1969 to 1972

A hugely influential Hard Rock band noted for the soulful talents of vocalist PHIL MOGG and superb songwriting abilities based around the triumvirate of Mogg, bassist PETE WAY and wayward guitarist Michael Schenker. UFO's impact upon the world of Hard Rock has often been underplayed but the band rose to become one of the top stadium Rock acts in America and their musical legacy can be felt in countless latter day successful acts. Indeed, no less a personage than James Hetfield of METALLICA entitled his very first band OBSESSION in honour of UFO's seminal 1978 album. UFO have successfully married strong melodies with some legendary riffs in a combination that has achieved world-wide success. The band's progress has only been marred by the various members admitted excess of drugs and alcohol, which has resulted in the band's career being rather turbulent at times.

UFO formed initially as THE BOYFRIENDS as a trio of Way, guitarist Mick Bolton and drummer Tic Torrazo. The group would journey its way through other guises (such as HOCUS POCUS, THE GOOD, THE BAD THE UGLY and ACID) before adding drummer Colin Turner to replace Torrazo. Upon adding vocalist Phil Mogg the band changed titles to UFO and soon ditched Turner in favour of Andy Parker. UFO debuted with a live appearance at Fagin's Blues Workshop in late 1969.

The early teenage incarnation of UFO achieved success in Germany and Japan with their first three albums, including a number one single with a take on EDDIE COCHRAN's 'C'mon Everybody'. In Germany both 'Boogie For George' and 'C'mon Everybody' fared well on the national singles charts. Still teenagers, UFO toured Japan to superstar status. Such was the influence of 'C'mon Everybody' the band were forced to play it live on a Japanese tour 23 years later!

Estimates put sales of the first three albums, including the 'Live' opus, at over three million in Germany such was the band's popularity there. However, it was signing to Chrysalis in 1974 that things really started to take off globally. The material prior to the 'Phenomenon' album was experimental, spacey Rock but things would begin to change following Mick Bolton's departure.

In January 1972 ex-SHAGRAT, BLODWYN PIG and LANCASTER guitarist Larry Wallis joined the fold, but his tenure was relatively short and in November 1972 Wallis quit to join PINK FAIRIES and later MOTÖRHEAD.

1973 to 1974

In 1973 ex-SKINNY CAT guitarist BERNIE MARSDEN had a brief stint before UFO teamed up with MICHAEL SCHENKER in June 1973.

UFO had been on tour in Germany with support act the SCORPIONS and 'borrowed' Schenker from the German group as Marsden found himself stuck in England. The loan turned out to be more permanent in spite of Marsden arriving the next day and fulfilling his obligations on the final leg of the tour. UFO were so impressed by Schenker that Marsden was shown the door once live dates had ended. Marsden subsequently joined erstwhile JETHRO TULL bassist Glen Cornick in WILD TURKEY before finding international recognition in WHITESNAKE.

UFO would then record demos, including the Marsden co-composition 'Oh My', at Rockfield Studios in Monmouthshire. Producer for these sessions was Pop artist DAVE EDMUNDS. He in turn would suggest his cousin, PAUL CHAPMAN as contender for the guitar position. These tapes included tracks which eventually wound up on the 'Phenomenon' album and would secure the deal with major label Chrysalis Records.

The 'Phenomenon' album, produced by TEN YEARS AFTER bassist Leo Lyons, boasted what were to become two all time classic Rock tracks, namely 'Rock Bottom' and 'Doctor Doctor'. For live work during this period UFO hired the aforementioned second guitarist PAUL CHAPMAN, previously with UNIVERSE and SKID ROW, to augment Schenker.

UFO began 1974 with a gig at the Belgian Linkebeek Festival during January before a lengthy run of British and European club and pub dates. The band would also put in several appearances at the BBC which would much later turn up on live albums. In October of 1974 UFO put in their inaugural American shows, gigging at the infamous Los Angeles Whiskey club and supporting STEPPENWOLF amongst others, also putting in a showing on Don Kirshner's weekly concert TV show. Although the 'Phenomenon' album failed to crack the Billboard charts the influential 'Rolling Stone' magazine predicted that UFO would become "a very big act in an extremely short time."

During late 1974 UFO would begin recording of their sophomore Chrysalis outing 'Force It', still undertaking the odd club gigs during breaks in recording. Now managed by Wilf Wright, who also handled ROBIN TROWER, the band's next record would have production handled by Leo Lyons once again and included his TEN YEARS AFTER colleague CHICK CHURCHILL on keyboards.

UFO humbly rounded off the year with a gig at the less than salubrious Nottingham Boat Club.

