UFO Waysted Bassist Pete Way Dead at Age 69
The hard rock and heavy metal world was shocked to learn of the death of UFO bass player Pete Way. Way died of life threatening injuries sustained when he was in an accident two months ago. He was 69 years old.
Way died on Friday morning with his wife Jenny by his side. He also leaves behind daughters Zowie and Charlotte. The news of his death was announced on the Pete Way Official Facebook page in a statement that read, “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 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.'
In addition to playing in UFO and Waysted, Way leaves behind quite a legacy. He played in the band Fastway with guitarist “Fast” Eddie Clark (Motorhead) and drummer Jerry Shirley (Humble Pie). He briefly played bass with Ozzy Osbourne. He put together his own bands Waysted and The Pete Way Band and produced rock acts like Twisted Sister and the Cockney Rejects. You can read more about his life and times in his biography, “Fast Ride Out of Here” which was published in 2017.
UFO was known as being innovators on the heavy metal and hard rock scene. Founded in London in 1968, they were influential to bands like Iron Maiden and Guns N’ Roses. They released 22 studio albums in the span of their career and sold 20 million records worldwide. Well known hits include ‘Doctor Doctor’ and ‘Only You Can Rock Me’.
Way’s death comes just ten weeks after UFO guitarist Paul Chapman died on his 66th birthday on June 9. Keyboardist Paul Raymond died from a heart attack on April 13, 2019. Vocalist Paul Mogg and drummer Andy Parker are currently the only surviving members of the group.
Many fellow musicians are mourning Way’s loss as a plethora of tributes came in over the weekend.
Michael Amott, founder of the metal band Arch Enemy wrote, “Iconic bass player and a true rock n’ roll madman by all accounts.”
Iron Maiden, who had opened their shows with Doctor Doctor over the PA wrote "A terribly sad week has just been made worse by the news about Pete Way. As all Maiden fans know, Pete was a massive influence on Steve and also a great friend to the whole band. We’re all deeply saddened by his passing."
Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler wrote, "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."
Pete Way was truly an innovator in the hard rock and heavy metal world. He will be fondly remembered by fans and musicians alike.
