METALLICA, JUDAS PRIEST, DEF LEPPARD, MEGADETH Members Pay Tribute To UFO's PAUL RAYMOND

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.”

I’ve just heard the sad news of Paul Raymond’s passing
I won’t pretend that we were always the best of friends but i am…

Posted by Pete Way on Saturday, April 13, 2019

“Literally, as my tribute to UFO show on Planet Rock was being broadcast, the news broke that Paul Raymond, their…

Posted by Def Leppard on Saturday, April 13, 2019

We are saddened to hear the news this morning of our friend and touring mate Paul Raymond of UFO’s sudden passing.

Our…

Posted by Saxon (Official) on Saturday, April 13, 2019

Judas Priest send their love to Paul Raymond, his family and fans. We played many shows with UFO and remember Paul as a brilliant musician and friend – may he rest in peace….

Posted by Judas Priest on Saturday, April 13, 2019

“I am very sad to hear of the passing of Paul Raymond of UFO. We were friends and he was an extremely talented musician and a real good guy. RIP” …….. Brian Wheat

Posted by Tesla the Band on Saturday, April 13, 2019

We woke up to the very sad news today that Paul Raymond passed away.

“It is unbelievable. Paul Raymond was a great…

Posted by Michael Schenker on Saturday, April 13, 2019

NO! He just finished a tour this week! Oh man… I was really looking forward to seeing him with UFO upcoming here in…

Posted by Craig Locicero on Saturday, April 13, 2019

The UFO family and music community is mourning the loss of the multi talented and secret weapon Mr. Paul Raymond.
I…

Posted by Jeff Kollman on Saturday, April 13, 2019

To the Late Great
Paul Raymond –
Make more Metal in Heaven Bro !!! ????? ? #paulraymond #ufo ? by @rosshalfin https://t.co/5uwNrcEj2Z

— Kirk Hammett (@KirkHammett) April 14, 2019

Absolutely gutted. #PaulRaymond performed and wrote on some favourite albums ever with UFO and MSG (Michael Schenker Group). A truly brilliant musician. Really underrated. Sad day for rock’n’roll. We are losing all the original heroes one by one. ?
R.I.P. Paul Raymond. ? pic.twitter.com/JKFp51KILU

— ??????? ????? (@Michael_Amott) April 13, 2019

Condolences to the UFO family and Paul Raymond’s family and friends:( R.I.P. Paul???

Paul Raymond was the #mvp of #ufo and I am thankful for his music over the past 30 plus years.… https://t.co/UW37ee1Hfk

— DOUG ALDRICH (@Douglas_Aldrich) April 13, 2019

R.I.P. PAUL RAYMOND I was a big UFO fan as a kid- Paul’s grinding B3 on “LIghts Out”, and his gorgeous Rhodes work on “Love To Love” inspired me- The piano section in the DT song “Lines In The Sand” is derived from “Love To Love” ? R.I.P. Paul pic.twitter.com/e65gGh00Oo

— Derek Sherinian (@DerekSherinian) April 13, 2019

#Rip Paul Raymond Of @UFO_rockband One Of my all time favorite bands , I had a UFO club in High school and they were my band.
Rock In Peace Paul !!! pic.twitter.com/dmOVrpuzuz

— matt sorum (@mattsorum) April 13, 2019

So sad to hear of the passing of UFO keyboardist/guitarist/writer Paul Raymond. We only met once when Megadeth played a festival together in summer 2017 and he was such a kind and… https://t.co/pki9hnj2eU

— David Ellefson (@ellefsondavid) April 13, 2019

We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Paul Raymond. Our thoughts are with his family and those close to him. RIP Paul https://t.co/2t7ulQkAVb

— FOGHAT (@FOGHAT) April 13, 2019

I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Paul Raymond’s passing this morning. We just performed on the same stage a week ago and traveled throughout UK/Ireland for a month. A sweet man indeed. My condolences to the wonderful UFO team and Paul’s family, friends and fans. RIP

— Bjorn Englen (@BjornEnglen) April 13, 2019