In 1973 the band recruited an 18 year old Michael Schenker from the band Scorpions. This marked a departure from their space rock sound to a more hard edged rock sound. They released a string of critically acclaimed rock albums in the 70s that gained them a following in America and made them stars in the UK. Around the time of the 1978 release of Obsession, tensions between Schenker and Mogg were mounting. UFO arguably reached their peak at this time. In 1978 they toured extensively and recorded material for the double live album Strangers in the Night which was released in 1979. This album is considered by many fans and critics to be one of the best live rock albums ever produced. Immediately after the Strangers in the Night tour Michael Schenker left the band.
After this period UFO's popularity began to decline as they continue to release material. In 1988 they disbanded due to lackluster sales, decline in popularity, and their inability to (or perhaps refusal to) capitalize on the popularity of the glam rock movement. But the hiatus was short lived.
In 1992 Mogg and Way put together another UFO lineup that met with some new interest from fans. In 1993 the original UFO got back together (with Schenker) and the result was 1995's Walk on Water, which some consider to be one of the best comeback rock albums ever.
Schenker re-joined and quit UFO many times in the early 2000s. Due to Schenker's instability as a band member (and erratic tour behavior) Mogg eventually gained full control of the UFO band brand and Schenker is now forever from the picture (most likely).
UFO has released 20 studio albums, and many live/compilation albums. Though the lineup has changed many times over the years the core members of the band were usually involved along the way: Phil Mogg (vocals), Pete Way (bass), Andy Parker (drums), and Paul Raymond (guitar).
UFO's influence was strongly felt in the '80s metal scene and they have been cited as a primary influence of Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, and Iron Maiden who gives thanks to UFO in the liner note of The Number of the Beast.
UFO's official website: http://www.ufo-music.info
There are other artists with same name:
2) UFO is a Danish rapper/singer-songwriter and member of the Danish hip-hop group Ufo&Yepha.
3) UFO is the alias of UK Happy Hardcore artist Jason Holloway who is known for his production on such labels as Raverbaby and Jellybaby.
4) UFO is a Latvian singer/songwriter also known as Kaspars Upacieris. He also hosts a radio show BB Brokastis with Andris Freidenfelds.
5) UFO was one of the first Costa Rican punk band and one of the most important during the 90's-early 00's in the Costa Rican alternativa music scene.
6) UFO! A Bay Area native pioneered the San Francisco Drum and Bass scene and co-founded the Phunckateck collective. An innovative producer.
2002 saw UFO! releasing an original material CD on Thermal Recordings, called "The Future is Listening”. Releases include a mix CD on Vortex called “Maelstrom,” and a special edition mix CD for Circa footwear. UFO! has worked Hive, Echo, and Techno producer John Tejada.
UFO! remixed a track for Hollywood Records, rock band Tinfed, called “Drop”, and several singles including “Tech has Taken Over Me”, “Sideswipe” (produced with Kaos) and “Besame” (produced with Arqer and Realtime).
“Enemy Infiltration”, an anthem of 1999, blazed across the U.S. and abroad. The stunning string arrangement on the track had producers from the revered Trouble on Vinyl label from the U.K. sampling it for one of their own releases called “Mission Control”.
7) UFOUnited Future Organization otherwise known as UFO is a nu-jazz duo made up of Japanese-born Tadashi Yabe (直 矢部, Yabe Tadashi?) and Frenchman Raphael Sebbag (ラファエルセバーグ, Raphael Sebbag?). One of the three original founding members, Toshio Matsuura left the group in 2002 to work with Universal Japan on a remix album project
8) UFO is a Hungarian music band. The most successfully years were the 90s for them.
