ROCK LEGEND NEWS ROCK LEGEND NEWS, FIRENZE, ITALY
ISSUE III VOL. III - DECEMBER 2016
UFO - WAYSTED - OZZY OSBOURNE - BASS LEGEND PETE WAY
THUNDEROUS SOUL
SERIOUS ATTITUDE
ROCK ’N THE EDGE “It’s a natural thing”” PETE WAY WITH MICHAEL SCHENKER TEMPLE OF ROCK
Michael Schenker said: “Pete is an amazing spirit, with a very pure expression.�
“If a band has attitude, the attitude goes into the music and if you haven’t got attitude there is no soul. It’s a natural thing.” --Pete Way
passion PETE WAY WITH MICHAEL SCHENKER TEMPLE OF ROCK
Visit & Join PETE WAY FACEBOOK GROUP Facebook.com/Groups/PeteWayGroup PETE WAY BASSIST FOR UFO - OZZY OSBOURNE - WAYSTED - PETE WAY
ROCK LEGEND NEWS - VIA TORNABUONI, FIRENZE, ITALY
“It’s a Natural Thing.” --Pete Way WRITTEN BY LONDA R. MARKS - DECEMBER 2016
The irony is that there are those who do nothing in life but become relentless critics of those who do. It is their nature.
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DECEMBER 2016 CHRISTMAS ISSUE VOL. III ISSUE III BASS LEGENDS FEATURING PETE WAY ISBN: 1-935615-75-0 978-1-935615-75-0 RockLegendNews.com ROCK LEGEND NEWS IS PUBLISHED AT LONDA R. MARKS STUDIO FIRENZE ITALY GRAPHICS, DESIGN & CONCEPT LONDA R. MARKS COVER PHOTO PETE WAY & MICHAEL SCHENKER MICHAEL SCHENKER TEMPLE OF ROCK This edition of Rock Legend News contains no ads or other artists. It is a tribute to one of the most influential yet underrated musicians/artists in rock ’n roll and the best bass player in rock ‘n roll, Pete Way. Pete is a work of art unto himself.
alchemist publishing llc
To define something is human nature to give something like a word, an idea or a thought, a category; to compartmentalize. There is no such thing as a ‘god,’ there is only an idea of a god based on how we naturally feel about something or someone. It is a word chosen as a high form of respect. There is no such thing as ‘days.’ There are only ideas of what a ‘day’ is. The nature of this reality is there is only darkness and lightness.
“They do it casually, not because it is second nature to them, it is their nature.” Mastery
The tactical mastery of dynamite is that it burns hot and fast on the way to explosion. It is artful, powerful and effective. There is no one master, there are masters, and there is only mastering a particular thing or idea to a point. Being a master of something is an idea in someone’s mind of what mastering is.
Perfection
“Pete Way is acutely aware of what made the band so magical the first time around.”
Comprehension
---Kirk Blows, Metal CD Magazine 1992
There is no perfection. There is only an idea of something being better than that which has already been created and was thought to be perfect at the time - or an idea of what perfection is. True comprehension of a situation is only understood by those who are doing that particular thing. Critics rarely comprehend any situation.
Mastering Mythology
Why are some considered masters? What makes someone a god? Why are some considered legends? All three questions can be answered in this manner: Because they do something, or have done something above and beyond what those who call them gods, masters or legends, can or will do. Thus they exalt them. One of the things that mythological gods or legends have in common is their innate nature to consistently build something which intensely affects people. Artists are highly sensitive creatures tuned in to universal code, the core of intelligence, the alchemy of sound and visual arts - and more. And through that sensitivity historic things can happen. Criticism has little effect on a true artist other than possibly as a motivational tool. Artists do it anyway because the urge, universal requests or underlying vibrations are stronger than the criticism. Or, not so simply, they were meant to do it. The engine of anyone being mythological is passion. Keeping that engine going for a lifetime can only occur if you were born to be a legend; if it is your nature. Some say, “You can do it, just apply yourself.” I have never believed that. I have always believed that you do ‘it’ or you don’t. You become a god, master or legend because you were born to do it. It is a natural way of ‘being’ for those few. Time and history determines who a god is. A popular concept is that how someone is raised has a lot to do with what and who they become. Although that can be instrumental in shaping one’s thoughts or personality you are either naturally driven to do something or you are not, regardless of your situation. That has been proven since the beginning of time.
