GENE HOGLAN Pays Tribute To MICHELLE MELDRUM: 'I Just Lost My Sister And Best Friend'

Legendary drummer Gene Hoglan (DARK ANGEL, DEATH, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD) has posted a tribute to his fallen MELDRUM bandmate and close friend Michelle Meldrum, who passed away on May 21 as a result of a cystic growth on her brain that had restricted oxygen and blood flow to her brain, rendering her braindead.

"I'm in Australia as I write this, doing those clinics, and they're going well," Gene writes on his MySpace blog. "But, I'm not here to talk about that. These are the blackest days of my life...

"I just lost my sister and best friend, Michelle. I can't believe this complete agony. I am lost and broken-hearted. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for you, Michelle. Your friendship has meant the world to me, since we were teenagers. I can't believe you're gone. I would switch places with you in one second if I could. For you, for Jake, for your Mom and Bob, who are my family, too.

"I am so fortunate to have had you in my life, especially these last couple of years, when we got to re-connect and kick ass together. Your strength through copious adversity has been such an inspiration to me, you'll never know.

"And now you're gone...

"I can't believe that you're not gonna be there when I get home. I just can't believe that. You've been my rock, my confidant, my warrior-sister. Having you in my life has brought me such joy, and I know you know that.

"But you're gone...why? WHY?

"I've had so many conversations in my head and out loud with you these past few days, willing you to get better, pleading with the powers-that-be for a miracle that was not to be. You are now, and forever will be, right be my side. But I wish I could hear your voice again. I wish you would make me laugh again, like you were always amazing at doing. I wish you would just talk back to me for real. Even just one more time.

"I love you with all my heart, and I will miss you like no other. This world is a darker place for your passing. My heart is with you and your family. My family.

"Peace be with you, my wonderful friend."

Prior to her death, Michelle had just completed writing and recording MELDRUM's soon-to-be-released third album with Gene Hoglan, along with the group's latest additions, Michele Madden (vocals) and Laura Christine (bass). The surviving bandmembers plan to release the CD later this year in tribute to their fallen bandmate.

Meldrum, 39, is survived by her parents and three-year-old son Jake Thomas (father is EUROPE guitarist John Norum). A memorial tribute benefit will be announced in the following weeks.

Michelle Meldrum was born on September 28, 1968 in Detroit, Michigan to a family of musicians and actors, and moved to Los Angeles, California at the age of 13. She started her career in music by forming the thrash metal band WARGOD with Gene Hoglan, then moved on to become both co-founder and lead guitarist in PHANTOM BLUE. PHANTOM BLUE released its self-titled debut album on Shrapnel Records in the U.S. (Roadrunner in Europe and Japan) and eventually landed a major label deal with Geffen.

While her career flourished, Michelle married EUROPE guitarist John Norum and moved to Sweden to form MELDRUM. After many successful tours with such acts as MOTRHEAD and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, she reunited with Gene in 2006 when he appeared as a guest on MELDRUM album and events. Inspired to once again collaborate, Michelle moved back to America where she and Gene began writing the third MELDRUM album together.

MELDRUM's "Purge" video featuring Gene Hoglan: