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 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.”
Pete
Peter Frederick ‘Pete’ Way was born August 7, 1951, in Enfield, Middlesex. Way began his career as a studio musician for many artists. He played in bands with friends from high school. Later created a band with friends Phil Mogg, Andy Parker and Mick Bolton. It became the original UFO lineup.
After two albums with the original guitarist, the band recruited guitarist Michael Schenker from Scorpions. Later, the band signed with guitarist / keyboardist and longtime friend Paul Raymond. The group released many albums and singles that went to UK Top 40 hits. Also influenced bassists like Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris.
Unhappy with the more melodic direction of the UFO in the early eighties, Pete left the band. So he formed Fastway with former Motorhead guitarist “Fast” Eddie Clarke.
After that, in 1982, Way formed the punningly titled Waysted with Fin Muir, Paul Raymond, Frank Noon and Ronnie Kayfield. Their debut album Vices was released in 1982 and reached #78 in the UK chart. In addition, the band’s third album, Save your Prayers, was their most successful in America where it reached #185.
In 1992, Way joined Phil Mogg in the reformed UFO and released the High Stakes & Dangerous Men album. However, Way was unable to take part in the 2009 tours for UFO’s album The Visitor due to a medical condition; and because he had drug issues and the US would not allow him to enter the country.