In MemoriamPaul ChapmanJune 9, 1954 – June 9, 2020Paul briefly replaced Gary Moore in Skid Row in 1970-1971. Interesting to me that Paul replaced Gary Moore and Michael Schenker...my two favorite guitarists!
Anyway, Paul joined UFO in 1974 for part of the Phenomenon tour. Basically playing rhythm to Michael's leads, Paul would leave to form his own band, Lonestar.
I have well documented Lonestar when discussing the Chapman Era, and he even brought a couple of Lonestar tracks that became UFO songs.
Lone Star-1976Firing On All Six-1977Paul filled in for Michael Schenker for the first few weeks of the Lights Out US tour, before Schenker rejoined the band. He then finished the Obsession tour after Michael left for good. There are many that would argue that the Chapman Era is their favorite. I will say that The Wild The Willing And The Innocent is my second favorite UFO album.
When the band reunited with Michael Schenker in 1993, Paul was also contacted about being the guitarist until Michael ultimately decided to do it.
In 2002, Paul released Ghost. with Carl Sentance on vocals. I have this. It's somewhat similar to the Save Your Prayers style.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSFyAK7i8E0Paul would basically retire to Florida, but still did some odd sessions here and there. He would join Gator Country, which included former members of Molly Hatchet, Singer Jimmy Farrar, guitarist Duane Roland, and drummer Duane Crump.
After Roland passed away, Paul joined the band.
Paul is featured on their 2008 live album, Gator Country Live.
https://open.spotify.com/album/1UWxwBxXZWnXkhXdNt4z0N?si=xKww3UMOTs-mUdc17NwMvAPaul in the left ear.
Here's a live clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndqs9T2PkEMHe has great chemistry with the other lead guitarist, Linne Disse, who is pretty fucking good himself.
I am very thankful I got a chance to see Paul live when Waysted opened for Iron Maiden in 1987.
When I heard of Paul Chapman's death, I was really moved. Unexpectedly, actually. I always thought Paul was cool as hell. He looked cool. Played cool. And I liked that he wasn't intimidated by replacing Michael Schenker. I actually thought he improved some of the songs, as discussed earlier in the thread.
A few years ago, I had scratched out an outline for a UFO Discography Thread. When Paul passed, I decided that the UFO Discography thread must happen. I got right on it.