This past weekend Kelly Johnson, guitarist for all-female heavy metal / hard rock act Girlschool passed away. She had been battling spinal cancer for the past six years.

Kelly joined the band in 1978, debuting on their 1980 full length Demolition. The band were frequently associated with tour mates and collaborators Motörhead and played a major part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. Kelly left the band in 1984 following their fourth full length Play Dirty and moved to Los Angeles. She rejoined the act in 1993 and moved back to the UK. Kelly's second run with the band ended with 2001's Not That Innocent: 21st Anniversary.

Our deepest condolences go out to Kelly's friends and family.