UFO
Biography
UFO emerged from the London music scene in 1969 as one of hard rock's most enduring and influential forces, carving out a legacy that would span over five decades and inspire countless musicians in the heavy metal and hard rock genres. Founded by vocalist Phil Mogg and guitarist Mick Bolton, along with bassist Pete Way and drummer Andy Parker, the band initially explored a psychedelic space rock sound that would eventually evolve into the powerful, guitar-driven hard rock that became their signature.
The band's early years saw them experimenting with lengthy instrumental passages and cosmic themes, but it was the arrival of German guitarist Michael Schenker in 1973 that truly transformed UFO into the powerhouse they would become. Schenker, who had left the Scorpions to join UFO, brought with him a melodic yet aggressive guitar style that would define the band's golden era and establish him as one of rock's most revered guitarists.
UFO's breakthrough came with their 1974 album "Phenomenon," which marked their transition from space rock pioneers to hard rock legends. The album showcased Schenker's soaring guitar work alongside Mogg's distinctive vocals, creating a template that would influence the emerging heavy metal scene. Tracks like "Doctor Doctor" and "Rock Bottom" became staples of the genre, with the latter featuring one of Schenker's most celebrated guitar solos. The album's success established UFO as a major force in British hard rock and set the stage for their most acclaimed period.
Building on this momentum, UFO released "Force It" in 1975, further cementing their reputation as masters of melodic hard rock. However, it was 1977's "Lights Out" that truly captured the band at their creative and commercial peak. Widely regarded as their masterpiece, "Lights Out" perfectly balanced heavy riffs with memorable melodies, showcasing the band's ability to craft both anthemic rockers and emotional ballads. The title track became a hard rock classic, while songs like "Too Hot to Handle" and "Love to Love" demonstrated the band's versatility and Schenker's exceptional guitar prowess. The album's success helped UFO break into international markets and established them as one of the premier hard rock acts of the late 1970s.
The band's third pivotal release, "Strangers in the Night" (1979), captured UFO's explosive live energy across two discs of concert recordings. This live album, recorded during their tour supporting "Obsession," is often cited as one of the greatest live rock albums ever made. It perfectly documented the chemistry between Mogg's commanding stage presence and Schenker's guitar wizardry, featuring extended versions of their classics that showcased their improvisational skills and raw power. The album served as both a career highlight and, ironically, a swan song for the classic lineup, as Michael Schenker departed shortly after its release to pursue other projects.
UFO's influence on the development of heavy metal cannot be overstated. Their combination of melody and power directly inspired the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement, with bands like Iron Maiden and Def Leppard citing them as major influences. Guitar legends including Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Slash of Guns N' Roses, and countless others have praised Schenker's work with UFO as formative to their own development as musicians.
Despite numerous lineup changes over the decades, Phil Mogg remained the band's constant presence, leading various incarnations of UFO through the 1980s, 1990s, and beyond. While they never quite recaptured the commercial success of their 1970s peak, the band continued to release albums and tour regularly, maintaining a devoted fanbase and earning respect as elder statesmen of hard rock.
Throughout their career, UFO released over twenty studio albums and became renowned for their powerful live performances. They were inducted into various halls of fame and received numerous accolades for their contributions to rock music. Their songs have been covered by countless artists, and their influence can be heard in multiple generations of rock and metal bands.
Phil Mogg announced his retirement from touring in 2019, effectively bringing UFO's remarkable journey to a close after fifty years. The band's final tour served as a celebration of their incredible legacy and their role in shaping the sound of hard rock and heavy metal. UFO's story remains one of rock's great tales of artistic evolution, international success, and lasting influence on the musical landscape.
