US with Trapeze.

The 60-year-old died of cancer on July 1 at his home in Bank Street, Heath Hayes, nursed by his wife Annette.

Mr Hughes said: "He was up with the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton in my eyes, he was my first guitar hero.

"It is because of him I wanted to be a musician. He was a giver, not a taker and I was so proud of him. He was a lad from Cannock who wrote amazing songs."

In his eulogy, John Hackney, a friend of Mr Galley for 45 years, added: "It was way too soon, and completely unfair on all counts. I know as humble as you always were, you would still be pleased to know that the world sends its love and that people all over this planet are mourning your passing.

"We've all lost a friend, we've lost a champion, your music touched a great many people.

"There are thousands of guitarists out there, but only a handful who could command the attention, the respect that you have."

After the funeral, Neil Murray said: "He was really down to earth, smiling, joking and just a really great man. "