Even though some journalists have written negative things about UFO and each musician who has played with the band they discover years later that those musicians didn’t deserve the criticism. Publicity is a double-edged sword though. Even a negative can be a positive. Pete Way is the type of artist that was meant to be a ‘rock god.’ And, over the span of his life he has had his share of negative criticism. No matter how much criticism is generated though mythological qualities apply to Pete Way. Pete Way and Phil Mogg, founders of one of the greatest rock bands in rock ‘n roll, UFO, casually create some of the best music in rock history. They do it casually because it is not second nature to them, it is their nature, which is why they are considered legends or ‘rock gods.’ Infallible, maybe not. Humans, even critics, are infallible though - at least according to what the mainstream deem infallible. But through action and living a life true to yourself mistakes, enemies, critics and issues come along with it. So does not being true to yourself. Pete Way has enhanced millions of people’s lives and has given more to rock music than he has been given credit. Pete’s creative genius, energy, sacrifices, talent, skills, passion, drive, burning desire, insight, intuition, blood, sweat and tears and the hard work that no one sees go into it has created something of historic, artistic and musical value; only a few of the ingredients a ‘mythological god’ is known for and naturally comprise some of the reasons Pete will go down in history as being one of the most influential bass players of rock ’n roll - if not the most influential.
“Pete Way is acutely aware of what made the band so magical the first time around.” ---Kirk Blows, Metal CD Magazine —1992
“The one thing no one can ever accuse me of is having sold out.”” --Pete Way
The Book Of Waysted AND THE BAND DECREED YOU WON'T GET OUT ALIVE AND THE FANS CRIED WE DON'T WANT OUT ANYWAY
“And while Schenker is the heart of the band and Mogg the foundation, bassist Pete Way is the soul.� --Dave Wood
Pete Way “Pete Way? Somehow he is already on stage hammering out thunderous bass lines.” --Geoff Barton, Sounds Magazine, May 21, 1977
Here it is, extreme, many think of it like it’s a bad word...But the only thing that makes anything happen is Extreme Action. Extreme. Nothing of great historic note or value, or even a current note, happens because of passive gesture. Extreme, is a key element in changing the world, changing life. The extreme passion of dynamite is explosive. It makes a difference. It’s not only the element of danger it is the element of that matter being alive. Many of us love the results of Pete Way extremes and he’s given his life to the art of extreme — making us feel good because of it.
“A lot of people think we could blow it all again, but isn’t the element of danger part of being a --Pete Way rock ’n’ roll band?”
PETE WAY “Few bassists did more to elevate the profile of the Thunderbird than Pete Way” ...flaying the watching hordes, like he was the best bass player in the world, which, to many, he also was.” (is) --Alexo, Way Up: Pete Way Bass Guitar Magazine, December 1, 2015
SIN C E 1969
UFO - LICHTENFELS GERMANY
PETE WAY & MICHAEL SCHENKER
watch this incredible video >
pete way
Attitude +
PETE WAY Rock ‘n The Edge
“UFO bass player Pete Way is one of the most sincere men in rock. So when Pete says, “I don’t think you can replace a vibe with a good musician,”” or, “I think (producer) Leo Lyons caught something (in 1975) that was later embellished by Ron Nevison,”” “You know he bloody well means it from the bottom of his stripy trousers.” - 1992 Metal CD Vol 1. No. 1
THUNDERBIRD
“I’ve been influenced by many bands but UFO was one of my favorite bands, that’s for sure. Pete way for me particularly; playing and posing.” --Steve Harris, Iron Maiden
1975 pete way roundhouse theatre london
FOREVER ROCK “If Pete wasn’t right up against Michael banging away in perfect rhythm - his fingers flying across the guitar almost as fast as his blonde buddy’s - he was firing up the crowd bouncing around from one end of the stage to the other. It was as if the theater wasn’t big enough to hold him.” —Dave Wood
The Most Amazing And Underrated Band of All Time “The first song I ever heard by UFO was “Lights Out.” When I heard Phil Mogg’s amazing vocals, and Michael Schenker’s screaming guitar solos, I knew almost instantly that there was something special about this band. The band has so much more than a great front-man and amazing former guitar player though; they have the pleasure of knowing that they got to have one of the greatest bass players of all time Pete Way in the band for over 30 years….They didn’t care about sounding like Led Zeppelin, or being what people wanted them to be. They just wanted to make amazing songs, and most importantly, rock...” Excerpt from: Ryan Gavalier UFOtheBestBandintheWorld.blogspot.com
DREAMS...
