Guitarist Michelle Meldrum of Metal Band MELDRUM Passes Away
Michelle Meldrum, leader of the band Meldrum and former Phantom Blue founder/guitarist, passed away late afternoon Wednesday, May 21, 2008 as a result of a cystic growth on her brain that had restricted oxygen and blood flow to her brain rendering her brain dead.
According to a press release by VQPR, Michelle had been admitted to St Joseph's Hospital in Burbank on May 18th, and had slipped into a coma before passing.
Meldrum had recently announced a new band line-up, and had just completed the bands soon to be released album with drummer Gene Hoglan, Michele Madden (vocals) and Laura Christine (bass). The surviving band members plan to release the album later this year in tribute to their fallen band-mate.
As someone who personally knew Michelle as a friend and business associate, I can say that Meldrum was known in many circles, not only for her ground-breaking strides as a female musician in the Metal world, but for her compassion, and love. Never one to gossip or talk sh*t, Michelle was a shining example as a musician, friend, and most of all a mother to her three year old son Jake Thomas Norum.
Meldrum, 39 is survived by her parents, and three year old son, Jake Thomas.
Meldrum's Management, Dark Moon Entertainment will announce a memorial tribute benefit in the following weeks, and an education fund will be set up for Michelle's son Jake. Immediate Cash Donations to assist the family in this time of need can be made via pay-pal MichelleMeldrumFund@Gmail.com
About Michelle (Excerpt From Meldrum’s website):
Michelle Meldrum was born on Sept 28, 1968 in Detroit, Michigan to a family of musicians and actors. At 13, Meldrum moved to Los Angeles, California and started her career in music by forming the thrash metal band Wargod with drummer Gene Hoglan (Dark Angel, Death, and Strapping Young Lad). When Wargod disbanded Meldrum continued her search for a band and become both co-founder and lead guitarist in the all female metal/rock band Phantom Blue. Phantom Blue released their self-titled debut album on Shrapnel Records as well as Roadrunner Records, and eventually landed a deal with major label Geffen.
Once Phantom Blue disbanded after a successful run at fame, Michelle Meldrum moved to Sweden and formed her current band Meldrum. After many triumphant tours with such acts as Motorhead and Black Label Society, she reunited with Hoglan in 2006. Hoglan had appeared as a special guest on the Meldrum album prior and played several events. Inspired to once again collaborate, Meldrum moved back to America where she and Hoglan began writing the aforementioned (completed) third Meldrum album together.
