Iron Maiden and Rush's Geddy Lee pay tribute to Pete Way
The former UFO bassist died on Friday aged 69
Last updated 6th Aug 2021
Iron Maiden and Rush’s Geddy Lee have joined the flood of tributes to legendary UFO and Waysted bassist Pete Way, who died on Friday (14th August) aged 69.
Following the death of their esteemed producer Martin Birch earlier last week, Iron Maiden said “a terribly sad week has just been made worse by the news about Pete Way.”
Sharing a Ross Halfin photo of Steve Harris and Pete Way together in the early 1980s, Iron Maiden wrote: “As all Maiden fans know, Pete was a massive influence on Steve and also a great friend to the whole band.
“We’re all deeply saddened by his passing. He was an inspirational musician and a truly lovely man. Our heartfelt condolences to his family at this time.
Rush’s Geddy Lee commented: “Sad to read about the passing of Pete Way. I have so many fond and hilarious memories of touring with Pete and UFO back in the 80’s. A true rock & roll character, always "takin' the piss" as they would say in his homeland.”
Geddy added: I once asked Pete about his bass sound and he said, ‘Well, Glee.. it's uh...3/4 good, and 1/4 ...not very nice!’ A funny, energetic, sweet man and a great rock bassist.”
A statement posted on Pete Way’s official Facebook page on Friday evening confirmed he died earlier that day. It said: “(Pete) sustained life threatening injuries in an accident two months ago but fought hard until finally succumbing to those injuries.
“Pete is survived by two daughters, Zowie and Charlotte and his younger brother, Neill.”
UFO simply wrote: "The news none of us ever wanted to hear. R.I.P. Pete."
Pete Way’s untimely death came just two months after the passing of his UFO and Waysted band mate Paul ‘Tonka’ Chapman, and 16 months after UFO guitarist and keyboardist Paul Raymond’s death.
Testament to his revered status in the rock world, numerous musicians have paid tribute to Pete Way including Michael Schenker, Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott, Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler, Sons of Apollo’s Mike Portnoy and Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx. Read tributes to UFO legend Pete Way.