UFO, an English hard rock institution, helped pave the way for the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, with seminal acts like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Def Leppard citing the band as a significant influence. Led by vocalist Phil Mogg, who has been the group's sole constant member since its formation in 1968, UFO enjoyed commercial success in the '70s and '80s with hits like "Rock Bottom," "Lights Out," and "Doctor, Doctor." Their 1979 concert album Strangers in the Night is often cited as one of the greatest live rock albums. UFO underwent numerous lineup changes over the years -- guitarist Michael Schenker, formerly of Scorpions, joined the band in 1973 and contributed significantly to their sound before leaving in 1978 -- but managed to release 22 studio albums, 14 live recordings, and numerous compilations before ceasing operations in 2024.
Vocalist Phil Mogg, guitarist Mick Bolton, bassist Pete Way, and drummer Andy Parker formed the British space metal outfit UFO in 1968. Originally known as Hocus Pocus, the group, which took the name UFO in honor of a London club, debuted in 1971 with UFO 1. Both the album and its follow-up, the same year's Flying, found great success in Japan, France, and Germany but were barely noticed in the band's native country; as a result, their third effort, 1972's Live, was released only in Japan.
In 1974, Bolton left the group; after brief trial runs with ex-Pink Fairies guitarist Larry Wallis and future Whitesnake member Bernie Marsden, former Scorpion Michael Schenker stepped in as a permanent replacement in time to record 1974's Phenomenon, which sported a harder-edged guitar sound. After 1975's Force It and 1976's No Heavy Petting gave UFO increased visibility with American audiences, keyboardist Paul Raymond joined for 1977's Lights Out. However, after 1978's Obsession, Schenker left the group, first to rejoin the Scorpions and later to form his own band. Despite the addition of guitarist Paul Chapman, the following UFO LP, No Place to Run, failed to match the success of its predecessors.
In 1982, the group released Mechanix, notching a minor U.S. hit with "Back into My Life." Later that year, Way exited to form Waysted and was replaced by ex-Eddie & the Hot Rods bassist Paul Gray. After 1983's Making Contact, UFO dissolved, only to re-form two years later for Misdemeanor; however, the album was met with little response, and they again called it quits. In 1993, the band's most popular lineup -- Mogg, Schenker, Way, Raymond, and Parker -- reunited and recorded the 1995 album Walk on Water. After a tour, the members yet again went their separate ways. Mogg and Way continued to work as Mogg/Way and released the albums Edge of the World (1997) and Chocolate Box (1999).
Schenker rejoined in 2000 with veteran drummer Aynsley Dunbar for the double LP Covenant, featuring new studio and live recordings. Sharks appeared in 2002; Schenker and Dunbar departed and were replaced by Vinnie Moore and Jason Bonham, respectively. This new band welcomed returning keyboardist Paul Raymond for 2004's You Are Here and 2005's live album Showtime. Bonham was the next to leave and was replaced by the band's original drummer, Andy Parker, for 2006's The Monkey Puzzle. The Visitor -- an album recorded without the participation of Pete Way due to the bassist's health problems -- followed in 2009. Seven Deadly arrived in 2012, and in early 2015, the group issued their 21st studio long-player, Conspiracy of Stars, which featured a lineup of core members Phil Mogg, Paul Raymond, and Andy Parker, along with Vinnie Moore and bassist Rob De Luca. UFO released the all-covers LP The Salentino Cuts two years later. Health issues plagued the band in the years to come, with the deaths of longtime keyboardist and guitarist Paul Raymond (2019), former guitarist Paul Chapman (2020), and Pete Way (2020); Mogg's heart attack in 2022 resulted in the official dissolution of the legendary group in 2024. ~ Jason Ankeny & James Christopher Monger
