Who Is Melissa Auf der Maur? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on March 17, 1972, Melissa Auf der Maur is a renowned Canadian musician and singer-songwriter best known for her work as the bassist for iconic bands like Hole and Smashing Pumpkins. As of 2025, she is 53 years old. Over her three-decade career, Auf der Maur has gained acclaim not only for her musical talent but also for her artistic vision, which includes her involvement in multimedia projects and visual arts.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 17, 1972 |
| Age | 53 Years |
| Birth Place | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Canada |
Popularity
Melissa Auf der Maur's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Melissa Auf der Maur stands at an impressive height of approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm). While her weight fluctuates according to her lifestyle and activities, as of 2025, she is reported to weigh around 140 lbs (64 kg). Known for her striking presence, Auf der Maur’s body measurements are estimated to be 36-27-36 (inches).
"My friend Bruce [Cawdron], who later became the drummer in Godspeed You! Black Emperor, was there and he whispered, 'God, this guy has attitude. They're acting like they're playing an arena.
And he then threw a bottle at Billy and shouted, 'Drop the fucking attitude!' Bill dived off the stage, put his hands around Bruce's neck, and they started fighting. I thought, 'Great. You just ruined the show.' I went up to Billy afterwards and said, 'I'd like to apologise on behalf of Montreal. You are my new favourite band.'"
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Melissa Auf der Maur is known for keeping much of her personal life private. As of 2025, she is in a relationship with renowned producer and musician, which fans speculate to be a significant factor in her creative process. While Auf der Maur has not publicly revealed extensive details about her dating life, she has expressed that her relationships often inspire her art.
Auf der Maur is also a photographer and occasional actress. Her photographs have been included in National Geographic and exhibited at Sotheby's. She has acted in How to Make the Cruelest Month (1998), Beyond Borders (2003) and Collaborator (2011).
As part of her 2009 multidisciplinary project Out of Our Minds—which produced an album, a single, a film and a comic book—Auf der Maur acted as a film and record producer, working alongside her husband, filmmaker Tony Stone.
Stone and Auf der Maur are the creative directors and owners of Basilica Hudson, an arts and performance center in Hudson, New York.
Net Worth and Salary
Melissa Auf der Maur’s estimated net worth in 2025 is around $5 million. Her earnings stem from her extensive career in music, her solo projects, and various business ventures, including music production and artistic collaborations. She also benefits from her streaming royalties and merchandise sales, contributing significantly to her wealth.
Career, Business and Investments
After gaining fame in the ’90s, Auf der Maur embarked on a successful solo career, releasing critically acclaimed albums such as "Auf der Maur" (2003) and "Out of Our Minds" (2010). In addition to her music career, Melissa has ventured into various business avenues, including a successful clothing line inspired by her artistic vision. As a multifaceted artist, she has invested in several creative projects and collaborations, confirming her status as a pioneer in the music industry.
Auf der Maur began performing in 1993 after forming the indie rock band Tinker while she was a student at Concordia University. She was recruited as the bassist for the American alternative rock band Hole in the summer of 1994 and is included on several Hole releases, including the album Celebrity Skin (1998).
Following her departure from Hole in 1999, Auf der Maur briefly joined The Smashing Pumpkins as a touring member for its 2000 tour and began her solo career; her debut studio album Auf der Maur was released in 2004 on Capitol Records and Out of Our Minds, her second studio album, was released in 2010 on her own independent record label, PHI–MAdM
Music.
She has also collaborated with Indochine, Rufus Wainwright, Ric Ocasek and Neverending White Lights.
Social Network
Melissa Auf der Maur maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter. She uses these platforms to connect with her fans, share behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life, and promote her art and music. Her authentic engagement with followers has cultivated a loyal fanbase and continued relevance in the fast-paced music industry.
Auf der Maur and Corgan became pen pals. Following months of no contact, Auf der Maur sent a letter to Corgan requesting that Tinker open for The Smashing Pumpkins during their next tour date in Montreal.
Corgan accepted her request and Tinker performed the largest show of their career, to 2,500 people, opening for The Smashing Pumpkins at Métropolis on November 30, 1993. Corgan, Auf der Maur recalled, "patted me on the back. He said, 'You're a really good bass player.
You're going to be in my band one day.' It felt like a dream come true – exactly the kind of confidence boost I needed."
Education
Melissa Auf der Maur attended the Concordia University in Montreal, where she studied Fine Arts. Her education has played a vital role in shaping her artistic expression. Throughout her career, she has combined her passion for music and visual arts, resulting in an impressive body of work that reflects her unique style and vision.
In conclusion, Melissa Auf der Maur remains a prominent figure in the music industry as she continues to evolve as an artist. From her dynamic performances to her creative ventures, she has solidified her position as an influential force and a source of inspiration for many.
In Montreal, Auf der Maur attended the Fine Arts Core Education (FACE) School and Moving in New Directions (MIND) High School—both of which are schools of alternative education.
At FACE, she was a member of the classical choir and at MIND, she was "part of the small English elite", where she formed friendships with Leonard Cohen's daughter Lorca and Rufus Wainwright. At school, she became interested in photography and subsequently attended Concordia University, from which she majored in photography in 1994.
At Concordia at age 19, Auf der Maur began working part-time as a DJ at Bifteck, a well-known rock club, where she met several musicians including Steve Durand.