9) UFO is an Indonesian music band. They released the first album early 2000 named "Brutal Pop".They've entered an Indonesian ska compilation album
10. UFO is a Norwegian band mostly cover band
Can't Buy a Thrill
UFO Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This one here's for grace
In peter's land of never never
Exploding stars and space
Candy's gone into hiding
Sandy's out on bail
Out in the open market now
If the girls and drugs don't get you
The liquor surely will
This one's for jody
Can't buy a thrill
If this old world don't beat you
I swear on my last pill
Con't get around much
Can't buy a thrill
It's cold in english winter
It's cold in english sun
Curled up tight in my room
With old steely gun
Photos and paper cuttings
Adorn the walls and floor
The telephones rings endlessly
No one answers anymore
If the girls and drugs don't get you
The liquor surely will
This one's for jody
Can't buy a thrill
If this old world don't beat you
I swear on my last pill
Con't get around much
Can't buy a thrill
No one coming by much
No one coming here
Only the wild eyed stranger
Trading on my fear
Out across the distance
Beating on my door
I hear mamas footsteps now
Bolting up the door
The lyrics of "Can't Buy a Thrill" by UFO are reflective of the band's penchant for dark, moody themes that explore the gritty realities of life. The opening lines speak of a prayer for wisdom and grace, perhaps indicating a sense of helplessness or longing for guidance in a world that seems chaotic and dangerous. Peter's land of never never refers to a mythical realm, possibly symbolizing the world of dreams and imagination that offers a fleeting escape from the harsh realities of daily life.
The next verse introduces two female characters, Candy and Sandy, who are in precarious situations – Candy is in hiding and Sandy is out on bail. The following line, "everything's for sale", suggests the pervasive influence of capitalism and consumerism, where even human lives can be bought and sold. The refrain - "if the girls and drugs don't get you, the liquor surely will" - is a stark reminder of the pitfalls of excess and addiction.
The third verse paints a picture of isolation and despair - the singer is alone in a cold English winter, barricaded in his room with a gun. The telephones ring endlessly, but no one answers anymore, indicating a sense of alienation and detachment from the outside world. The refrain is repeated, emphasizing the futility of seeking pleasure or relief in a world that can't provide them.
Overall, the song is a bleak, bleak vision of a world that offers little hope or comfort. Against this backdrop, the powerful guitar riffs and driving rhythm add an intense, almost aggressive edge to the music, underscoring the sense of urgency and desperation in the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
This prayer is for wisdom
Asking for guidance and knowledge
This one here's for grace
Requesting for forgiveness and mercy
In peter's land of never never
Referring to a fictional place of infinite possibilities
Exploding stars and space
Alluding to the vastness and mysteries of the universe
Candy's gone into hiding
Suggesting that something sweet or pleasant has disappeared or become difficult to obtain
Sandy's out on bail
Implying that someone has been arrested and released on bail
Out in the open market now
Indicating that something is now available for purchase
Everything's for sale
Emphasizing that anything can be bought or sold
If the girls and drugs don't get you
Warning about the dangers of temptation and addiction
The liquor surely will
Implying that alcohol can also be a harmful substance
This one's for jody
Dedicating the song to a specific person
Can't buy a thrill
Suggesting that happiness and excitement cannot be purchased
If this old world don't beat you
Acknowledging the hardships and difficulties of life
I swear on my last pill
Ascribing the utmost importance to a personal conviction
Con't get around much
Implying a lack of energy or motivation to move forward
It's cold in english winter
Describing the physical sensations of winter in England
It's cold in english sun
Contrasting the typical image of warmth associated with the sun
Curled up tight in my room
Describing the act of huddling or wrapping oneself in a comfortable position
With old steely gun
Introducing a dangerous or aggressive element to the scene
Photos and paper cuttings
Indicating a collection of memorabilia or mementos
Adorn the walls and floor
Emphasizing the amount of clutter or decoration in the room
The telephones rings endlessly
Implying a sense of chaos or disorder
No one answers anymore
Suggesting a feeling of isolation or abandonment
No one coming by much
Indicating a lack of social interaction or company
No one coming here
Emphasizing the singer's solitude
Only the wild eyed stranger
Referring to an unpredictable or unusual presence
Trading on my fear
Exploiting the singer's vulnerabilities for personal gain
Out across the distance
Referring to an unknown or faraway location
Beating on my door
Imagining a forceful or persistent knocking
I hear mamas footsteps now
Suggesting a maternal figure approaching
Bolting up the door
Securing the entrance against a possible intruder
Contributed by Charlotte F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.