Melissa Auf der Maur

Early Life

Melissa Gaboriau Auf der Maur was born in Montreal, Quebec, to journalist and politician Nick Auf der Maur and literary translator Linda Gaboriau. Her multicultural heritage includes Swiss-German roots from her father's side and mixed European-American from her mother's. Melissa holds dual Canadian-American citizenship, a reflection of her diverse background. Her childhood was marked by unique experiences, including living in a circus caravan in Wales and a hut in Kenya, where she contracted malaria three times before returning to Montreal.

Music Career

Auf der Maur's musical journey began in 1993 when she formed the band Tinker with Steve Durand while studying at Concordia University. She played bass guitar, using a Fender Precision Bass gifted by her father. Her big break came when she befriended Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, leading to her joining the band as a bassist in 1999. She later embarked on a solo career, releasing albums such as "Auf der Maur" and "Out of Our Minds," showcasing her evolution as an artist. Her work spans various genres, including rock, alternative rock, and rock and roll, and she has released several singles and EPs, further solidifying her place in the music industry.

Personal Life

In 2006, Auf der Maur married Tony Stone, and they welcomed a daughter in October 2011. The couple resides in Hudson, New York, where they co-own Basilica Hudson, an arts and performance center. Auf der Maur previously had a relationship with musician Dave Grohl from 1999 to 2001, adding to her connections within the music scene.

Melissa Auf der Maur continues to be a significant figure in rock music, known for her contributions both as a band member and a solo artist, while also nurturing her family and artistic endeavors.