Paul Raymond from UFO - 2012 Interview

Cara Carriveau chats with UFO's Paul Raymond about his longevity with UFO (36 years!), the current lineup, his relationship with Michael Schenker, his upcoming CD from The Paul Raymond Project and more...
Watch "Rock Bottom" LIVE (performed 11/15/12 at Chicago's House Of Blues): • Video
More interviews with rock stars: www.CarasBasement.com

[@1Phepsi]

Paul Raymond, probably the most underrated musician in rock. Absolutely a class act.

[@janetmobilia8078]

Hi Mark. That's a fact. Dude is GREAT.

[@scottfisher6331]

Rock In Peace Paul Raymond - you will be missed

[@greg-warsaw4708]

Yes you are missed Paul - we remember you as a thoroughbred rock stalwart.

[@MrMustard2U]

Raymond died from a heart attack on April 13, 2019; he was 73 years old, So Very sad...Gonna Miss the Hell out of you Paul....RIP... UFO are one of the Greatest Rock Bands Ever....

[@nirandornminrintara1454]

RIP....Miss you Paul...You are one of best keyboardist in rock world so cool and gentle man....love you.

[@tracethomas7781]

Paul will be missed - A True Gentleman and the architect of some very essential keyboard tapestries. Classic tones and the quintessential multi-tasking musician.

[@miaperez8807]

That’s my dad I watch this all the time just to see him thank you

[@JamieBarrettMusic]

R.I.P., Paul Raymond... you were the secret ingredient in the success of UFO... the best albums and best songs are the ones you played on and even co-wrote... you will be sorely missed... huge fan since I first heard the song you wrote the music for, UFO’s “Looking Out For #1”...

[@portcullis5622]

Listening to this interview makes today's news even sadder. Paul seemed a really genuine, down to earth person. Before we heard the sad news, we were listening to Strangers In The Night today after seeing UFO on their recent UK tour. :( His keyboard parts help to lift those classic songs to a higher level, above that of most rock songs.

[@tieukhavu8832]

Dear Paul. Thanks alot for everything you did in UFO as a rhythm guitarist and especially on keyboards. Rock in Peace. So sad...

[@Shads62]

so prophetic. RIP pete and Paul

[@terrancesingerling4940]

Loved listening to Paul..No ego or rock star stupidity..Sad day hearing of Paul's Deaparture..We will always have his music..Love you brother

[@lawrencearansaspasstx4374]

I'm 62yrs old and remember one concert in particular, which I went to see around 1977, with the lineup of UFO, Triumph and Frank Morino and Mahogany Rush. That was a guitar lovers dream come true. I was in awe of UFO and the song "Rock Bottom" became one of the best memories of that show. Paul, you will always be remembered for your talent!(Many of my Rock heros from the '70s are now IN their 70s and won't be jamming forever. If anyone gets a chance to see ANY of the '70s Rockers, better grab the opportunity!🎸🎤🥁🤘)

[@latkagravas9011]

Paul's an awesome talent. Major part of UFO's sound.

[@AlanBGoode]

I couldn't have said that better.

[@jillbettini2668]

So sad to lose another one. One of my favorite bands! Condolences!!

[@tied2dye1]

he's jammin with paul kantner and marty ballin now

[@redfryslan5478]

Phil is the face and voice, Andy the backbone, Vinnie and Rob are the wingmen, Paul was the heart and soul of the band (UFO). Paul you were great, loved your playing.

[@FranciscoXavier7]

My deepest condolences, my friend see you in the other side.💛

[@scottuforox7654]

Best opening to any Rock song Love To Love. You will be missed greatly.

[@SuperAA1975]

Paul is awesome , I met him at the opening show in Chicago at the house of blues Nov 15th 2012 , back stage . Very generous and greatful for his fans , matter a fact he shared his dinner with me after the show , great conversation awesome musician ! The whole band was fun to hang with it was a dream come true and a blessing to have met them all !

[@leelawrence5206]

what a nice professional interview....great job cara..

[@MeanrBeanr]

A toast to thank and celebrate Mr. P R's immense contribution to music. May he rock in peace.

[@bobnixon1964]

RIP Paul Raymond

[@koolerm4806]

R.I.P. Paul. What an asset to the Rock World. Thank You.

[@davidhancock6018]

Just learned of Paul’s death , RIP , a major talent , saw em just two weeks ago in notts

[@robert2948]

1977 opening for Rush. Never forget it. RIP Paul and Paul.

[@Multi80schick]

Paul is so down to earth and funny. Great interviewer too. Love this.

[@jerryonspeed]

Lisa Bilgrien I agree! What a humble chap in a cheerful talk. Excellent!