PETE WAY
BIGGER THAN LIFE MASTERY
PETE WAY
Originally Received & Published 4 October 2014 by Tempi-Dispari.com, Rome, Italy and Londa R. Marks Studio Rock Legend News Florence, Italy, is a re-released interview with Pete Way, bassist and a founder of English rock band UFO.
Interview With Pete Way Written by Londa R. Marks, 2 October 2014
UFO became a transitional group between early hard rock, heavy metal and the N.W.O.B.H.M. (New Wave of British Heavy Metal). Formed in 1969, UFO members have included guitarist Michael Schenker from the Scorpions and vocalist Phil Mogg.
During the early eighties Pete Way also formed Waysted with the debut album VICES, released in 1982 reaching #78 in the UK charts. The band’s third album, “Save your Prayers,” featuring Danny Vaughn in place of the departed Fin and former UFO guitarist Paul Chapman, was their most successful in America reaching #185. Pete has also played with former Motörhead guitarist, “Fast” Eddie Clarke and with Ozzy Osbourne. In 1992 Pete Way reunited with Phil Mogg in the reformed UFO and released the High Stakes & Dangerous Men album.
Pete Way, Interview Questions & Answers RLN: You’ve been given a clean bill of health recently. Congratulations! That is the best news. Your fans anxiously await more of Pete Way’s magic. What is in store for us? Pete Way: I am just putting the finishing touches to my new album “Walking On The Edge” with Guns n Roses producer Mike Clink. We’ve been in a fabulous studio owned by John Parr in Yorkshire and Mike flew over from LA to the supervise the recording. The album is a blend of hard rock but intense songs from the heart. It’s based on my life story actually which has been pretty colourful as I’m sure you are aware. I am hoping to be able to release this early in 2015. RLN: You started playing at a very young age. Aside from aligning yourself with exceptionally talented musicians, what has been your approach to music and who has been most influential to you or originally caused you to say, “That’s what I want to do.” Pete Way: Good songwriters and usually a loud amplifier. I like a lot of feeling in songs such as Lou Reed, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. RLN: With Phil Mogg, Andy Parker and Mick Bolton, you formed UFO. What are some of your favorite memories of those days? Pete Way: Enjoying the moment. Waiting for it to stop and having to go and get
a stop but it didn’t. RLN: Gibson & Epiphone Thunderbird basses have been your signature guitar and sound. They seem to almost be a part of you. It’s a significant rock instrument in appearance while offering a peerless hard rock tone. Are you still using Thunderbirds? And, I would love to know what you like or liked most about Thunderbird. Pete Way: Yes I’m still using Thunderbirds. I particularly like the tone which always sounds like a Thunderbird whether you use an Marshall, or Ampeg SVT amp or even if I’m playing it without an amp. I find them so comfortable in my hands. There’s nothing like a Thunderbird for stage. For recording it depends on the type of song I’ve tried too many to pick out one. RLN: UFO were ranked No. 84 on VH1’s, “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.” Would you say that was a point of arrival or departure for a new rockers generation? Pete Way: We’ve been in so many charts throughout the years I’m not sure what is good anymore. It’s always best to be No. 1, but it’s nice to know you have influenced
