UFO Pete Way-min
[Photo via Spotify]

UFO founder and Ozzy Osbourne bassist Pete Way dies at 69

Pete Way, founding bassist for UFO and former touring bassist for Ozzy Osbourne, has died at age 69.

News about his death was made public on Friday, Aug. 14.

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Way helped form UFO back in 1969 and played with the band for 31 years throughout various lineup changes between 1969 and 2008. As well, Way formed Waysted and Fastway with Motorhead‘s “Fast” Eddie Clarke. He also played bass for Ozzy Osbourne’s British leg of the Speak of the Devil tour.

In recent years, Way performed with the Michael Schenker Group. He also formed the Pete Way Band which he played in until his death this week.

An official press release was shared on Way’s Facebook page Friday, Aug. 14. According to the release, Way sustained life-threatening injuries in an accident two months. Despite fighting hard, he succumbed to those injuries earlier on Friday. Way is survived by his wife, Jenny, his two daughters, Zowie and Charlotte and his younger brother, Neill.

“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.”

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“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.”

Friends, fans and fellow musicians have been honoring Way’s memory since the news of his passing. Black Sabbath‘s Geezer Butler shared a tweet late Friday afternoon.

“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.”

Jane’s Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins also honored Way in a tweet.

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Heavy metal and rock talk show host and radio personality Eddie Trunk shares in a tweet that Way is one of his favorite bassists.

“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.”