1975 to 1976

UFO's young German guitarist MICHAEL SCHENKER had made his mark as a serious guitar talent on the early Chrysalis releases. By January 1975 UFO trimmed back down to a single guitar band dispensing with Chapman's services, the Welshman creating IONA, a band that evolved into LONE STAR.

1975's 'Force It' continued the upward trend for the band. The band's North American tour included legendary live broadcasts from the Los Angeles Record Plant, tapes from which would become highly prized on the bootleg market. UFO's concentration on America would also saw a virtual non stop run of gigs through October up until late November when the tour was rounded off as support to EDGAR WINTER in New York.

For 1976's 'No Heavy Petting', again with Lyons at the helm, UFO had added ex-HEAVY METAL KIDS keyboardist DANNY PEYRONEL to embellish their sound. UFO toured Britain in April of that year with support bands NUTZ and DIRTY TRICKS before setting off in May for American dates, including opening the established 'Day On The Green' festival and a burst of headlining club shows, one of which had the fledgling VAN HALEN as openers. Other shows had UFO paired with FLEEETWOOD MAC, FOGHAT, STYX and NAZARETH.

Peyronel broke away upon the American tour's completion in July 1976. Later in the year ex CHICKENSHACK and SAVOY BROWN keyboard player Paul Raymond took Peyronel's position. Raymond had also been a member of THE SAVAGES and THE CIRCLES in the mid 60's.

Peyronel later turned up in BLUE MAX, issuing one album in 1978, and Spanish acts BANZAI and TARZEN as well as the Argentinean based RIFF. The ex-UFO man would also find acclaim as a hit songwriter penning MEAT LOAF's 'Midnight At The Lost And Found' as well as work for Soul diva SADE.

UFO debuted with Raymond playing three sold out gigs at London's Marquee.

1977 to 1979

Although UFO had made steady progress to that point, their albums potential was hindered by lacklustre production. However, 1977's 'Lights Out' saw the band utilising the services of Ron Nevison and sowing the first seeds of their American success. Unfortunately, on the eve of their debut American tour supporting RUSH, guitar player MICHAEL SCHENKER performed what was to be the first of his notorious disappearing acts. Former guitarist PAUL CHAPMAN, now firmly ensconced in LONE STAR, was hastily drafted in on a temporary basis before the wayward Schenker was located in Europe and persuaded to finish the tour.

In spite of internal frictions UFO's persistence had paid off with American radio taking to 'Too Hot to Handle', and the 'Lights Out' album remaining on the Billboard charts for nearly half a year peaking at number 23 and earning the band a well deserved gold album. American reaction to the band's polished Hard Rock sound meant that it was sensible to relocate. The band all moved to Los Angeles and began recording 'Obsession', once more produced by Ron Nevison, in February 1978.

They returned home for a successful British tour during the summer and with a further run of American dates BLUE OYSTER CULT and with co-headliners JUDAS PRIEST followed, but by October Schenker had quit for good returning to Germany for another brief liaison with the SCORPIONS, featuring on three tracks on their 'Lovedrive' album.

Meantime Chapman had been for an audition with the SCORPIONS during the June of the same year but would instead step into the breach with UFO once more and make his mark with the band for a quick burst of American dates then on their January 1979 British tour. The awesome live album 'Strangers In The Night' (captured whilst UFO still featured Schenker superbly on form) was released to enormous acclaim, finally heralding UFO as a major band in their home country.

The album boasts probably more classic cuts than any other live effort, featuring as it does 'Doctor, Doctor', 'Lights Out', 'Rock Bottom', 'Only You Can Rock Me', 'Shoot, Shoot', 'Too Hot To Handle' and 'Love To Love'. The live version of 'Doctor, Doctor' cracked the British charts and witnessed UFO promoting it's release with a 'Top Of The Pops' TV appearance.

Following the British dates the band once more set off for the American touring circuit, where by now they were capable of selling out arenas in some areas. Dates also included more shows guesting for RUSH and a mid slot billing at the California 'World Music' festival. UFO's status was now such that members appeared as celebrity guests on the 'Hollywood Squares' TV quiz show. UFO really got to grips with America during the summer of 1979 with a lengthy touring leg initially with JUDAS PRIEST as openers, both British acts coincidentally promoting groundbreaking live albums. However, in Chicago roles were reversed and UFO became the opening act. UFO then added a further leg with AC/DC as their guests.

In August of 1979 the group cut their debut product with Chapman "No Place to Run". Production was handled by the esteemed BEATLES producer George Martin at his studios on the Caribbean island of Montserrat. The sessions were just completed prior to the island being ravaged by Hurricane Camille.

