Whitesnake guitarist Galley dead at 60

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LONDON, July 4 (UPI) -- Former Whitesnake guitarist Mel Galley has died of cancer of the esophagus in England at the age of 60, his manager said.

The rock star died a month before he was to go on tour with a new band, The Daily Telegraph reported Friday. He died Tuesday at his home in Heath Hayes in Staffordshire with his wife Annette by his side.

"Mel was a superb musician and a true friend," the musician's manager, Tony Perry, said. "It has been a great pleasure and a wonderful experience to have been involved in his career for so many years.

Galley announced in February he had the disease and revealed he was given only weeks to live.

"It happens, but I've had a fantastic life. I have been very lucky. I have seen some great bands, and played with many great musicians," the British newspaper quoted Galley as saying earlier this year. "I am thankful that I can say a proper goodbye to all the friends I have made, who are now rallying round me."

Galley also played with the bands Trapeze and Finders Keepers.