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BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Guitarist: MICHELLE MELDRUM 'Was Like A Sister To Me'

May 22, 2008

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY guitarist Nick Catanese and the members of the Los Angeles-based heavy rock act MY RUIN have commented on the passing of MELDRUM/ex-PHANTOM BLUE guitarist Michelle Meldrum at the age of 39.

Nick Catanese: "I cannot believe this... Michelle was like a sister to me and all of the BLACK LABEL camp. I remember the first show that MELDRUM played with us. The whole band was so great, but Michelle was the guitarist, so we talked shop all the time. She was loving and you could always talk to her about any problems you have, so caring.

"God has a guitar-ripping angel in his house now.

"God bless you, Michelle. You will be missed and thought of every time I set foot onstage."

MY RUIN: "Dear friends, sometimes it feels like time just goes by so fast. Only two days ago, (Tuesday, May 20) was the two-year anniversary of Mick's [Murphy, MY RUIN guitarist] father's passing. A day that will forever be sad for us. Today is another sad day as we have just learned news of the death of guitarist Michelle Meldrum and we are speechless.

"It seems on Sunday, May 18, Michelle was rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital in Burbank, California in critical condition. Three days later, yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, May 21),she passed away as a result of a cystic growth on her brain that had restricted oxygen and blood flow to her brain, rendering her braindead.

"In 2006 we had the pleasure of meeting Michelle as MY RUIN and her band MELDRUM opened a couple shows together for MOTRHEAD. She also came to see us play live at the Whisky [in Hollywood] one night and we had a blast together backstage.

"She was a true rock chick in every good sense of those words and she was a sweetheart. While we may not have been close friends, we kept in touch via the phone and through emails for the past couple years which made this announcement really hit home as a horrible reminder to all of us that you never know when someone's life can simply be over. Michelle was only 39 and she still had so much more to do. It is so sad and it really makes you think.

"Before forming MELDRUM, Michelle was the lead guitarist and co-founder of the band PHANTOM BLUE. She was also married to rock guitarist John Norum of EUROPE who is the father of their three-year-old son Jake Thomas.

"Michelle was a beautiful and gifted woman. She was probably one of the best hard rock guitarists we have ever seen, male or female. The real deal, and we respected her very much as a musician.

"At this time we would like to send our prayers and condolences to the family and all the fans of Michelle who loved her so much. She will continue to live on through her music as she is deeply missed and remembered by all.

"Once again heaven has a new rock angel."

Check out photos of MY RUIN hanging out with Michelle Meldrum at this location.

MELDRUM covering PANTERA's "Walk":

PHANTOM BLUE interview footage (1989):

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