Iconic bass player Pete Way, founder of UFO, Waysted and, latterly, The Pete Way Band, has died at 69 years of age. He sustained life threatening injuries in an accident two months ago, but fought hard until finally succumbing to those injuries at 11:35 AM, BST today (Friday, August 14, 2020). 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.

Everyone here at BraveWords offer our condolences to Pete's family. R.I.P. Many of Way's friends, peers and fans have paid tribute to him and his legacy.

 

 

 

 

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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 girlfriend actually came to see Megadeth on the Clash of the Titans tour at the Birmingham NEC Arena in 1990 where Dave Mustaine and I had a brief conversation with him just before we took the stage that evening. It's always impactful to know your heroes are in the audience for your show, the same way I was for his show with Waysted opening for Iron Maiden several years before at Irvine Meadows, CA. Pete's look, his style, and his simple but powerful bass lines were a highly influential force to my own playing. He will be dearly missed....RIP! #ufo #peteway #waysted

Ein Beitrag geteilt von David Ellefson (@davidellefsonbass) am Aug 14, 2020 um 1:52 PDT

 

 

 

 

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Pete Way was a huge influence on me , he was uncompromising musically ,  and he was a great performer .  He had a unique feel and wrote some of my all time fave songs . My heart goes out to all his friends and family . PETE WAY  R.I.P. ! 🖤 #peteway 📸by @rosshalfin

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Kirk Hammett (@kirkhammett) am Aug 14, 2020 um 2:39 PDT

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

 

 

 

 

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RIP Rockstar. One of my main influences. Gotta go listen to some UFO tonight. Posted 🖤 @withregram • @rosshalfin Pete Way RIP…. It is with the greatest of sadness I post this. Of all the people I’ve known and toured with, in his day Pete was the most fun and he remained a good friend. ‘Light’s Out In London’ really says it all. #rosshalfin #peteway #ufo

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Nikki Sixx (@nikkisixxpixx) am Aug 14, 2020 um 1:15 PDT

(Photos - Joe Kleon)