The album was launched in America upfront of a European release. It fared well, reaching no. 59 on the Billboard charts and UFO closed the year with a taster tour of their homeland in December as a portent of things to come for a full blown British tour in 1980. Meantime, Schenker was to involve himself in an abortive attempt at a new band with the MONTROSE rhythm section of drummer Denny Carmassi and bassist Bill Church led to nothing. Schenker was also invited to audition for AEROSMITH to fill Joe Perry's shoes but one studio meeting between the two parties was as far as that proposed union got.

The guitarist knuckled down from 1980 onwards to produce some exceptional albums billed as the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP. Early albums with vocalist Gary Barden (ex FRASER NASH) elevated the band to world-wide headlining status, but a seemingly endless series of personal and business disasters saw the band on a downhill slide from the mid 80s with Schenker apparently unable to rekindle former glories.

1980 to 1982

PAUL CHAPMAN made his recording debut with UFO on the George Martin produced 'No Place To Run' album in 1980. Recorded in Montserrat, the album had an unenviable task following the might of the live album, but still contained strong moments. In America UFO were by now headlining sold out arenas.

More live action followed in Britain supported by GIRL and UFO was announced as headliners at the Reading Festival. However, prior to the gig Raymond was ousted in favour of ex-WILD HORSES keyboardist and rhythm guitarist Neil Carter. UFO slotted in a further British tour to close the year supported by FIST. Raymond soon found employment with Michael Schenker in the German's impressive new outfit MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP.

1981 saw another strong album 'The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent', produced by the band themselves. Amply displaying Mogg's almost film noir approach to lyric writing, the album was bolstered by diverse experimentation, such as a string section and the haunting 'Profession Of Violence'. Keyboards on the album were supplied by former LONE STAR and URIAH HEEP man JOHN SLOMAN.

Another mammoth world tour ensued, including dates alongside OZZY OSBOURNE in America, before heading for Switzerland to record 'Mechanix'. Producer Gary Lyons was employed as UFO struggled to maintain a fresh approach to the Hard Rock sound.

Despite including barnstorming stage favourites, such as 'Let It Rain' and 'We Belong To The Night', PETE WAY reportedly found much of the material too limp and verbalised this opinion in many interviews. Indeed, after the American tour supporting OZZY OSBOURNE the bassist quit, quickly finding a new writing partner in ex MOTÖRHEAD guitarist Eddie Clarke in a new act titled FASTWAY. However, this high profile union was nixed by Way's contractual obligations to Chrysalis Records and despite the ex UFO man having written the bulk of the material on the debut FASTWAY record, his contribution remained uncredited.

The bassist also put in the hours producing records for COCKNEY REJECTS and TWISTED SISTER. The liaison was short-lived as Way jumped ship for another celebrated alliance, joining OZZY OSBOURNE's touring band, before forming WAYSTED.

1983

UFO stuck to their guns, with Paul Chapman filling in on bass for studio work on the next album. Although a strong record, the Mick Glossop produced 'Making Contact's headway was severely hindered by numerous setbacks. For the European leg of the tour bass duties were handled by then TALAS bassist Billy Sheehan, but during a show in Athens, Greece Mogg collapsed onstage causing a near riot with Sheehan being struck by an object thrown from the audience.

The band took some time off before their British tour, during which it was planned to record dates for a live album. By this time Sheehan had returned home, still nursing his wounds from Greece, and bass was supplied by erstwhile DAMNED and EDDIE AND THE HOTRODS member Paul Gray, of whom many commented on his resemblance to Pete Way both in looks and performance. The live recordings were strangely only issued in the form of one side of a family tree based tribute album entitled 'Headstone'.

After the final tour Chapman, Carter and Parker recorded some demos with Chapman handling vocals with a view to securing a new deal. Considerations were made to approach CHEAP TRICK's Robin Zander for the lead vocalist spot but Carter opted to join GARY MOORE on tour in America.

PAUL CHAPMAN relocated to Florida and formed D.O.A. with Americans David Edwards on vocals, guitarist Robert Journey, drummer Paul Barron and bassist Steve Chikitus. A further act, GHOST, included ex PERSIAN RISK vocalist Carl Sentence. Chapman rejoined his old UFO sparring partner PETE WAY in WAYSTED later in the year after which it was alleged that Chapman also played live gigs in Florida under the title of UFO!

Following his short stint with UFO, Paul Gray formed a new act titled SING SING with ex MEMBERS guitarist Nigel Bennett and former EDDIE & THE HOTRODS drumming colleague Steve Nichol. The bassist would later work on the live circuit with ex MOTÖRHEAD guitarist 'Fast' Eddie Clark's act FASTWAY.

Andy Parker, meantime, moved to Los Angeles, joining SCARLETT. Later moves included reuniting with Way in WAYSTED then American acts DR. WISH and REXX AND JOHNSSON.

