Kirk Hammett (METALLICA), Joe Elliott (DEF LEPPARD), David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE, DIO) and Matt Sorum (GUNS N' ROSES) are among the musicians who have reacted on social media to the passing of Paul Raymond . The UFO guitarist and keyboard player died early Saturday morning (April 13) after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 73 years old.
Paul 's professional career began in January 1964. He started out as a jazz musician but went on to become best known as a member of legendary British rock band UFO 's classic lineup alongside Phil Mogg , Michael Schenker , Andy Parker and Pete Way . Raymond is also featured on classic records by CHICKEN SHACK and SAVOY BROWN as well as solo albums, plus those credited to PAUL RAYMOND PROJECT .
Raymond was recruited by UFO in 1976 to replace the band's first keyboardist, Danny Peyronel . When Michael Schenker left UFO , Raymond joined Schenker 's MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP and later hooked up with Pete Way in WAYSTED .
Raymond appeared on more than a dozen of UFO 's albums, including "Lights Out" and the live classic "Strangers In The Night" .
UFO is scheduled to make a series of European festival appearances this coming June and July, with a U.S. tour slated for October.
The band's current lineup includes original members Mogg and Parker , as well as Vinnie Moore (lead guitar), who joined in 2003, and Rob De Luca (bass), a member since 2012.
UFO is considered one of the classic hard rock acts, and was ranked No. 84 on VH1 's "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock."
R.I.P. Paul🌹🌹🌹
