Paul Chapman, former lead guitarist for the London hard rock band UFO has died at the age of 66.
Chapman’s son broke the news on Facebook that he had passed away on Tuesday, which was his 66th birthday. “It is with a heavy heart writing this, today is my dads 66th birthday. He passed away earlier this afternoon. He was a brilliant, energetic, loving and most carefree person and the First man I ever loved. Everyone he came in contact with loved him — no ADORED him,” he wrote.
He first joined the band in 1974 as a rhythm guitarist, but it wasn’t until 1978 that he became a full-time member of UFO. His stint in the band lasted until 1983 with Chapman contributing on four albums, No Place To Run, The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent, Mechanix, and Making Contact. Following his departure from UFO, he moved to Florida and went on to play in numerous bands.
Chapman was nicknamed “Tonka” by his peers due to his indestructible qualities, much like a Tonka Truck.
Tributes to Chapman began to pour in on social media with UFO writing, “We send our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Paul Tonka Chapman, who died yesterday, on his 66th birthday.”
Former Mötley Crüe frontman John Corabi wrote, “I had the great fortune of meeting him in Philadelphia, and L.A., and he was nothing short of amazing to a young dreamer!!!!”
Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell wrote, “He was my main influence on guitar for many years and a brilliant bloke. Thoughts are with his family.”
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