1984 to 1986

In 1984 Mogg travelled to America to recruit a guitarist for the revitalised UFO and for a time YNGWIE MALMSTEEN was strongly rumoured to have landed the job with DOKKEN's fret burner GEORGE LYNCH supposedly also in the running. However, Japanese/American ex-BOY WONDER and THUNDERWING guitarist Tommy McClendon gained the honours. Initially occupying the drum stool would be Miles Baggs. Oddly the band rehearsed for a short period with VIVA's Barbara Schenker, sister of Michael, on keyboards before Paul Raymond rejoined the ranks alongside bassist Paul Gray and former DIAMOND HEAD drummer Robbie France. Initially, there was talk of not naming the act UFO but THE GREAT OUTDOORS in honour of an Edgbaston off license.

UFO set out on a British tour supported by TOBRUK to debut the new material and revised line-up before recording began. Kevin Elson, noted for his landmark albums with major acts such as JOURNEY and FOREIGNER was chosen as producer but this relationship did not work out. The resulting 'Misdemeanour' album, recorded in Holland, featured some very strong songs but was crippled by Nick Tauber's lightweight production. The rather thin guitar sound of McClendon, who by now was renamed somewhat bizarrely 'Atomik Tommy M, didn't help matters either

As ex MAGNUM drummer Jim Simpson replaced France (who later journeyed through WISHBONE ASH and SKUNK ANANSIE) UFO performed a strong headline set at the Poperinge festival in Belgium, before playing the DEEP PURPLE reunion Knebworth show to 80'000 people that year. The band toured Britain with PALLAS and SHY as support in 1985, then somewhat oddly settled on opening for ACCEPT, with DOKKEN as openers, on a European jaunt. Further European dates found UFO back in their rightful place as headliners before some patchy Scandinavian gigs with TWISTED SISTER. Another round of headline gigs across Europe followed. America, where the album had been totally remixed to little effect, came next with the group performing on a disastrous club tour during late May, during which Raymond quit after just one gig to be briefly replaced by David Jacobson, a previous colleague of McClendon's.

1987 to 1989

Following the somewhat lukewarm response to the 'Misdemeanour' album, UFO effectively split, but not before recording a mini album, 'Ain't Misbehavin', for the indie FM Revolver label. This release only served to show that Mogg was sorely missing his old songwriting partners, as the material was strictly second rate. 'Ain't Misbehavin' surfaced in March 1988. Its Japanese release gave the regular six song European version a slight boost with the addition of exclusive track 'Lonely Cities (Of The Heart)'.

During an ensuing period of inactivity, Mogg passed on his experience by dabbling in management and looking after the affairs of THE QUIREBOYS, a band which included his nephew Nigel Mogg on bass, before performing one gig as UFO at the 'Metal Hammer' magazine party in December 1987. The line-up Mogg assembled for this show included ex-JAGGED EDGE guitarist Myke Gray and Paul Gray. McClendon had long since departed, although before returning to America had played guitar on Irish act WINTER'S REIGN's album 'The Beginning'.

Simpson was briefly a member of U.S.I., toured with BONNIE TYLER before joining BUDGIE in 1988. He would later join Newcastle Blues Rock act the RED DOGS. Gray would rejoin EDDIE & THE HOT RODS, have a brief spell with Swedish Heavy Metal band HEAVY LOAD and later reunite with the DAMNED. By the turn of the millennium Gray and Simpson had reunited with former DAMNED man Alan Lee Shaw in a new act MISCHIEF.

Way, having dissolved WAYSTED, bought a property near Mogg in Bearwood, Birmingham, enabling the pair to start writing together again. The duo cut new tracks a succession of guitarists, including Myke Gray, by then a member of SKIN, and a pair of local guitar virtuosos, the STARFIGHTERS' Rik Sanford and Tony Glidewell. With Sanford much of the material for the band's next eventual album was laid down. SAVATAGE's Chris Caffrey was also the subject of discussion at one stage. Discussions, although at that stage unfruitful, were also in place with both Schenker and PAUL CHAPMAN as well.

1990 to 1993

It would take a number of years before Mogg and Way committed to a line up of guitarist Laurence Archer, previously a member of STAMPEDE, GRAND SLAM and RHODE ISLAND RED, with ex WILD HORSES and ULI JON ROTH drummer Clive Edwards. This line up recorded the commendable 'High Stakes And Desperate Men' album, produced by Kit Woolven (also featuring keyboardist DON AIREY and backing vocals from ex NIGHT singer Stevie Lange). The new record had been named after a Wild West novel Mogg was reading at the time but with a slight name change from the original and slightly derogative 'High Stakes And Desperate Men'!

