Melissa Auf Der Maur was born on March 17, in Montreal, Canada. She was the daughter of Nick Auf Der Maur and Linda Gaboriau.
Melissa started off her music career by playing bass in small bar bands and with bands at small local venues. She joined a band called Tinker for a while, but when Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins recommended that she try out for the open part in the band Hole, Melissa's life turned around. Before making the decision to audition for Hole, Melissa had to make a lot of tough choices as well as a lot of sacrifices. She gave up her family, her boyfriend, her home in Montreal, and her final year in the University. The choice wasn't easy, but she took the tough route and all her hard work and sacrifices came back to reward her greatly. After the tragic death of the former Hole bass player, Kristen Pfaff, Hole agreed to let Melissa audition to be the new bass player, and they immediately accepted her. She was new to the sounds of Hole, but quickly picked up the tunes. She learned very quickly and her first show was in front of 60,000 people. After the show, the band knew she was the right one for the part. They toured for two more years, and with great success.
Melissa's first official recording with Hole was when they recorded Celebrity Skin. Melissa took well to the band and really helped with bringing new styles and sounds to the group. Because of her decision to join Hole, Melissa has been featured in numerous magazine articles, TV shows, and award ceremonies. Melissa won a few awards while she was with Hole, including a Gibson Award.
In October of 1999, Melissa decided to leave Hole in order to start a solo career. But, a few months later, when the Smashing Pumpkins asked her to join them because of the loss of their bass player just earlier in the year, Melissa dropped the idea. Melissa's first album with the Smashing Pumpkin's was Machines of God. Melissa was now being honored as a diva!
Despite the success she was gaining from the Smashing Pumpkins, Melissa decided to team up with former Hole drummer, Samantha Maloney. Sam had just finished touring with Motley Crue and was happy to reunite with her old-time friend. In 2002, Sam, Melissa, and two other musicians, created The Chelsea Gig. Though Melissa enjoyed working with The Chelsea, the band soon came to a point of end, and as of now, Melissa is working on a few small solo projects.