[@glpinkfloyd6809]

I just found out about the passing of PAUL RAYMOND 😢 RIP

[@archieferrari]

A true gentleman and musical genius 🎶

[@BluesLicks101]

Rest in peace Paul, thanks for all the inspiration.

[@LeonDonnelly23]

RIP Paul. I trained with clowns Mump & Smoot in Toronto, 94-95. Returning to London I was involved in a production of Woody Allen’s “God.” Danny Kirwan of Fleetwood Mac played the part of Woody Allen . We became great friends. Danny was also in the Spice Girls “Wannabe” video.... The late Paul Raymond played on my late friend Danny Kirwan’s first solo album, post Fleetwood Mac, “Second Chapter”. They formed a short lived band “Hungry Fighter” in 1974, which disbanded after their first gig ended in a terrible road crash with serious injury to their road manager & the destruction of their instruments & equipment. My condolences to Paul’s family and loved ones. Rest in peace Paul, your music lives on. My late friend Danny Kirwan of Fleetwood Mac released three solo albums (“Second Chapter” 1975, “Midnight In San Juan “ 1976 & “Hello there big boy!” 1979), under DJM Records, owned now by Universal Music, including a Reggae version of The Beatles’ “Let it Be.” Danny loved The Beatles. I should like to see those three solo albums remastered and rereleased. Millions of music fans would too. An interview I gave Sunday concerning my friendship with the late Danny Kirwan of Fleetwood Mac: “The real story of Danny Kirwan post Fleetwood Mac.” The Guitar Show Interview. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6u4dHtqfcidoNE ‘Hungry Fighter’ Band Members: Danny Kirwan (Boilerhouse, Fleetwood Mac, Tramp) (d. 2018) : Guitar/Vocal Paul Raymond (Plastic Penny, Chicken Shack, Savoy Brown, UFO, Michael Schenker Group, Waysted, Paul Raymond Project.) (d. 2019) Keyboards/Vox Dave Walker ( Idle Race, Savoy Brown, Fleetwood Mac, Black Sabbath) : rythmn/vox Andy Sylvester ( Chicken Shack, Big Town Playboys, Savoy Brown, Wha-Koo, Steve Gibbons Band, Chris Youlden, The Honeydrippers ) : Bass Dave Bidwell: ( Chicken Shack, Savoy Brown.) (d.1977 ): drums

[@richrico1]

RIP Paul..... Your music will be missed greatly!

[@GreenerHill]

He looked so young. Rest in Peace, and thanks for the fantastic music, PR. Hope people listen to Misdemeanor afresh now. It had Paul Raymond all over it, to great effect.

[@revup67]

This is great, thanks for recording and sharing this wonderful interview. @7:25 - Paul Raymond's response was spot on. I had seen UFO at the Show Place in Dover, NJ on Aug 5, 1977 and was expecting Schenker. There must have been 50 people in this small bar. The band takes the stage and Paul Chapman comes out instead of Schenker. There was quite a bit of boo-ing but eventually the crowd settled down. I was in complete awe, sat right up front, as I had known of Paul Chapman from Lone Star (worth checking out). He was on fire and did an amazing job. UFO played again at the Palladium the following night Aug 6, 1977 with 38 Special and Johnny Winter as the head liner. The crowd had the same reaction, Boo-ing and middle finger as Paul Raymond proclaims. Schenker returned with UFO later that fall in November 12, 1977 to the Palladium and then Paul Chapman returned with the UFO once again about a year later. Paul Raymond is spot on with how fans reacted and that's a shame. Glad I had the chance to meet with Paul Raymond several times - always a bit shy. UFO without Paul Raymond is like having a jigsaw puzzle and you can't find that last piece..RIP PAUL RAYMOND.

[@Classic_Rock_Station]

Name-checks Paul Chapman twice. That's awesome. Especially telling how difficult it was for Tonka back then.

[@Explorer766]

What an interesting and enjoyable life he had. And unlike the rest of us people will be hearing his art and speaking his name 100 years on after his passing. Well done Mr. Raymond sir RIP.

[@martinmueller4240]

Great musician and great guy

[@seamus2112ophelan]

Damn, such a shame about Mr Raymond, but this interview has inspired me to get his solo album that he spoke of.

[@1976HHHS]

RIP Paul 😰❤

[@tommcdonald9337]

I saw the band in Chicago a few weeks ago. Phil was amazing, as were all they guys. I wish to God these guys would get more recognition for the amazing amount original recorded music and touring they have done. Glad you asked about Pete too. Cara, you are very lucky to have had an opportunity to speak with Paul.

