The bass player Pete Way was best-known for his tour with the band, from whom he played with from 1969 to 1982, briefly in 1988 to 1989 and once again from 1991 to 2008.
In a statement posted to his official Facebook page, it was announced that Way had sustained ‘life-threatening injuries’ in an accident earlier this summer.
He died Friday, August 14, 2020 with his wife Jenny by his side and is survived by his two children.
The statement reads:
‘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 is survived by two daughters, Zowie and Charlotte and his younger brother, Neill.’
UFO have sold over 20 million records worldwide, and are often hailed as one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time, having inspired countless acts such as Metallica, Guns ’N’ Roses and Iron Maiden.
