The English rock band UFO‘s bassist Pete Way died on August 14, at the age of 69. Two months ago, he was injured in a life-threatening accident.
On the afternoon of the same day, via Way’s Facebook,
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(UK time) 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.
-Way started working as a UFO in 1969 with Phil Mog (Vo), Mick Bolton (G) and Andy Parker (Ds). From the first UFO 1 (1970) to “Mechanix” (1982) to “High Stakes & Dangerous Men” (1992) to “The Monkey Puzzle” (2006) Produced a total of 16 studio albums.
He formed Waysted in 1982 and released 6 albums. Widely used in Michael Schenker Group, Fastway, Mog Way and Solo.
The UFO said in remembrance,
The news none of us ever wanted to hear.
R.I.P. Pete.
The band’s guitarist Michael Schenker said,
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.
You can listen to his latest album in memory of Pete Way below.
