Ufo Tickets

Ufo tickets

An influential force for the likes of Megadeth, Iron Maiden and Metallica, Ufo's career in rock spans some six decades. Instrumental in the evolution of the new wave of heavy metal that swept through Britain in the '70s, the Englanders continue to tour the globe today, regularly performing at such festivals as Steelhouse, Rock of Ages Festival and Download.

Ufo's background

In 1969, four musicians led by lead singer Phil Mogg formed the group Hocus Pocus. Only months later they were discovered in a nightclub and signed to a record deal, changing their name to Ufo. Within two years, they had released their debut and sophomore albums, Ufo 1 and Ufo 2: Flying. Although German and Japanese fans responded well to both records, neither made waves in America or Britain.

Due to the lack of interest on both sides of the Atlantic, Ufo decided to reinvent their sound. This culminated in the first lineup change when guitarist Mick Bolton parted ways with the group. Over time, Ufo saw a multitude of great talent come and go, including stars who had made their names in bands such as Skid Row and Scorpions.

Phenomenon (1974) served as a departure from the band's initial sound and resulted in international recognition for Ufo. They would go on to put out four more LPs before closing out the '70s. Following 1983's Making Contact, the group parted ways, but just a year later they were back in the studio.

Ufo broke up for a second time in 1989, and over the next decade would regroup and part ways several times. They found it hard to achieve the same level of success attained in the '70s, but were eventually able to make it back on the U.K. charts in 2009 with the release of The Visitor. In all, the group have issued over 50 albums - 22 of which are full-length studio efforts.

Ufo's accolades

Although Ufo may not have received a Grammy for their significant contribution to hard rock, the industry has certainly taken note. VH1, for instance, listed the band at No. 84 on its list of the greatest hard rock artists of all time. Michael Schenker, the guitarist who has been in and out of the group for over 40 years, was also listed alongside Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton and Slash in Hal Leonard's Legends of Rock Guitar.

Similar to Ufo

If you enjoy Ufo, you might also enjoy Black Sabbath or Saxon.