We are saddened to report, founding UFO bassist Pete Way has died at the age of 69. According to Way’s official Facebook page, he suffered life-threatening injuries in an accident two months ago and unfortunately lost the battle earlier today (14th).
Read the full statement below:
“DATE: FRIDAY 14TH AUGUST 2020
PRESS RELEASE
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. 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.”
Members of UFO, Dream Theater, Megadeth, Black Sabbath and more have responded to this huge loss via social media:
Beyond bummed to report that former @UFO_rockband bassist and co founder Pete Way has passed away. Pete is one of my all time favorite bassists, massively influential to many, and was a sweetheart of a guy. RIP Pete. I am crushed.
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) August 14, 2020
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 #PeteWay pic.twitter.com/vhwu4K0rIv
— (@Michael_Amott) August 14, 2020
Respected bass player Pete Way (UFO, Waysted, The Pete Way Band) has passed away. May He Rest In Peace. Thank you for all the music & the memories pic.twitter.com/dp47JqjnSZ
— Mitch Lafon (@mitchlafon) August 14, 2020
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… https://t.co/zXYsjkQQrk
— Gilby Clarke (@gilbyclarke) August 14, 2020
Sad day. RIP to one my hero’s. Pete Way was a HUGE influence on me and so many others. He knew when to rock steady and when to get melodic and he did both perfectly. All the while throwing the shapes like no other.… https://t.co/FtLtBbkHar
— Joey Vera (@joey_vera) August 14, 2020
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. #RIPPeteWay pic.twitter.com/QmXC9GibP7
— Mike Portnoy (@MikePortnoy) August 14, 2020
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. pic.twitter.com/HtX2Iu152T
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) August 14, 2020
Pete Way….. he kicked ass… all night – every night…. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/0rT6QCLA4S
— Raven (@official_raven) August 14, 2020
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… https://t.co/bpwmvwKOTz
— David Ellefson (@ellefsondavid) August 14, 2020
We lost a legend today, #peteway you will always be the Coolest Rock Star ufo_band_official petewayofficial @ironmaiden @eddietrunk #onlyyoucanrockme https://t.co/9OJCuNNSoJ
— Charlie Benante (@skisum) August 14, 2020
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..#peteway #ufo #legend #bass #inspiration https://t.co/cd4yISoJL0
— FrankBello (@TheFrankBello) August 14, 2020
We send our thoughts to Way’s family and friends during this difficult time.
