Paul Chapman (musician)
| Paul Chapman | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Paul William Chapman |
| Also known as | Tonka |
| Born |
9 June 1954 Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales |
| Genres | Hard rock, blues-rock, progressive rock, heavy metal |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1968–present |
| Associated acts | Universe Skid Row Lone Star UFO Kimla Taz Gator Country Band |
Paul William "Tonka" Chapman (born 9 June 1954) is a Welsh rock guitarist best known for his work in bands such as UFO and Lone Star. Chapman is well known by his nickname "Tonka", allegedly acquired because of his indestructible qualities.
Chapman’s first notable band was the Welsh outfit Universe. Chapman then joined Skid Row in December 1971 replacing Gary Moore as guitarist. His tenure was fairly short and only lasted until July 1972. His next band was Kimla Taz, with whom he was guitarist from December 1972 to May 1974.
Chapman first joined UFO in 1974 as a second guitarist to augment their live sound having answered an advert in UK's music paper, Melody Maker. He auditioned at the Unity Theatre in London. Although Chapman did not record an album during this period, he did join in time to tour and promote the Phenomenon album. However, he can be heard with the band on several tracks on the BBC live sessions album that was released retrospectively. He left UFO in January 1975 due to personal differences with the band, and went on to form Lone Star, where he remained until June 1978.
In 1977, he filled in for Michael Schenker in UFO when they were on tour with Rush in the United States during one of the German guitarist's absences.
After resuming with Lone Star following the tour, Chapman later rejoined UFO in December 1978 on a full-time basis after Schenker and UFO parted company. By this time UFO were an international success, and were about to release their live album, Strangers in the Night which would increase their profile even further. Chapman is acknowledged on the album.
Chapman recorded his first album with UFO – No Place To Run - with ex-Beatles producer George Martin; which was released in January 1980. UFO undertook a tour to promote it culminating in a five night sell out at London’s Hammersmith Odeon.
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