Danny Peyronel

Its a familiar refrain amongst diehard fans. Why weren't UFO as big as Zeppelin, Sabbath or Purple?
Many theories can be put forward. Poor management. Record label apathy and poor distribution. Line up changes. Schenkers departure. Its fair to say all of these contributed. But is there one thats overlooked?
    Not keeping hold of a certain Danny Peyronel?
 

One album he lasted.  The band had used keys on Force It to very good effect. To my mind his one album with the band, "No Heavy Petting" stands up as well as any of the other albums from the 1st

Schenker era. Look at (or listen if you will) to the guys contributions. Can You Roll Her and Highway Lady. Two rip snorting rock out tunes that can enliven any set list. Martian Landscape. A haunting, emotion stirring song. Then theres a tour de force to rival any story telling tune ever. On With The Action. A brooding, even terrifying tale of urban decay thats still relevant today. Shamefully excluded from Strangers In The Night.

    From whats revealed in the two books about UFO to date it seems Danny carried the can for the album not breaking the band "Big Time". Somewhat harsh considering the quality of the aforementioned songs. Plus this beautiful piece from the re-mastered edition of No Heavy Petting.


All The Strings

Imagine that with a Schenker lead similar to Try Me.

 
Were there other issues at work? No place for another big personality? Its pretty clear Danny is a confident and entertaining personality in his own right if you've seen him with his band House Of X.
This guy knew how to write a good song. Sade and Meatloaf used him later and they or their management, were up on what makes a hit.

In no way am I trying to downplay the contribution Paul Raymond afterwards. Hes rightly regarded as part of "The Classic Line-Up".

But Danny Peyronel, I salute you.