UFO bass player Pete Way has died aged 69 after suffering ‘life-threatening’ injuries in an accident two months ago which eventually led to his death.
The legendary founder of the iconic rock band died with his wife Jenny by his side on Friday morning.
The father-of-two, who also founded groups Waysted and Fastway, and was the former bassist for Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind daughters Zowie and Charlotte.
Icon: UFO bass player Pete Way has died aged 69 after suffering ‘life-threatening’ injuries in an accident two months ago which eventually led to his death
His passing was announced on the Pete Way Official Facebook page in a statement which 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.’
Star: The legendary founder of the iconic rock band UFO died with his wife Jenny by his side on Friday morning
It continued: ‘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.
Talent: Tributes have poured in for the musician which have described him as an ‘absolute showman’ who was a ‘huge influence on late 70s, 80s rock and metal’ bassists (pictured between 1970-80)
‘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.
Music: The Ozzy Osbourne bass player sustained ‘life-threatening’ injuries in an accident (pictured with UFO in 1980)
‘Pete is survived by two daughters, Zowie and Charlotte and his younger brother, Neill.’
Tributes have poured in for the musician which have described him as an ‘absolute showman’ who was a ‘huge influence on late 70s, 80s rock and metal’ bassists.
Founder of band Arch Enemy Michael Amott wrote: ‘Iconic bass player, and a true rock’n’roll madman by all accounts.
Fame: Pete had recently finished a solo album, “Walking On The Edge” with producer Mike Clink (pictured with UFO in 1980)
Legend: Pete served as producer for popular hard rock acts such as Twisted Sister and the Cockney Rejects (pictured with UFO in 1980)
‘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.’
Another wrote: RIP Pete Way. A huge influence on late 70s, 80s rock and metal bassists.
‘Pete was a huge force in the classic UFO lineup with some really tasty bass lines.’
Sadness: Founder of band Arch Enemy Michael Amott wrote: ‘Iconic bass player, and a true rock’n’roll madman by all accounts’
Group: His passing comes just ten weeks after fellow UFO bandmate and guitarist Paul Chapman died on his 66th birthday on June 9 (left to right: Danny Peyronel, Andy Parker, Phil Mogg, Pete Way, Michael Schenker)
American musician and drummer for Neal Morse Band Mike Portnoy tweeted: ‘So sad to hear of the passing of the legendary Pete Way
‘He was the prototype bad*** 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 favourite live albums of all time.’
It comes just ten weeks after fellow UFO bandmate and guitarist Paul Chapman died on his 66th birthday on June 9.
Passion: American musician and drummer for Neal Morse Band Mike Portnoy tweeted: ‘So sad to hear of the passing of the legendary Pete Way’ (UFO pictured in 1976)
Keyboardist Paul Raymond died from a heart attack on April 13 2019 aged 73 leaving behind vocalist Paul Mogg and drummer Andy Parker from the group.
UFO was founded in London in 1968 and became part of the new wave of British heavy metal influencing the likes of Guns’N’Roses and Iron Maiden.
The band have released 22 studio albums and have sold 20 million records worldwide with their hits including Doctor Doctor and Only You Can Rock Me.
In 1982, Way went on to form Fastway with former Motörhead guitarist ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke and in 2018 he created the Pete Way Band.
Tragic: The father-of-two, who also founded groups Waysted and Fastway, leaves behind daughters Zowie and Charlotte