From a series of sell out Japanese shows the band culled the live 'Lights Out In Tokyo' set. The rejuvenated UFO played Britain with the addition of ex STRANGER and TOBRUK keyboard player Jem Davis. The group promptly completed two successful UK headline tours with the RED DOGS and WRAITH as opening acts. In typical fashion, European shows ended in Russia with Mogg, fortunately on the last date of the tour, falling offstage and breaking his leg!

The 'High Stakes' album was purposely held back from an American release as the possibility of reuniting the classic 1978 line up grew stronger. In some downtime, Way and Archer produced the WRAITH album 'Danger Calling'.

Archer and Edwards joined MEDICINE HEAD when it became apparent that Mogg and Way were intent on reuniting the classic line up.

1994 to 1997

After putting in work with the idea of teaming back up with PAUL CHAPMAN, it was finally announced in 1993 that the 1978 line-up had reformed for a very low key tour of Germany. The alliance was pushed through so quickly that tour promoters were unaware of Schenker's involvement. The shows, with support act QUIET RIOT, were a huge success for UFO as they played the classic 'Strangers In The Night' set plus some of Schenker's own 'Thank You' record.

Testing the waters in North America, UFO performed at a festival in San Antonio in April 1994 alongside MOTÖRHEAD, BLUE OYSTER CULT and YNGWIE MALMSTEEN. UFO signed to Zero Corporation Records in Japan for a phenomenal advance later the same year to record the superb 'Walk On Water' album, which arrived towards the end of 1995. 'Walk On Water', recorded at Rumbo Recorders in Canoga Park, California, had truly re-convened the classic team, being produced by Ron Nevison, who handled the same duties on the landmark 'Strangers In The Night'. Even the band's notorious hairdresser from the 70s, Denny Godber, was on hand to provide backing vocals. In a further nod to nostalgia UFO re-recorded versions of 'Doctor Doctor' and 'Lights Out'.

In the interim, an album was released in 1994 titled 'TNT'. Issued on Essential Records, the record comprises the 'Lights Out In Tokyo' recordings plus previously officially unavailable live material that earlier appeared as the 'Parker's Birthday' bootleg from Texas in 1979.

UFO began a high profile American tour with support acts TRIANGLE and LODE in late June 1995, including a headline slot at the Milwaukee Festival. Ticket demand proved enthusiastic, UFO putting in sell outs at two nights in Hollywood, 3 in Palo Alto and 4 sold out nights at the Chicago Vic Theatre. Parker by now had laid down his drumsticks for good and his position was taken by ex-TYTAN, AC/DC, DIO and RHINO BUCKET drummer Simon Wright. The tour continued on into November, with the band returning to many cities to play larger venues. Most venues sold out and UFO confounded the critics by proving so successful with no American record deal or financial back up.

Trouble struck later in the tour when Schenker disappeared mysteriously yet again (old habits die hard!), necessitating the cancellation of many shows. The harmony had first been interrupted on the 20th October when, before a return gig at the Hollywood Palace, Schenker chose to confront a T-shirt bootlegger. The vendor attacked the guitarist, punching him twice in the face before fleeing. UFO played the next night, in Redondo Beach, but Schenker failed to appear for a scheduled 22nd October concert at the Modesto California Ballroom. According to reports, his personal manager, Bella Piper, telephoned to say he they were on vacation and had mistakenly believed the band had an off day. UFO's next planned show, at the Sacramento Boardwalk on the 24th was also pulled, as were a further fifteen remaining US shows and scheduled German dates in November. Rumours abounded concerning fistfights between Mogg and Schenker and another collapse into substance abuse from Way. The band duly folded once more, unable to continue the dates without Schenker, as contractual obligations stipulated the guitarist's appearance.

UFO reunited for rehearsals with ex EUROPE guitarist JOHN NORUM. Although Wright contributed to John Norum's solo album 'World's Away' this proposed UFO union was short lived. Schenker had apparently a contract stating that the band could not be titled UFO without his involvement.

In the meantime, American fans had the pleasure of live gigs by UFO tribute band FAUCET that very often included a certain Mr. Way! An added acknowledgement of UFO's influence on the Rock scene came in March 1996 when the IRON MAIDEN single 'Lord Of The Flies' featured a cover version of UFO's 'Doctor Doctor' on the B side. British Metal band SAVAGE covered 'Hot n' Ready' for the Japanese version of their 1996 album 'Holy Wars'.

