What Happened to Melissa Gaboriau Auf der Maur?

Melissa Auf der Maur rose to prominence as a pivotal figure in 1990s alternative rock, first as the bassist for Hole and later for The Smashing Pumpkins. Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, she initially studied photography at Concordia University, a passion she maintained throughout her music career. Her musical journey began with the indie rock band Tinker before she was recruited by Courtney Love to join Hole in 1994, contributing to their acclaimed album 'Celebrity Skin' (1998). After Hole's hiatus, she joined The Smashing Pumpkins as a touring bassist at the end of 1999, participating in their 'Machina' era.

Following her time with these iconic bands, Auf der Maur embarked on a solo music career, releasing her debut album 'Auf der Maur' in 2004 and 'Out of Our Minds' in 2010. Concurrently, she expanded her artistic focus beyond music. In 2010, she co-founded Basilica Hudson, a multidisciplinary arts and culture center in Hudson, New York, with her husband Tony Stone. This non-profit organization, housed in a former industrial factory, has become a significant hub for music, film, art installations, and community events, attracting thousands of visitors annually.

2026 marks a significant year for Auf der Maur, bringing a resurgence of her artistic output. In March 2026, she released her highly anticipated memoir, "Even the Good Girls Will Cry: A '90s Rock Memoir," published by Da Capo Press and Grand Central Publishing. The book, described as an intimate and clear-eyed account of the '90s alternative era, traces her journey from her bohemian upbringing to her experiences in rock history. She supported the memoir with a North American and UK book launch tour, including stops in New York, Toronto, and Montreal. During this period, she also appeared on Billy Corgan's podcast, "The Magnificent Others," reflecting on their shared musical past.

Further cementing her artistic comeback, Auf der Maur announced in July 2026 the release of "BASS WOMB ROOM: My '90s 4-Track Demos x Field Recordings," her first new music in over 15 years, set to be released on September 4, 2026, via Envision Records. This album features previously unheard 4-track demos from the 1990s, alongside new interludes created for a companion photography exhibition. The exhibition, "Melissa Auf der Maur: My '90s Rock Photographs," opens on September 2, 2026, at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in Toronto. The exhibition showcases over 200 images from her extensive archive of more than 10,000 photographs, documenting life backstage, onstage, and in the crowd during the '90s, before the ubiquity of smartphones. A 240-page photobook of the same name will also be published on September 8, 2026. These recent projects highlight her enduring commitment to artistic expression across various mediums, blending her past experiences with her current creative vision.