All of us at Keep Cardiff Live are extremely saddened to hear of Paul ‘Tonka’ Chapman’s passing earlier this week.
In 1971, the Cardiff-born guitarist replaced Gary Moore in Irish blues band Skid Row; his first notable musical breakthrough. The Welsh guitarist had various stints with the iconic UFO (firstly in 1974 and then in 1977), who went on to become one of the more pivotal bands in the transitional period between hard rock and the new wave of British heavy metal. Between each stint, ‘Tonka’ formed the Cardiff-based dynamic heavy rock group Lone Star, who went on to release two studio albums: Their self-titled LP and ‘Firing On All Six’.
Despite the band’s impressive collection of sounds, the all-Welsh group went under the radar at the time, due to the ever-growing popularity of punk rock during the late 70s. However, Chapman was a hugely talented guitarist, consequently re-joining UFO in 1977.
Lone Star played Cardiff on several memorable occasions, including at Top Rank and Capitol Theatre in 1977, as well as the University in 1976. What’s more, during his spells with UFO, the Welshman played six concerts in the Welsh capital, with notable venues including Sophia Gardens Pavilion (1978) and St David’s Hall (1983).
Post UFO, Tonka’s passion for music lived on, with several guest appearances and stints with bands outside of the UK. Known for his indestructible traits, ‘Tonka’ Chapman’s influence across the rock genre underpins his reputation as one of Cardiff’s greats.
Rest in Peace, Paul.
Paul ‘Tonka’ Chapman- 1954-2020
