UFO legend Pete Way dies aged 69
He suffered life-threatening injuries in an accident two months ago
Last updated 17th Aug 2020
Legendary UFO bass player and co-founder Pete Way has sadly died aged 69.
A post on Pete Way’s official Facebook page confirmed that Pete died shortly before midday today (14th August) after suffering “life threatening injuries” in an accident earlier this summer.
The full statement reads: “Iconic bass player Pete Way founder of UFO, Waysted and, latterly, The Pete Way Band has died.
“He sustained life threatening injuries in an accident two months ago but fought hard until finally succumbing to those injuries at 11.35am BST today. His wife, Jenny, was at his side.
"Pete Way was a much loved and highly regarded figure among rock fans, critics and fellow musicians alike. Best known for his work with UFO, Pete’s energetic live performances were at the heart of the band’s countless world tours. His melodic bass lines underpinned the catalogue of enduring rock classics upon which UFO’s reputation and legacy were founded. Pete’s post UFO work included collaborating with “Fast” Eddie Clarke from Motörhead - the two putting together Fastway with Humble Pie drummer Jerry Shirley and bassist for his long time friend, Ozzy Osbourne. He then put together his own band Waysted. Pete’s keen ear for song arrangements have also seen him serve as producer for popular hard rock acts such as Twisted Sister and the Cockney Rejects. Pete had recently finished a solo album, “Walking On The Edge” with producer Mike Clink (Guns n Roses “Appetite For Destruction” amongst many more.) He had a biography published “A Fast Ride Out Of Here” in 2017 and an album “Amphetamine” which is currently out on Cargo Records.
“Pete is survived by two daughters, Zowie and Charlotte and his younger brother, Neill.”
UFO simply wrote: "The news none of us ever wanted to hear. R.I.P. Pete."
Pete Way’s untimely death comes just two months after the passing of his UFO and Waysted band mate Paul ‘Tonka’ Chapman, and 16 months after UFO guitarist and keyboardist Paul Raymond’s death.
Born in Enfield, Middlesex on 7th August 1951, Pete Way formed Hocus Pocus alongside his friends Phil Mogg (vocals), Andy Parker (drums) and Mick Bolton (guitars) in 1968, before they changed their name to UFO in autumn 1969.
A pivotal member of UFO and famed for his distinctive bass playing style and prowess in the live arena, Pete Way contributed to every studio album up to 1982’s ‘Mechanix’ and, of course, their seminal 1979 live album ‘Strangers In the Night’.
He jumped the UFO ship shortly after the tour supporting ‘Mechanix’ and formed Fastway with late Motörhead axeman Fast ‘Eddie’ Clark – however, despite lending his name to the band, he swiftly exited to play bass for Ozzy Osbourne during the Diary of a Madman tour.
In 1982 he formed his second eponymous band Waysted alongside Fin Muir, Paul Raymond, Frank Noon and Ronnie Kayfield, and throughout various line-up changes they released nine studio albums.
After a brief second tenure with UFO from 1988 to 1989, Pete Way joined the band again in 1991 and contributed to every album from High Stakes & Dangerous Men (1992) to The Monkey Puzzle (2006).
Since the turn of the millennium, Pete Way performed with the short-lived band The Plot with his ex-UFO bandmate Michael Schenker, and he was also a member of Michael Schenker Group for their 2006 album ‘Tales of Rock'n'Roll’.
More recently, in 2018 Pete formed the Pete Way Band along with Jason Poole, Clive Edwards and Tym Scopes with Laurence Archer guesting on some live shows when they toured the UK last year.
Devastated at the news of Pete's passing, Michael Schenker wrote the following poignant tribute:
"Oh my Dear Pete. You have left us. I am so sad. Your sweet existence has left us. I am in tears.
"You were more than you maybe knew. You were loved by everyone I know. I am so so very very sad. I love you Pete. God Bless You Forever.
"Rest In Peace my Dear Friend. My condolences to your loved ones.From the depth of my heart. Michael Schenker .xxx"
"p.s Fly away and enjoy Heaven "
Def Leppard and Planet Rock's Joe Elliott said of his good friend Pete Way: "I’m heartbroken at the news of the passing of our old friend Pete Way especially coming so close to that of Paul Raymond & Paul Chapman.
"I’d known Pete since 1980 when I went to see UFO & Girl play together at the Sheffield City Hall & we were mates ever since... We’ve played together, laughed & cried together, done naughty things together but beyond all of that he was a genuinely great guy, a complete lunatic, but a totally lovable character, a proper rock star who burned to candle way beyond both ends but certainly brightened the lives a of a lot of people along the way.
"Rest in peace my friend.."
Drumming titan Mike Portnoy has paid tribute to Pete Way on Twitter tonight, writing: "So sad to hear of the passing of the legendary Pete Way. He was the prototype badass early metal bassist who surely inspired the likes of guys like Steve Harris and Nikki Sixx.
“UFO’s Strangers In The Night remains one of my favorite live albums of all time. #RIPPeteWay.”
Echoing Mike Portnoy’s sentiment, Megadeth bassist David Ellefson commented: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Pete Way today. The "Strangers In The Night" live album is hands-down one of my all-time favorites, and for me the highlight of the UFO lineup of that day.
“Pete and his girlfriend actually came to see Megadeth on the Clash of the Titans tour at the Birmingham NEC Arena in 1990 where Dave Mustaine and I had a brief conversation with him just before we took the stage that evening. It's always impactful to know your heroes are in the audience for your show, the same way I was for his show with Waysted opening for Iron Maiden several years before at Irvine Meadows, CA.
“Pete's look, his style, and his simple but powerful bass lines were a highly influential force to my own playing. He will be dearly missed....RIP! #ufo #peteway #waysted”
Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler said: "This year keeps getting worse. Pete Way, one of the “characters” of metal and fellow @AVFCOfficial supporter has passed. He supported Deadland Ritual on the show in London. Very funny man. RIP Pete."
Posting a photo of himself with Pete Way and Phil Mogg, Saxon frontman Biff Byford said: "Sad to hear of Pete’s passing I’ve known him a long time brill bass player lovely man and funny as hell a big inspiration for many musicians myself included RIP"
Saxon said in a joint statement: "We are saddened to hear the news of our friend Pete Ways passing this morning.
"Our condolences and thoughts are with Pete’s family & loved ones.
"Biff, Paul, Nigel, Nibbs & Doug."
Metallica's Kirk Hammett said: "Pete Way was a huge influence on me , he was uncompromising musically , and he was a great performer . He had a unique feel and wrote some of my all time fave songs .
"My heart goes out to all his friends and family . PETE WAY R.I.P. !"
Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx said of Pete: "RIP Rockstar. One of my main influences. Gotta go listen to some UFO tonight."
RIP Pete Way