Paul Chapman (musician) facts for kids

Paul William Chapman (born June 9, 1954 – died June 9, 2020) was a talented rock guitarist from Wales. He was best known for his work with famous bands like UFO and Lone Star. Paul was often called "Tonka" because people thought he was very strong and "indestructible," just like the toy trucks!

Paul Chapman's Early Music Career

Paul Chapman's first notable band was a Welsh group called Universe. In December 1971, he joined Skid Row, taking over as guitarist from Gary Moore. His time with them was short, lasting until July 1972.

His next band was Kimla Taz, where he played guitar from December 1972 to May 1974.

Joining UFO for the First Time

Chapman first joined the band UFO in 1974. He became a second guitarist to make their live performances sound even bigger. He found out about the opportunity from an advertisement in a music paper called Melody Maker.

Even though he didn't record an album with UFO during this time, he toured to promote their Phenomenon album. You can hear him playing with the band on some live recordings released later by the BBC. He left UFO in January 1975 due to some disagreements.

After leaving UFO, he formed his own band, Lone Star, and played with them until June 1978. In 1977, he briefly helped UFO again. He filled in for their main guitarist, Michael Schenker, during a tour in the United States with the band Rush.

Paul Chapman's Years with UFO

After his temporary help with UFO, Paul went back to Lone Star. But in December 1978, he rejoined UFO permanently after Michael Schenker left the band. By this time, UFO was very successful around the world.

They were about to release their popular live album, Strangers in the Night. Paul is mentioned on this album, but he didn't actually play on it.

Recording Albums with UFO

Paul Chapman recorded his first album with UFO, called No Place to Run, in 1980. This album was special because it was produced by George Martin, who also worked with The Beatles. UFO then went on a big tour to promote the album. This tour ended with five sold-out shows at London's famous Hammersmith Odeon.

Chapman stayed with UFO until 1983. During this time, he played on three more albums:

• The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent (1981)
• Mechanix (1982)
• Making Contact (1983)

In 1983, after many changes in the band's lineup, UFO decided to stop playing together for a while. They went on a farewell tour. Later, a compilation album called Headstone was released. It included songs from the band members' other projects, and a Lone Star song by Paul Chapman was featured.

After His Time with UFO

After the UFO farewell tour, Paul Chapman moved to Florida, United States. There, he started a new band called DOA. He later teamed up with his former UFO bandmate, Pete Way, in a band called Waysted. They recorded two albums together: The Good the Bad the Waysted and Save your Prayers.

In 1993, Chapman formed another band called Ghost, with Carl Sentance as the singer. Paul was almost the guitarist for a reformed UFO in 1993, but Michael Schenker ended up rejoining instead.

Solo Work and Other Projects

Paul Chapman released an album called Anthology Volume One on his own label, Paul Chapman Enterprises. This album covered his music career from Lone Star all the way to Ghost. A solo instrumental song by him, "The Bells of Berlin," was also part of a Waysted collection released in 2000.

In 2001, he played on a Nazareth tribute album, Another Hair of the Dog. He performed on two songs: "This Flight Tonight" and "Let Me Be Your Dog."

In late 2002, he played as a guest with Jack Starr's new band, Jack Starr and the Guardians of the Flame. They released the album Under A Savage Sky in February 2003. After this, Chapman and Pete Way reformed Waysted with their original singer, Fin. Paul left Waysted in November 2004 after they finished a new album.

Chapman also formed a new band called PCP (Paul Chapman Project). He was working on a new album with them and writing a book called "Tonka Tales."

Teaching Music and Later Years

Paul Chapman taught music lessons from his own studio in Palm Bay, Florida. In 2006, he announced plans to re-record classic UFO songs. He worked with Robin McAuley, who sang on new versions of "No Place To Run," "Wild, Willing & Innocent," and "The Writer."

In July 2006, Chapman joined the American southern rock band Gator Country. This band was made up of musicians who used to play in Molly Hatchet. In 2015, Chapman went on a 10-week tour in the US with the band Killer Bee. He also recorded on their album Eye in the Sky.

Before he passed away, Paul Chapman continued to teach music one-on-one at his studio in downtown Melbourne, Florida.

Paul Chapman's Personal Life and Passing

Paul Chapman passed away on his 66th birthday, June 9, 2020. He is survived by his sons, a daughter, nine grandsons, and two granddaughters. He was also a cousin of another musician from South Wales, Dave Edmunds.

See also

In Spanish: Paul Chapman para niños