During mid 1996 Mogg and Way, signing to MOTÖRHEAD's manager Todd Singerman, formed a studio project band with DIO drummer Vinnie Appice and guitarist Tracy G for a Heavy Metal project, but UFO once more resumed negotiations with both Schenker and Chapman. However, the illustrious 'Parker's Birthday' bootleg re-appeared again the same year albeit quietly sanctioned by the band apparently as a precursor to another stab at a reformation with PAUL CHAPMAN. Oddly the CD credited the last track as being 'Shoot, Shoot' although in fact the song is absent from the sound recording.

Amidst this hive of activity, Mogg and Way also busied themselves by recording an album together with American guitarist George Bellas and ex JEFFERSON STARSHIP and JOURNEY drummer Aynsley Dunbar. The resulting album, 'Edge Of The World', which included backing vocals supplied by MR. BIG's ERIC MARTIN, emerged in 1997 under the band name of MOGG/WAY. The album cover and of the act's logo left nothing to the imagination.

1998 to 2003

After the emergence of the MOGG/WAY album UFO settled their differences with MICHAEL SCHENKER. The errant guitarist had in the meantime issued a further solo album, 'Written In The Sand', and a live effort recorded in Japan entitled 'The Michael Schenker Story Live'. The band also negotiated a long overdue European release for the 'Walk On Water' album.

The band put in a lengthy and well attended tour of Europe, with DANGER DANGER opening on the continent, which included a run of British gigs in early 1998 supported by DIRTY DEEDS before predictably Schenker jumped ship once more in the middle of a Japanese tour.

Mogg and Way knuckled down with recording a new album, enlisting Raymond and Wright. PAUL RAYMOND also began work on a further solo album for which Mogg aided on lead vocals.

Meanwhile, the errant German guitarist, still professing future commitments to UFO, toured with MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP as part of the 1998 G3 guitar tour alongside ULI JON ROTH and JOE SATRIANI and issued a further MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP album 'The Unforgiven'. Another guitarist from the UFO family also made a return to the limelight the same year. Since the close of the 'Misdemeanour' dates Tommy McClendon had kept a surprisingly low profile but would re-emerge touting a fresh act SOULMOTOR, a union with TESLA bassist Brian Wheat. McClendon would also guest on the TOMMY TUTONE album 'Rich Text Files' the same year.

UFO was far from a spent force in 1999 though with negotiations still taking place between Mogg, Way and Schenker for a further album. Not content to remain idle a further MOGG/WAY album was recorded with ex-EDWINDARE / THE TRUTH guitarist Jeff Kollman (including contributions from Raymond and Wright) and Way was busying himself planning a further WAYSTED project. Raymond issued his third solo album 'Man On A Mission' which included a drastic re-work of 'Lights Out' and Mogg on guest vocals. Rounding off the year a 'semi-official' live album 'Werewolves of London' crept out much to fans pleasure although this had not been sanctioned by Schenker.

A new millennium broke for the band with PETE WAY ensconced in Rockfield studios in Wales cutting his first solo album. Schenker issued an instrumental record whilst still giving the green light for a full UFO reunion. Wright was out of the picture though having rejoined DIO.

Meantime it was announced that the year 2000 would also see the release of a UFO tribute album.

UFO settled their differences with Schenker and pulling in Aynsley Dunbar on drums again to cut a new UFO album 'The Covenant'. Meantime Way issued his first purely solo effort 'Amphetamine' as Mogg busied himself on his first solo album working with MOGG/WAY and COSMO SQUAD guitarist JEFF KOLLMAN and drummer Shane Gaalaas.

UFO toured Britain in 2000 with support from ULI JON ROTH and European dates were to have GLENN HUGHES and MOON DOC supporting. The band sported yet another new look with Mogg, Schenker and Way joined by rhythm guitarist / keyboard player Luis Moldonado from MOGG/WAY and former BADLANDS, BLACK SYMPHONY and RACER X drummer Jeff Martin. Quite incredibly though UFO disintegrated in full public gaze during the British dates. Schenker, much to fan's amazement vastly overweight, was reportedly head butted by QUIREBOYS vocalist SPIKE at an after show party in Newcastle.

These rumours appeared to be confirmed when at the Manchester show the German walked onstage sporting two black eyes and the word 'Spike' written on his forehead. What followed was a debacle with Schenker refusing to play lead solos, deliberately bashing into Mogg and even offering his guitar to the singer at one point. With the audience booing the guitarist Schenker proclaimed 'This audience sucks and so do I'. With UFO leaving the stage Schenker promptly marched back on to taunt the audience further. Needless to say all further shows were cancelled.

With UFO seemingly rescued from the brink the band's name was kept in the public eye in early 2001 by the tribute album 'Only UFO Can Rock Me'. Featured players were RAINBOW's Dougie White, MOTÖRHEAD's Phil Campbell, FASTWAY singer LEA HART, the OZZY OSBOURNE and GILLAN credited guitarist BERNIE TORME, Bob Skeat of WISHBONE ASH, ex-GRIM REAPER vocalist Steve Grimmett and even former UFO keyboard player Jem Davis.

