Lights Out
by UFO

Album: Strangers In The Night (1977)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Although it is the title track of UFO's 1977 album, the definitive version of "Lights Out" appears on Strangers In The Night, which is arguably one of the finest live double heavy metal albums ever made. The track was co-written by vocalist Phil Mogg, drummer Andrew Maynard Parker, bass player Pete Way and guitarist Michael Schenker. The live album also features Paul Raymond on keyboards, second guitar and vocals. It was recorded in Chicago.
  • In January 1980, Phil Mogg and Pete Way graced the front cover of (the now long defunct) Sounds music paper. Inside was a big interview by Garry Bushell in which Mogg admitted rather sheepishly: "I do personally think a lot about politics and I have written political lyrics. I wrote 'Lights Out' as an anti-authoritarian song but Paul Raymond thought it was about the miners' strike." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander - London, England, for above 2
  • In a Songfacts interview with Michael Schenker, he said that the song started with a riff that Pete Way came up with, and the rest of the band added parts to it to complete the track. Talking about how the band wrote songs around this time, Schenker explained: "It's a combination based on the circumstances and on the moment. But there was no particular strategy of how to do it. It's just like, 'Who has got something? What is it?'"
  • The Christian Rock band Stryper recorded this for their 2011 album The Covering, and when we spoke with their lead singer Michael Sweet, he explained how their song "More Than A Man" came out of this UFO tune. Said Sweet: "You listen to the song 'Lights Out' by UFO and you compare it to a song that we have called 'More Than A Man,' it's a very similar riff, it's the same riff: da-da-da-da-da-da-dum-dum-a. Same kind of feel. Different melody, different lyric and whatnot."

Comments: 2

  • AnonymousUFO’s Lights out album was recorded and released in 1977 may 7th 1977 to be exact! UFO’s Strangers in the night album was recorded on the band’s tour for the Obsession album in 1978 and released in January of 1979.
  • Barry from Gagetown Nb Canada, -"Strangers In The Night, which is arguably one of the finest live double heavy metal albums ever made."
    There is no argument about it !!! It IS the FINEST !!!
    This recording will NEVER die !!!!!!!!!
    PS ... WHY is there no ArtistFacts listing for this Superior band (that is STILL performing today!!!)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go's

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go'sSongwriter Interviews

Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag.

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Joe Jackson

Joe JacksonSongwriter Interviews

Joe talks about the challenges of of making a Duke Ellington tribute album, and tells the stories behind some of his hits.