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
I heard of UFO back in the day with lights out. Good song but, I didn’t start really listening till I heard Eddie mention he was a huge UFO fan, So I listen to Strangers in the night album, and I was hooked. I scoured all over for all the copies I could get on CD (yes CD) I wish I did it sooner.
Since I’m on vacation I got to listen to Eddie live, great tribute show Eddie. A great an influential Bass player.
A friend of mine saw that tour with Ozzy and UFO. My parents thought I was too young to go to concerts at the time. I would have loved to see that bill.