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Girlschool Guitarist Loses Battle With Spinal Cancer

posted Jul 18, 2007 at 6:44 AM by Diamond Oz.  (8 Comments)

Photo of Motorhead

Band Photo: Motorhead (?)

MOTÖRHEAD has issued the following update:

"It is with extreme sadness to inform you that Kelly Johnson, original lead guitarist of GIRLSCHOOL, passed away on Sunday night, 15th July. She has been suffering from spinal cancer for the last six years.

"Joining GIRLSCHOOL in 1978, Kelly was a face in the classic line-up alongside Kim McAuliffe (rhythm guitar, vocals), Enid Williams (bass, vocals) and Denise Dufort (drums). The band was an integral and major force in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, beginning with the release of its debut album, 'Demolition' (1980), and continuing with the follow-ups 'Hit 'n' Run' (1981) and 'Screaming Blue Murder' (1982). Kelly's participation also saw GIRLSCHOOL collaborating with MOTÖRHEAD under the name HEADGIRL for the 'St. Valentine's Day Massacre' EP. Both bands appeared on the lead track 'Please Don't Touch' and covered each other's songs, GIRLSCHOOL choosing 'Bomber' and MOTÖRHEAD picking 'Emergency'.

"Watch the 'Please Don't Touch' (MOTÖRHEAD and GIRLSCHOOL) video at YouTube.

"Kelly originally left GIRLSCHOOL in 1984 after recording the band's fourth album, 'Play Dirty', to live in Los Angeles for the next ten years. She rejoined in 1993 and moved back to the U.K. In 2000, she decided to quit the music business for good after recording her final album with GIRLSCHOOL, 'Not That Innocent: 21st Anniversary' (2001), though always remained a close friend to the band.

"Kelly Johnson (RIP) will be missed heavy-heartedly by all. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends."

Girlschool and Motorhead Perform "Please Don't Touch"

What's Next?

8 Comments on "Girlschool Guitarist Passes Away"

Anonymous Reader

1. thadeus writes:

R.I.P KELLY.

# Jul 18, 2007 @ 12:14 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

2. Murderface writes:

That sucks hard. Please Don't Touch is a f***ing classic!. RIP KELLY JOHNSON!!!!!

# Jul 18, 2007 @ 4:02 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

3. U Have Been Warned writes:

R.I.P , thanks Kelly for the great music.

# Jul 19, 2007 @ 9:16 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

4. eddie is real writes:

Awe.
Seriously that sucks.

# Jul 20, 2007 @ 6:57 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

5. godlike writes:

definatly a bummer....!!!!


what am I hearing. ? Judas Priest- Bloodstone

# Jul 20, 2007 @ 7:00 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Blue_Phoenix's avatar

Member

6. Blue_Phoenix writes:

Man, metal news sucks latley. It's all break ups or obituaries. I wish we would get some good news soon.

# Jul 21, 2007 @ 5:18 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

7. fuk writes:

fuk

# Jul 25, 2007 @ 9:27 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

8. demoniacs writes:

Fui seguidor desde sus comienzos en los 80 y pude ver un show en Valencia en el 2004, gran Lady of Rock! Mis eternos respetos... mis pioneras del metal... D.E.P

# Aug 4, 2007 @ 7:34 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address

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