It seemed as though the healing process between the Mogg / Way / Schenker axis was underway as the three appeared onstage with ULI JON ROTH at his 2001 'Rock & Blues' festival in the UK, the German guitar hero's show seeing JACK BRUCE alongside the UFO trio. This performance would be captured on the 'Live At Castle Donington' album released in Japan by Nippon Crown and through SPV in Europe. As well as Uli's own material the album captures run throughs of UFO's 'Let It Roll', 'Rock Bottom' and 'Doctor Doctor'.

As Schenker wrapped up recording of his latest MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP album, the wryly titled 'Be Aware Of Scorpions', it would emerge that he had joined forces with Way once more for a round of studio sessions billed as THE PLOT. This alliance would be debuted as the support act to Schenker's own American tour. Another outing of interest to hardcore UFO fans arrived in early 2002 as former keyboard player DANNY PEYRONEL debuted his solo career with the 'Make The Monkey Dance' album. Included would be a re-interpretation of Peyronel's 'Highway Lady', originally found on the 'No Heavy Petting' album. Phil Mogg meantime finally announced the title of his solo project to be STONETOWNE. However, by July this band moniker had been switched to $IGN OF 4.

Further attention would be bestowed upon the band by the release on Smallstone Records of the compilation album 'Sucking In The 70's'. This collection comprised of modern Rock acts paying homage to 70's heroes and FIREBALL MINISTRY duly weighed in with a cover of 'Doctor, Doctor'.

Meantime, all this peripheral activity masked the fact that UFO themselves, with the Mogg / Schenker / Way axis joined by drummer Aynsley Dunbar once again, were back in the recording studio laying down a new Mike Varney produced album entitled 'Sharks' for September release. Japanese variants of 'Sharks' added extra tracks in the form of live versions of 'Only You Can Rock Me', 'Too Hot To Handle', and 'Rock Bottom', recorded in Buffalo during the 1995 'Walk On Water' tour. Another veteran act would also be busy laying down UFO material, the much respected US Rockers RIOT including their version of 'Only You Can Rock Me' on their 2002 record 'Through The Storm'.

Both Mogg and Way would get back onto the live circuit albeit on separate continents. The bassist pulled together the same trio that had recorded his solo album, Walt James on guitar and Scott Phillips on drums, for club gigs in Ohio whilst Phil Mogg scheduled his first ever solo gig at London's Marquee for November 19th.

By January of 2003 the convoluted UFO saga took on a fresh twist when Michael Schenker announced his retirement from the band yet again, this time revealing the caveat that he had relinquished claims on the band title. Almost immediately PETE WAY and PAUL CHAPMAN declared plans for a musical union, this transpiring as a rejuvenated WAYSTED including original frontman Fin. UFO meantime soon issued a statement announcing the recruitment of former EUROPE and DOKKEN guitarist JOHN NORUM as Schenker's replacement, the second time Norum had been in the frame for this position. However, in typical fashion a matter of months passed before Norum issued a statement declining UFO's offer of employment.

By July reports suggested that former VICIOUS RUMORS man VINNIE MOORE had landed the job. These murmurings were soon confirmed as indeed was the re-instatement of Paul Raymond and the high profile addition of drummer Jason Bonham, son of the late, great LED ZEPPELIN drummer John Bonham. Jason had carved out a career of distinction with acts such as AIRRACE, VIRGINIA WOLF, BONHAM, MOTHERLAND and THE QUIREBOYS.

2004

UFO's first effort to feature guitarist VINNIE MOORE and drummer Jason Bonham would be the Tommy Newton produced 'You Are Here', issued through SPV Records in February. Japanese versions added the bonus track 'Messing Up The Bed'. European headline dates throughout February and March, traversing Greece, France, Spain, Italy and Germany, saw German guitar virtuoso ULI JON ROTH as opening act.

Meantime, As 2004 was ushered in ex-guitarist MICHAEL SCHENKER announced a further spin off project in union with the GAMMA and ROBIN TROWER band credited vocalist Davey Pattison. This duo, provisionally billed as SCHENKER-PATTISON unveiled plans for an album of seventies Hard Rock cover versions. The final product, featuring bassist Gunter Nezhoda and his former UFO colleague Aynsley Dunbar on drums and a guesting LESLIE WEST proved a stylish set of tracks but unfortunately received little attention.