[@johnunderwood3132]

Has a head of hair and he plays left handed.. how cool is he!! UFO

[@andrewtongue7084]

Cara - hot as ever - interviewing one of the true legends in the business; a very self-effacing man, but with decided opinions, & who shall be (inexorably) missed by all his followers. Genius (& a lefty, like myself) - what's not to like ? I hope you're tearing it up, wherever you are now, Paul :)

[@gitaneVYS491R]

Just learned of Paul's passing, very sad.

[@richardodell9822]

Paul raymond you will be missed

[@diosnake]

RIP. What a great musician.

[@simonthorley2105]

Nice one Paul, a legend!

[@64fizar]

Paul is awesome...very talented

[@bobbybarclay4793]

Tom - you lucky, lucky b...... .Had the pleasure of watching them in Glasgow in 2007 and they were amazing. Brilliant gig.

[@mattyboywalker9094]

Just out of interest what venue was that??

[@CaraCarriveau]

@@mattyboywalker9094 This was in the lobby of the hotel where he was staying at the time. I think it may have been in Schaumburg, IL.

[@ilovealaska2000]

RIP Paul Raymond, you were a guitar great..

[@AXEFLYERFV]

Many thnx for posting this great interview! my favorite UFO / MSG Rhythm Guitarist & Keyboardist! 10+*****!

[@leedsunitedfan8494]

What a guy. Sad news about his passing.

[@tabbygail7]

Seems to me the best UFO albums are the ones with Raymond on them. Interesting, being a lefty, how he didn't reverse the strings on his guitar, just basically played it upside down. "Not the drug thing..." Hilarious!

[@MichaelMaxwell747]

Never Trust a Stranger, written by Paul is such an under rated song and Should have been a number one hit. Everything that was said about UFO the influence the status of Strangers.... You will be missed Paul Raymond!

[@operasinger2126]

The greatest rock band.

[@aceman3577]

REST IN PEACE PAUL RAYMOND

[@jelsmamsgufo]

Raymond en Schenker are a good pair together. Strangers in the night and one night at Budokan are classics. I hope to see mr. Raymond and mr. Schenker on the same stage again in the near future.

[@QBtracksandstuff]

R.I.P. Paul

[@2639629]

RIP Paul Raymond 04.13.19

[@windsorwiarton9582]

Good interview and Paul Raymond is a sweetie - thanks for posting

[@glenngailey4916]

Sad time , ufo was the first band I saw live, 45 years ago.

[@Mr01081960]

Paul great great great musician 😘

[@julianstiff4685]

I’ve just come here after listening to strangers in the night remastered on vinyl !! It’s even better than the original!! Truly the best live album of all time !!! It’s been a part of my life for 40 plus yrs and it still blows me away !!

[@shermanemma]

My first and only UFO show was on December 18th, 1978, at the Lewiston Armory (Maine). It was the Strangers in the Night tour. I also believe that Cheap Trick was the headliner for that particular gig. I was a HUGE UFO fan at the time, with Phenomenon being my favorite album in my growing record collection. Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed that Michael Schenker wasn't there and that Paul Chapman was playing lead guitar. That said, Chapman did an admirable job. The guy could really play, but Schenker's shoes were just too big to fill on such short notice (and probably...ever).

[@MichaelMaxwell747]

Saw UFO in 1979 with Judas Priest opening for them. A life changing event. Paul Chapman was great but yes we wanted Michael.

[@troylumpkin]

What a nice bloke.

[@kentbeery8653]

Hell Yes he's an Original member

[@tieukhavu8832]

Not when they started in 1969. He joined the band in 1977. Nevertheless, he WAS in the band for 42 years.

[@Classic_Rock_Station]

@@tieukhavu8832 He joined in '76. Original line-up vs Classic line-up? It's Classic by a knock-out.

[@tieukhavu8832]

@@Classic_Rock_Station My bad. Thank you very much. But he played on "Lights Out" from 1977.

[@theresaakins2317]

@@tieukhavu8832 in 1975 when my sister and I were 14 (twins), we wrote a song called Lights Out. We had the concept already laid out for the artwork on our "album". A black/blank page with a light bulb hanging from a thin wire and an old wooden chair beneath. We had good lyrics and wrote another song for the album called Get Going. I wish we pursued a rock career but alas! Then UFOs lights out came out and, that was that. Lol.

[@tieukhavu8832]

@@theresaakins2317 Hihi.

[@georgfritzl8453]

Great interview, great interviewer.

[@Flametopology]

I played in a band with Paul in a late 80s in Los Angeles and loved hanging out with him. He's about the nicest guy I'd ever met and hearing of his passing has saddened me tremendously.

[@mariop.hermann33]

R.IP. PAUL RAYMOND! -- BIG-U.F.O.-FAN: MARIO P., LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND. BYE-BYE PAUL. ............

