Whitesnake star dying with cancer

World-famous Whitesnake guitarist Mel Galley is seriously ill with cancer, the 59-year-old Staffordshire musician has revealed today.

The rock legend from Cannock has broken the devastating news to friends that he only has a short time to live after recently being diagnosed with the disease. It comes just a month before the star was due to take to the stage again with a new band after years away from the spotlight. Mel said: "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."

"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."

Former Deep Purple star Glenn Hughes is expected to fly over from his home in California to see Mel.

The two first played together in Finders Keepers and then Trapeze, alongside drummer Dave Holland, gaining great critical acclaim but failing to break into the big time.

When Glenn left to join Deep Purple, Mel held Trapeze together for several more albums, taking over the singing duties before playing with The Blue Jays and then Whitesnake.

After breaking his arm, which was further weakened by a disease which ate away most of the nerves, he fought back to play again with the help of a special brace, nicknamed The Claw.

Mel was due to mark his 60th on March 8 but celebrations have been brought forward to next week.

Best friend John Hackney, who has known the star for 45 years, said: "It is killing us but we are taking strength from him. He has had an absolutely wonderful life most people can only dream of. He said he wants to thank everybody for their expressions of love."

Last year he hit the headlines when he and his ex-policeman friend John Ashley confronted an impostor who had spent around 10 years impersonating him.

At the same time he took to the stage again, playing two songs at Cannock's Tackeroo nightclub.