Larry Melero, Rick's Guitar Tech

credit: Todd Kaplan

​The Cheap Trick touring organization is a small family, and it is with profound sadness that we must announce the sudden passing of one of our tour family members,
Larry Melero.  Larry was Rick’s guitar tech for a number of years, but we used to say he was everyone’s tech as he was always repairing some piece of gear for someone – whether it was assisting a crew member of one of the bands we happened to be touring with, or just fixing backline rental that showed up at the venue and didn’t work properly.

For those unsuspecting people meeting him for the first time, he looked like a guy you wouldn’t want to tangle with (and it was always amusing watching people cautiously approach him!), but in reality, he was someone who would help you out without thinking twice (and crack many a joke or two in the process). Larry was very loved and respected throughout the touring industry, as evidenced from the volume of calls and texts that we have been receiving over the course of the past few days.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Melero family, and to all of the many people across the globe that Larry’s irreplaceable light, humor and friendship touched over the years. 

For those wishing to send condolences to Larry’s family, you can do so by mailing cards to our address and we will forward them:
Melero Family
c/o Trick International
3280 Sunrise Highway, #154
Wantagh NY 11793  USA


I always knew Larry would have me covered with tuning, teching, a unique knowledge in tone, he was a great one, always with sarcasm and humor, much like, so I'm told, me..... 

He built 3 guitars for me, just cuz he could and wanted to surprise me and he fixed all my vintage amp collection that I'd neglected for years without me even asking.

Larry would spend time with our guests explaining the virtues of, the why and the reasoning behind the Checkerboard 5 neck, and photo requests usually with his huge smile or with a Larry trademark favorite, the middle “finger.”
- Rick Nielsen