UFO hit problems upfront of their Spring US dates when bassist PETE WAY encountered immigration problems. Unable to get his passport cleared in time, Way was substituted for the start of the tour, commencing at the Jaxx venue in Springfield, West Virginia on April 22nd, by RICHIE SCARLET, a veteran player accredited with terms of duty with ACE FREHLEY, SEBASTIAN BACH and MOUNTAIN. However, within days of this announcement the entire tour was postponed as the U.S. Embassy in London refused Phil Mogg a Work Permit Visa. Apparently the singer's fingerprints had been taken in Buffalo, New York some twenty four years earlier on a routine matter, this event, brought about by increased security precautions, necessitating further investigation by the FBI. Dates were duly re-scheduled for September. European dates in June would be blighted too, a support to JUDAS PRIEST at the Italian 'Gods Of Metal' festival being pulled due to storm weather.

Jason Bonham filled the Summer break by touring the USA as a member of AOR veterans FOREIGNER. UFO's re-scheduled US tour would see PETE WAY once more denied a visa "due to having overstayed the number of days he was there on his last visit". Once again the band drafted Barry Sparks as replacement.

WAYSTED, including PAUL CHAPMAN and original vocalist Fin, were also back on the agenda. During late 2004 the details of a brand new album, entitled suitably enough 'Back From The Dead', were unveiled. Recorded in both the UK and the USA the album would be mixed by ROBIN GEORGE. Japanese variants added two UFO covers 'No Place To Run' and 'The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent'.

MICHAEL SCHENKER re-recorded 'Doctor Doctor' in late 2004, his album of cover versions 'Heavy Hitters' including the UFO track laid down along with the SOUL SIRKUS duo of singer JEFF SCOTT SOTO and bassist Marco Mendoza with Brett Chassen on the drums.

2005 to 2010

UFO's European tour dates in May 2005 saw THE LIZARDS as support. These shows included a gig at the Pumpwerk in Wilhelmshaven, Germany on 13th May, set to be filmed for a DVD and double live album release entitled 'Showtime'. The band would also re-record a number of classic archive tracks as voted for by fans. Amongst those chosen would be 'Profession Of Violence', 'Cherry', 'Letting Go', 'The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent' and the clear number one, 'Try Me'. Also arriving would be the album 'Alien Relations', compiled by Majestic Rock Records in an attempt to compile a UFO family tree. The album included tracks by PETE WAY, WAYSTED, THE PLOT, PAUL RAYMOND PROJECT, JOHN SLOMAN, SNOWBLIND and ALASKA.

With Pete Way still experiencing visa difficulties, JEFF KOLLMAN, no stranger to the family having worked with both MOGG/WAY and $IGN OF 4, took over bass duties for UFO's 2005 US tour dates supported by THE LIZARDS. The band's appearance at the 12th November 'Piorno Rock' festival in Sala Polyvalente in Granada, Spain proved notable as it saw the re-instatement of Andy Parker on drums. Way struck up yet another new band project in mid 2005 dubbed DAMAGE CONTROL, this being an alliance with former MAGNUM, NOTORIOUS and LIFE guitarist ROBIN GEORGE and drummer Chris Slade, the distinctive bald headed veteran also holding a prior tradition with AC/DC, URIAH HEEP, ASIA, MANFRED MANN, 100 PROOF and THE FIRM.

Former UFO guitarist PAUL CHAPMAN issued news in May 2006 unveiling the construction of a project to re-record classic UFO tracks. Former McAULEY SCHENKER GROUP and GRAND PRIX singer ROBIN McAULEY had vocalised on versions of 'No Place To Run', 'Wild, Willing & Innocent' and 'The Writer' cut at Garudio Studios in Palm Beach with WAYSTED, DORO and BRITNY FOX man Johnny Dee on drums.

UFO's album 'The Monkey Puzzle' was set for European issue in September. Preceding live dates included a brace of warm ups, including the Frome Cheese & Grain public house, an appearance at the Derby 'Rock & Blues' festival plus Germany's Seebronn 'Rock Of Ages' event, Belgium's Nidrum 'Roots Rock' show and August concerts in Seoul and Busan, South Korea. VINNIE MOORE cut a fresh solo album in October 2006, working with drummer Van Romaine at at Spin Studios in Queens, New York.

With Andy Parker breaking his ankle in February 2007, slipping on a wet floor, the band duly re-drafted Simon Wright. UFO's March European tour would give opportunity for VINNIE MOORE to schedule a number of Engl guitar clinics along the way.

In early 2009 UFO announced the title of their next studio album as 'The Visitor'. Of concern to fans though was that Pete Way was put out of action due to receiving treatment for a serious liver condition.

February 2010 saw the inclusion of a UFO medley 'Reasons Love' / 'This Kids' included on the Swedish MOUNTAIN OF POWER album 'Volume 2'.

Garry Sharpe-Young