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Melissa Auf der Maur

Melissa Auf der Maur is a Canadian rock musician, photographer, and artist from Montreal, Quebec.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Melissa Auf der Maur is a Canadian rock musician, photographer, and artist from Montreal, Quebec. She is best known for playing bass in the alternative rock bands Hole and The Smashing Pumpkins, and for releasing solo albums under the name Auf der Maur. Born in Montreal, she is part of Canada’s alternative rock history as one of the country’s internationally known musicians.

Early life and background

Melissa Gaboriau Auf der Maur was born in Montreal, Quebec, and began her music career in local bands. Sources describe her as a Canadian musician with interests that also include photography and visual art.

Career with Hole and The Smashing Pumpkins

Auf der Maur gained international attention as a bassist for Hole and later worked with The Smashing Pumpkins. These associations made her a recognisable figure in 1990s alternative rock.

Solo career

She released her self-titled solo album, Auf der Maur, in 2004, followed by Out of Our Minds in 2010. Her solo work expanded beyond music into broader multimedia and artistic projects.

Other work and later life

Auf der Maur has also worked as a photographer and artist. More recent reporting notes her involvement with Basilica Hudson, a community arts venue in Hudson, New York.

Key facts

  • She was born in Montreal on 17 March 1972.
  • She became known as a bassist and singer in alternative rock.
  • She played with Hole in the 1990s.
  • She later toured and recorded with The Smashing Pumpkins.
  • She has released solo music under the name Auf der Maur.
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Canadian context

She was born in Montreal, Quebec, and is part of Canada’s alternative rock history as one of the country’s internationally known musicians.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Melissa Auf der Maur?
She is a Canadian rock musician, singer, bassist, and photographer best known for her work with Hole and The Smashing Pumpkins.
Where was Melissa Auf der Maur born?
She was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
What bands was she in?
She is best known for playing with Hole and The Smashing Pumpkins.
What solo albums has she released?
Her solo albums are Auf der Maur (2004) and Out of Our Minds (2010).
What is Melissa Auf der Maur’s nationality?
She is Canadian.

References

  1. German Wikipediahttps://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melissa_Auf_der_Maur
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, and identification as a Canadian rock musician.
  2. Spanish Wikipediahttps://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melissa_Auf_der_Maur
    Supports: Roles as bassist, guitarist, and singer; membership in Hole and The Smashing Pumpkins; solo name and releases.
  3. Apple Musichttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/melissa-auf-der-maur/6728552
    Supports: Birth in Montreal, Canadian background, early career, and role in Hole and The Smashing Pumpkins.
  4. The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/26/arts/music/melissa-auf-der-maur-even-the-good-girls-will-cry.html
    Supports: Later-life context, Montreal beginnings, and recent activities in Hudson, New York.