Pete Way, Bassist for UFO and Ozzy, Dead at 69
Pete Way, founding bassist for UFO and one-time touring bassist for Ozzy Osbourne, has died at age 69. The news was revealed through the musician’s official Facebook page on Friday, August 14. No cause of death has been publicly revealed.
Way helped form UFO in 1969, playing with the band for a total of 31 years in different stints and appearing on 16 studio albums and several live releases. He also played in Waysted, Fastway with Motorhead guitarist ‘Fast’ Eddie Clark, and filled in on bass in 1982 during Ozzy Osbourne’s British leg of the Speak of the Devil tour.
The announcement of Way’s death follows:
“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.”
On behalf of everyone at MetalSucks, we’d like to wish Way’s family and friends all the best during this difficult time.
