UFO is a British rock band that was formed in 1969. UFO was a transitional band between the rock of Led Zeppelin and the metal to come in the NWOBHM. 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 and Dave Mustaine of Megadeth among others. Vocalist Phil Mogg, guitarist Mick Bolton, bassist Pete Way and drummer Andy Parker formed the band UFO in 1969. Originally taking the name Hocus Pocus, the group changed their name to UFO in honor of a London club. Their eponymously titled first album debuted in 1971. Both UFO and its follow-up, the same year's Flying, found great success in Japan, but generated little interest in Britain or America. Consequently, their third effort, 1972's UFO Lands in Tokyo--Live, was only released in Japan.
UFO's early work was influenced by the space rock sound (their second album was subtitled "One Hour Space Rock") that was modestly popular at the time but the band realized the style was somewhat limited. In 1974, Mick Bolton left the group and UFO set out to find a guitarist capable of providing the band a more standard rock sound.
