23rd September 2019
A couple of days ago I received the sad news that my friend, guitarist Larry Wallis had died at the age of 70. Larry played with UFO in the early seventies, and although his tenure was brief, he left a lasting impression on me. We had lost touch over the years, but when Cleopatra records released the box set “Live Sightings” in 2015 I was fortunate enough to re-connect with him. After listening to the Early Flight vinyl album included in the box set and recorded at the legendary Marquee Club in Wardour street, I was reminded of just what a great guitarist he was. Always ready with a snappy comeback, a much younger Andy Parker once asked him at rehearsals why he was taking so long over a song part, to which he replied, “You might be rehearsing man, but I am creating”.
Classic Larry, he will be greatly missed. RIP buddy.
20th April 2019
If you were one of the many people who saw the band on their recent U.K. tour, then like me, I’m sure that you were totally shocked and stunned at the news of Paul’s untimely death. I am still trying to come to terms with the fact that I will never again share a stage with him.
I have known Paul for a good many years and it would be fair to say that over that time we have had our differences. But even if we didn’t see eye to eye, we still remained good friends. He was always one to make his opinions known and could be very stubborn at times, but that was only because he was so passionate about his craft. Even in recent years, while suffering from the ailments that come to us all with age, he never let them compromise his performance.
Invariably the last one down for the bus or cab to the gig, he would always look the rock star when he finally showed. I often joked with my other band mates “If I had all the time I have spent waiting for Paul, I could add ten years on my life.” Truth is, knowing what I know now, I would gladly have given them back to him.
I will miss his acid wit and his wicked sense of humour, which we shared on many occasions, his love of Hancock, the Goons, and Jazz, but most of all I think I will miss his professionalism and dedication to his art, and knowing that every night when he stepped out on that stage he gave one hundred and ten percent. Rest in peace my friend, you have earned it.
21st January 2019