By Thomas Semioli

He was a heavy metal pioneer as a founding member of the UK powerhouse ensemble UFO. The late Peter Frederick Way cut the sonic and sartorial template for the archetypal hard-rock bassist as we know him/her today. Thin frame, instrument slung below the waist, long locks that sway to the rhythm, dangling accessories, pocket passages, flashy glissandos, and furtive unison lines which rock the masses.  In UFO’s early psychedelic prog days, Way led the way with countermelodies and harmonic extensions aplenty.

As the band gravitated towards more commercial pastures, Way honed his groove chops and evolved as more of a song player. UFO never quite reached the level of success afforded their offspring, notably Def Leppard, Metallica, and Iron Maiden – however they were respected among the metal motley and never lost their relevance in a genre known for sudden shifts in taste.

Aside from UFO, Way anchored Ozzy for a brief spell. He also founded Waysted and Fastway (dig the puns?) which more or less stuck to UFO’s hardcore rock credo with an eye for pop stardom – achieving cult status among dedicated hard rockers.

A solo recording artist, and producer (Twisted Sister, Cockney Rejects) Way, who was beset by health problems in the last decade of his life, passed in August 2020.

A finger player in a genre renown for plectrum purveyors, Way’s weapons of choice included Fender Precision, Gibson and Epiphone Thunderbirds, and Ibanez.  In 2017 Pete published his autobiography A Fast Ride Out of Here: Confessions of Rock’s Most Dangerous Man co-written with Paul Rees

From the press release announcing his demise:

“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 longtime 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 Way Sound & Vision:

With UFO:

“Doctor Doctor” Live https://youtu.be/-16KJkJA5Bo

“Only You Can Rock Me” https://youtu.be/C8LAhjKLhro

“Too Hot To Handle” https://youtu.be/lPhKXpOnWJc

“Silver Bird” https://youtu.be/VcRQ–Fr6L8

“Love to Love” https://youtu.be/hIBhwWbviFw

Solo Pete

“That’s Tuff” https://youtu.be/Sa_jE6Neuo4

Waysted “Heaven Tonight” https://youtu.be/Vywy4Sxa7Ko

Fastway “Say What You Will” https://youtu.be/D5_oPyavUaw

When I look up to the sky, I see your eyes a funny kind of yellow, I rush home to bed I soak my head, I see your face underneath my pillow, I wake next morning, tired, still yawning see your face come peeping through my window, pictures of matchstick men and you….

A founding member of one of Britain’s most enduring ensembles, dare I say “institution” – bassist Alan Lancaster anchored Status Quo from its early psychedelic yearnings to its establishment as a premiere rhythm & blues boogie outfit. 

Among Alan’s tools of the trade was the mighty Fender Mustang. Lancaster, who was also a vocalist and composer, departed the band in 1985 to work on a myriad of musical projects, which also include occasional reunions with his former Quo comrades. He last performed with the band in 2015.    

Status Quo Co UK: During Alan’s time with the band, Quo opened Live Aid, sold countless tens of millions of records, appeared on Top Of The Pops dozens of times, and had around 30 hit singles and 30 hit albums, two thirds of which went Top 10, with five reaching Number One. That was just his UK track record – but the pattern was repeated in numerous territories worldwide as Quo became one of the biggest rock bands on the planet.

Alan Lancaster Sound & Vision…

Courtesy of Graham Bonnet Com

She’s Mrs. Graham Bonnet to you sir… and she anchors the Graham Bonnet Band.

Though the legendary septuagenarian Lancashire UK rock legend is allegedly a fine player; lead crooning and playing bass are oft at odds, hence the need for a lower register resource dedicated solely to the task at hand, or in her case, plectrum.

(For the record, Bonnet’s bassists of yore are A list: Roger Glover, Gary Shea, Chris Glen, and Chuck Wright to cite a few….)

Enter Beth Ami-Heavenstone who cites Sir Paul, James Jamerson, Jack Bruce, and John Paul Jones – the usual boomer suspects – as her influences.

She’s Bonnet’s bottom – outlining the changes with the utmost economy by way of a massive Fender P resonance, and SVT amps and cabinets.

Amy Sound & Vision ….

Graham Bonnet:

“Living in Suspicion”  https://youtu.be/AZ9gC8QUL3I

“Samuri” https://youtu.be/6U6AVyyeWG8

“Starcarr Lane” https://youtu.be/COll8_okcD0

Courtesy Graham Bonnet Com