Ufo - Rock Bottom

Sunday, time for a classic.

"Rock Bottom" is a tune co-written by vocalist/lyricist Phil Mogg and then lead guitarist Michael Schenker, "Rock Bottom" was recorded initially for the third studio album "Phenomenon" in 1974, on which it runs to 6 minutes 22 seconds. It was also released as a single - a format that could not possibly do it justice - the live version from "Strangers In The Night" (hear it below) is unquestionably the definitive. This album was recorded on the band's 1978 US tour and was released on the Chrysalis Label in January the following year.

Running to 11 minutes 8 seconds, "Rock Bottom" is the high point with Schenker demonstrating awesome speed and technique, but this is more than a mere guitar solo; towards the end, Paul Raymond on keyboards provides a thrilling racing effect with the mercurial German, who, incredibly, was said to be unhappy with the recording. Others beg to differ. In 2004, Classic Rock magazine rated UFO's "Strangers In The Night" double album the #2 live rock album of all time behind only THIN LIZZY's "Live And Dangerous"; on the strength of that alone, "Rock Bottom" must surely rate as one of the top hundred if not top ten heavy metal tracks of the 1970s if not of all time.

UFO largely left their blues-based "space rock" sound behind, in part due to the presence of their new guitarist, German 19-year-old Michael Schenker. The album was produced by Leo Lyons, bass guitarist of British rock group TEN YEARS AFTER. All tracks were recorded at Morgan Studios in London. The original cover design and photos were produced by Hipgnosis.

The British heavy metal band IRON MAIDEN performed a cover of "Doctor Doctor" when Blaze Bayley was with the band as their vocalist. IRON MAIDEN's cover version is included in "Lord Of The Flies" single and also in the Eddie's Archive boxed set on the "Best Of The B-Sides" collection. Traditionally, IRON MAIDEN uses the UFO live version, played over the venue PA system, to signal the audience that they are about to take the stage.

Today's song is dedicated to the iconic bass player Pete Way founder of UFO, WAYSTED, and, latterly, The Pete Way Band has passed away on Friday the 14th. He sustained life-threatening injuries in an accident two months ago but fought hard until finally succumbing to those injuries. 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 long time 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.

Enjoy today's tune and R.I.P. Pete.



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