Iconic bass player Pete Way founder of UFO, Waysted, Fastway and, most recently, The Pete Way Band has died. He was 69.
A statement on Way; Facebook page reads:
“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.”
25 Responses
What a life he lived. About to play Strangers In The Night. RIP Pete.
UFO is one of my favorite bands so this is very sad news , Pete was awesome live I saw him live when he was young and dangerous running around the stage with his firebird bass slung low the ultimate rock star , that’s how I’ll remember him ~
Pete Way was a great bass player who was so influential to Steve Harris, my favorite metal bass player.
Terrible news….2020 is really a crappy year…..
I agree, one of the worst, outside of 2001.
Sad sad news, passed fartoo young for today’s standards
Great bassist, of a great band, will be playing Strangers in the Night in remembrance. Didn’t he start Fastway with Fast Eddie Clark?
Yes, and do to some contract conflict he couldn’t be listed on the album, or tour, or some nonsense like that…
Say what you will but there’s no doubt he has influenced many musicians.
Boy, I’m really striking out hard on this site…or it’s just the opposite of funny.
Say What You Will…Fastway 1983…? No? Ok, move along, nothing more to see here.
Really like that song, too-LOL!
A sad day indeed.
Fortunately, he left us a great musical catalog. Rock On!