The legendary UFO bassist and co-founder Pete Way died at the age of 69. The information was shared on his official Facebook page and said that he was fighting injuries of an acident that happened two months ago. The musician inspired many bands and the rockstars paid tribute to Pete on their social networks.
Rockstars react to the death of UFO co-founder and bassist Pete Way:
Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)
“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.”
Michael Schenker
“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 ”
"Oh my Dear PeteYou have left us.I am so sad.Your sweet existence has left us. I am in tears. You were more than you…
Posted by Michael Schenker on Friday, August 14, 2020
David Ellefson (Megadeth)
“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
“The news none of us ever wanted to hear. R.I.P. Pete.”
The news none of us ever wanted to hear.R.I.P. Pete.
Posted by UFO on Friday, August 14, 2020
Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe)
“RIP Rockstar. One of my main influences. Gotta go listen to some UFO tonight. Posted 🖤 @withregram • @rosshalfin Pete Way RIP…. It is with the greatest of sadness I post this. Of all the people I’ve known and toured with, in his day Pete was the most fun and he remained a good friend. ‘Light’s Out In London’ really says it all.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CD4f5CqD_Va/?utm_source=ig_embed
Charlie Benante (Anthrax)
“We lost a legend today, #peteway you will always be the Coolest Rock Star.”
Kirk Hammett (Metallica)
“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”.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CD4pgiNJ9Ad/?utm_source=ig_embed
Gilby Clarke
“RIP Pete Way. one of my favorite & coolest looking bass players ever. If I played bass I would play a Thunderbird on my knees also. thanks for all those great UFO records. Pete Way may u find peace with your Lights Out!”
Biff Byford (Saxon)
“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.”
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 biffx
Posted by The Real Biff Byford on Friday, August 14, 2020
Frank Bello (Anthrax)
“RIP Pete Way.. Thank you for inspiring me to always give it my all as a bass player-and being so great to me every time we saw each other. You will be missed..”
Michael Amott (Arch Enemy)
“Iconic bass player, and a true rock’n’roll madman by all accounts. I can highly recommend his autobiography “A fast ride out of here”, as well as all the great music he played & wrote on. They just don’t make ‘em like this anymore…. R.I.P. Pete Way”
https://twitter.com/Michael_Amott/status/1294364571180896257
Mike Portnoy
“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.”
https://twitter.com/MikePortnoy/status/1294365658696814592
Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction)
“RIP Pete Way @UFO_rockband ~Lights Out -but still shining”.
Cheap Trick
“Rest in Peace, Pete Way – from your friends Cheap Trick”.
The official statement about the death of Pete Way says:
“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.”
