From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Paul Gray (born August 1, 1958 at Rochford, Essex, England) was the original bassist for Southend teen rockers Eddie and The Hot Rods, scoring several hit singles and albums in the late '70's inculding the seminal summer anthem "Do Anything You Wanna Do". In early 1980 he was recruited to join the punk rock band The Damned to replace Algy Ward on bass. Gray contributed to two studio albums, The Black Album and Strawberries, but abruptly left the band in February 1983 due to discontent and the desire to do something "different". After The Damned he joined UFO and remained until their split in 1987. He also sessioned live and on records for artists as diverse as Johnny Thunders, Rob Tyner (MC5) and Andrew Ridgeley (Wham!).
Gray was heavily involved with Community Music Wales, a charity aimed at nurturing and helping young bands based in Cardiff until severe tinnitus and hyperacusis precluded continuation with any musical activities. In 2005 he took up the post of Regional Officer, Wales & Southwest England for the British Musicians Union. He occasionally guests with The Damned on stage when they appear in the Welsh city.