[@jaywyatt3584]

fair play to Kipper. A lovely man, super musician and all round top chap!

[@zeppearl]

I missed this ...glad you posted it on FB. Fun interview I was lucky to see UFO last Oct 2017 at Concord in Chicago with Saxon what a show !!!!!!...the boys still rock hard. Nice job Cara !! -VK

[@JimGrillo]

awesome interview Cara!!!

[@Mission2Transition641]

good interview!...paul is great...got his guitar pick from a show in Germany 1993.

[@lonegroover]

Watched this about three hours before Paul's death was announced. Unsettling. Awful news.

[@spuds6423]

A chick who loves UFO ... automatically a "10"!!! 😃

[@theresaakins2317]

I loved UFO! Love to love was my fave song! Love the heavy guitar balanced by the tapestry of keyboards! A class act. I saw them 2 times, both Day On the Greens in Oakland Ca

[@tieukhavu8832]

Cara is an Angel and looks like one as well

[@stevefindlay7155]

Sadly never got to Paul and UFO/MSG perform as they never toured Australia…seems he was really nice guy and very humble…sadly missed👍🇦🇺🎸

[@JoeBOU812]

Paul Raymond with Paul Varley, John Brent, and Pete (sorry mate) were a blast to watch making rock music. I learned a few things from them...like, don't drink the beer from the vending machine at the studio.

[@mattyboywalker9094]

Rip Mr RAYMOND so so so sad 💔

[@theresaakins2317]

So handsome and talented!

[@buney]

Lights out in Guildford!! Great gigs. Miss ya mate!

[@peterguitarcrying1]

R.I.P. mate

[@grandpagrammar]

Saw Paul Raymond several times with (the Dave Walker incarnation) Savoy Brown in the early 70s and he was always a superb player with great stage presence. RIP Paul

[@StephanJK]

Great interview!

[@RandyFricke]

I remember that era when Michael was replaced by Paul Raymond. UFO came to La Crosse and I was absolutely a Schenker freak and so I'm at the show and the lights go down, the band hits the stage and no Blond Bomber. To top it all off Paul Chapman was so drunk that he didn't know what town he was in. I was one of those guys giving the one-fingered salute. Pete Way was awesome though. Total trooper. I never did grow to like Paul Chapman either.

[@timpenfield5]

GUYS A GENIUS,

[@chrismontreuil2206]

Missed very much. Thanks for your love.

[@maverickminstrel1557]

Paul ,Tonka and Pete all RIP since this took place

[@markullyett]

RIP so sad

[@gregorybuell686]

One of my favorite bands

[@seantaylor4313]

Fuck,I just found out about Paul’s sudden death,passed up the chance to see UFO in Belfast recently,gutted,Rock in Peace

[@Davy.J.Y]

im so glad paul is still on friendly terms with schenker..

[@markconnell7723]

RTP Paul Raymond. RIP Paul Chapman .

[@johkarimchilltv7687]

My fovorite band of all time, Belladonna my #1 music because this music is pretty pretty amazing voice ang guitar

[@davidday8417]

All you need to know how many guitarists said that Paul Chapman was their biggest influence 0 how many said Michael Schenker to many to count !! U.F.O. without Schenker is peanut butter without Jelly !!! This guy was an awesome player he complimented Schenker and vice versa. !! Rest In Peace Paul you were terrific and most of all Thank You for the awesome Music !!!

[@josemanueldominguez4346]

Me gusta mucho como toca el piano en Let It Rock ( Rock and Roll on The Radio) del Álbum Street Corner Talking de Savoy Brown 1971. RIP

[@winterman63]

thanks for posting

[@Jerwood1000]

RIP our friend .

[@ЛюдмилаКоровина-я5я]

Прекрасный музыкант и хороший добрый человек, очень жаль, когда уходят такие люди !

[@nickflores9714]

I would have loved to hear what he says about his work on Danny Kirwan's Second Chapter....

[@colinrgage]

I enjoyed that

[@falseteeth5621]

5:23 The best live album of all time is Live and Dangerous by Thin Lizzy.

[@fyorbane]

False Teeth In your opinion. For me it's UFO'S Strangers In The Night. But both are superb albums.

[@jerryonspeed]

John Stots You're not serious, aren't you?

[@NightmareSnake]

Rainbow On Stage

[@rosskolnikov]

Not really live (Thin Lizzy).

[@nickmyatt5864]

If u want blood ac/dc

[@cheveroletllnova2672]

Such a gentleman...reminds me of an older version of cousin Oliver from the Brady Bunch.

[@TomAcura3]

Would love to buy Paul dinner someday.