Former UFO guitarist Paul “Tonka” Chapman Passed Away On His 66th birthday
via @UFO_rockband/Twitter
RIP
Guitarist Paul “Tonka” Chapman died on June 9, his 66th birthday, and his family confirmed his passing on Chapman’s Facebook page. No cause of death has been revealed.
His son wrote, “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. will keep everyone posted on his celebration of life. I appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers as his family grieves and processes everything at this time. I love you Dad. So much.”
Born on June 9, 1954, Chapman is best known for his work with UFO, a short tenure with Skid Row stepping in for Gary Moore in 1971, and Lone Star.
He first joined UFO in 1974 just in time for their tour in support of their Phenomenon album. He left in January 1975 to form Lone Star. He rejoined UFO as a full-time member in 1978 and played on a couple of records including No Place To Run, The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent, Mechanix and Making Contact.
Tributes have poured in including messages from UFO, former Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell, John Corabi, and Eddie Trunk.