people even at no 84! RLN: What appealed to you about playing bass for Ozzy Osbourne during the Diary of a Madman tour? Pete Way: I used to go out drinking with Ozzie so that’s an easy question to answer. We were very good friends. I was also paid very well - the ideal combination. RLN: Even though there may be differences, there is always something to be gained by collaborating with like-minds and you have collaborated with such including: Motorhead’s guitarist, “Fast” Eddie Clarke, Spike from The Quierboys, Chris Slade from AC/DC and others. What do you feel has been the gift you’ve received from playing with various musicians? Pete Way: It’s interesting to know what they think of my ideas and bounce off each other. The end result is often the pleasure that you’ve achieved a worthwhile song. Someone hears something that I don’t. That’s why I like to write songs with people. RLN: Assuredly, you love all UFO songs however, what would be your top 3 favorites? Pete Way: Haven’t really got any - they change month by month. I don’t really listen to UFO songs but probably “Love To Love,” “Cherry” and “Too Hot To Handle.” RLN: There is a certain type of chemistry with you and Phil Mogg that is rare. What are your plans with Phil? Pete Way: At the moment I am concentrating on my solo album and have no plans to
work with Phil in the near future. RLN: I want to ask you the same thing I am asking others because it is a profound occurrence now. Why do you think the 80’s are re-igniting? I mean, it is like it’s 1985 in Colombia, South America; it is happening here in Italy and it is apparent all over the world that the 80’s and even the 70’s rock styles are becoming enlivened again. Pete Way: Because we all tried to be better than each other so the music had a particular spark to it. The music back then was quality. Great songs and great sound. Anything that wouldn’t make it on X Factor! Would Led Zeppelin have made it on XFactor - I don’t think so. Journalist’s note: Thank you Pete Way for your unequaled contribution to music. We are all wishing you continued good health. Pete Way: Thank you very much for asking me to do this. I enjoyed your questions. Keep in good health yourself.
THUNDERBIRD
“I want Pete to play it the way he plays it, not another style.� --Michael Schenker
MICHAEL SCHENKER - PHIL MOGG
“It’s self belief, as simple as that. No self belief no nothing.”
PETE
WAY
Hieroglyphics Interpretation “His perfect likeness rightfully represents eternal life, high truth, adjusting to the passing of time.” Horus as a winged god (falcon) of the Sky, is shown with the sun disk on his head and holding two shen rings representing eternal protection and two Ankhs, one of the most potent of all symbols representing eternal life.
Left Hieroglyphs Meanings
Right Hieroglyphs Meanings
◊ (NFR) cross in vase: perfect, beautiful, good ◊ Oval: right ◊ Two feather-like icons facing left are pair-of-reeds: mity and mitt relate to “image” or “likeness,” likeness, copy, resemblance, statue, image, similitude, the like etc. ◊ Snail like hieroglyph is viper and means: His
◊ Mace, (stone macehead, wooden handle) right: High, H K A (makes a sound of HKA) ◊ Two feathers: truth, justice, morality and balance ◊ Circle: sun, light, the passing of time ◊ Snake right: adjust
CONCEPT BY LONDA R. MARKS
Engraving By Gustave Doré, 1865 Illustrator of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy Originally illustrated for Revelation vi, 7-8 DEATH ON A PALE HORSE “When he had opened the fourth seal, the voice of the fourth beast said, ‘Come and see.’ Death rides into the world. He is the fourth knight of the apocalypse. Power was given unto him over the fourth part of the earth. Hell followed him.”
CONCEPT BY LONDA R. MARKS
Royalty Free Use: {{PD-US}} published in the US before 1923 and public domain in the US.
Raw, edgy, lyrics, Phil Mogg’s sweltering vocal inflection and attack of the song practically biting it, Pete’s passion means exactly that in his sultry bottom end bass lines and his moves, Andy hammers while Michael injects his sexy moodiness.
WATCH VIDEO > PETE WAY & ANDY PARKER
ROCK BOTTOM VIDEO - UFO GERMANY 1973 ROCK BOTTOM ORIGINAL LYRICS
PETE WAY
MICHAEL SCHENKER
“Genius is eternal patience.” – Michelangelo Buonarroti
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