Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale has led the tributes for the band's guitarist Mel Galley, who has died following a battle with cancer.

Galley died at his home in Staffordshire on Tuesday (July 1st). He had been suffering from cancer of the oesophagus.

Speaking about his guitarist, Coverdale said that he "treasures the memory of knowing him and working together with him".

Galley joined the band in 1982 and had been due to go out on tour with them later this summer.

The guitarist's manager, Tony Perry said he would remember him as “a superb musician and a true friend”.

He also thanked the guitarist for the “wonderful experience” of being part of his career.

(by Jason Gregory)