Saying Goodbye To UFO's Paul Raymond

by Matman

When I got the word that Paul Raymond passed away, I was absolutely gutted and at a complete loss for words! I did send UFO bassist Rob DeLuca a message expressing my sadness and support for everyone, but in times like this... I feel like I should do more, I just don't know what.

Paul Raymond began his music career moving from one band to another until he found some stability with Savoy Brown in 1974 and stayed until 1976 when he joined UFO for their landmark album, LIGHTS OUT. Raymond added a new element and depth to UFO's music being able to shift from keyboards to guitar when needed.  He played on UFO's next three albums; OBSESSION, STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT and NO PLACE TO RUN before leaving in 1980 to join the Michael Schenker Group. Raymond stayed for one studio album, MSG and the live ONE NIGHT AT BUDOKAN and left to join another ex-UFO member, Pete Way in his band Waysted.  Raymond would rejoin UFO in 1985, come back in 1995, left and returned in 2004 and would remain with the band until his passing.

UFO are currently on their final tour called LAST ORDERS 50th Anniversary.

As our heroes all get older, we still are shocked when they leave us and Paul Raymond left us with a long life (73 years old) and so many great musical memories. It isn't known how this will effect the US dates of their farewell tour, but as someone who was excited to be at their last show possibly ever in November, I wouldn't fault them for just calling it a day right now. 

To his family, friends, band mates and his many fans... it is a sad day.