In 1983, I had the incredible chance to spend an evening with Pete Way and Paul Chapman from UFO. At the time, they were touring with their new band, Waysted, opening for the legendary Ronnie James Dio.
After the show, we spent the first part of the night at the Sheraton bar in Brussels, chatting about their careers and music in general. Paul and Pete were incredibly friendly; they even took the time to fill out the "rock questionnaires" I had brought along. As a 19-year-old, it was my way of breaking the ice and getting the conversation started.
I had actually met Pete Way before, during the three days I spent at the Reading Rock Festival in 1982. His close friend Steve Harris had given my brother and me two VIP passes for the whole weekend. Seeing me talking to Steve (and Lemmy), Pete recognized us instantly. Back then, he had just formed Waysted with Fast Eddie Clarke (Motörhead) on guitar and Topper Headon (The Clash) on drums, both of whom were also backstage at the Reading Festival that year.
As the night drew to a close, and I honestly can’t recall how I happened to have them with me, I had my bass and my 12-string guitar on hand. Paul and Pete were in high spirits (and a bit tipsy) and invited me and my girlfriend at the time back to their room for a private jam session, so as not to disturb the patrons at the bar. Once there, they played a few tunes for us, a bit of UFO at my request, but mostly songs I didn't recognize... likely some classic English drinking songs! ;)
All in all, it was a legendary night spent with two icons of British rock.
