Pete Way, best known as the bassist of UFO, Waysted, Fastway, The Pete Way Band and more has died. He was just 69 years old. Pete sustained life-threatening injuries in an accident two months ago but fought hard until finally succumbing to those injuries at 11.35 a.m. BST today (Friday, August 14). His wife, Jenny, was at his side. Way had dealt with a number of health issues in recent years. In 2016, he suffered a heart attack, two years after he was given the all-clear following a battle with prostate cancer with which he was diagnosed in 2013. Way was diagnosed during a routine check on his liver, which had been damaged over the years through hepatitis. The abdominal scan picked up the tumor on his prostate gland.
Pete had recently finished a solo album, “Walking On The Edge”, with producer Mike Clink (GUNS N’ ROSES’ “Appetite For Destruction”, among 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.
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.
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) August 14, 2020
Fuck
— Tracii ⨁ 🇺🇸🇩🇰 (@TraciiGuns) August 14, 2020
https://twitter.com/EddieTrunk/status/1294366114462531585
So sad to hear of the passing of the legendary Pete Way. He was the prototype badass 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 favorite live albums of all time. #RIPPeteWay pic.twitter.com/QmXC9GibP7
— Mike Portnoy 🤘 (@MikePortnoy) August 14, 2020
Rest in peace Mr
Way. @PeteWayOfficial you were an icon and influential bassplayer and songwriter. #rippeteway #ufo— Marten Andersson Bass (@anderssonmarten) August 14, 2020
My goodness, hadn’t heard that. I see it was recently his birthday too. Sad news. #RIPPeteway
— Alex Skolnick (@AlexSkolnick) August 14, 2020
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
RIP Pete Way.. Thank you for inspiring me to always give it my all as a bass player-and being so great to me every time we saw each other. You will be missed..#peteway #ufo #legend #bass #inspiration https://t.co/cd4yISoJL0
— FrankBello (@TheFrankBello) August 14, 2020
We lost a legend today, #peteway you will always be the Coolest Rock Star ufo_band_official petewayofficial @ironmaiden @eddietrunk #onlyyoucanrockme https://t.co/9OJCuNNSoJ
— Charlie Benante (@skisum) August 14, 2020
https://twitter.com/stephenperkins/status/1294382695858860032
RIP Pete Way. So influential. Sad news. #rippeteway #ufo pic.twitter.com/ptvpR9jDsL
— Todd Dammit Kerns (@todddammitkerns) August 14, 2020
Rest In Peace Pete Way of UFO.
UFO was a huge influence on me. Played their songs repeatedly in my teenage bands and I have a white Gibson Thunderbird bass because of this guy. He and Michel Schenker together in the classic lineup were magic. Absolutely gutted! @PeteWayOfficial https://t.co/ySTHSCvbG5— Andrew Freeman (@AndruFreeman) August 14, 2020
RIP Pete Way. one of my favorite & coolest looking bass players ever. If I played bass I would play a Thunderbird on my knees also. thanks for all those great UFO records. Pete Way may u find peace with your Lights… https://t.co/zXYsjkQQrk
— Gilby Clarke (@gilbyclarke) August 14, 2020
Rest in Peace, Pete Way
– from your friends Cheap Trick pic.twitter.com/D34JJ6qD9S
— Cheap Trick (@cheaptrick) August 14, 2020
We are saddened to hear the news of our friend Pete Ways passing this morning.
Our condolences and thoughts are with Pete’s family & loved ones.
Biff, Paul, Nigel, Nibbs & Doug. pic.twitter.com/gQ9EvABTeH
— Saxon (@SaxonOfficial) August 14, 2020
Sad to hear one of my favorite bass players, Pete Way from UFO died today. UFOs live album “Strangers in The Night” is one of the best and I’m grateful that record helped me grow up in music and as a guitar player. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/7v6dK185PL
— Mike McCready (@MikeMcCreadyPJ) August 14, 2020
RIP Pete Way. Have known Pete for years and worked with him when we were in a band together called 'Damage Control' with Robin George pic.twitter.com/sH9nTQV9Ez
— THE CHRIS SLADE TIMELINE (@SladeTimeline) August 14, 2020
Rest in Peace #peteway #UFO ufo_band_official Terrible News!! I know we All loved Him!!! My Fave Bassist in Classic Rock.. Coolist,& Raddest,Most Fashionista Bassist from the true rock days!!! Thoughts & Prayers to… https://t.co/WPlQMoiQDt
— BulletBoys (@TheBulletBoys) August 14, 2020