UFO – No Place to Run (1980)
New 2CD & 3LP Remaster Review
Hi, Phil Aston here from Now Spinning Magazine. In this review, I’m looking at the latest UFO reissue – their 1980 album No Place to Run – which has just been released as a 2CD deluxe set and a 3LP vinyl set.
Before I get into the sound, let’s take a look at the packaging.
The CD edition is a 2-disc set, following the same format as the recent reissues of Obsession, Lights Out, Force It, and No Heavy Petting (with Phenomenon being the exception as that had three discs). The vinyl edition is a triple-LP, fold-out tri-sleeve, with inner sleeves featuring tape box photos and some text extracts. Like the other reissues, you also get a fold-out poster with liner notes on one side and the original album artwork on the other.
Now, if I’m being picky, the 2009 remasters came with proper booklets full of cuttings and photos. That’s missing here – but we are talking about a different era now, and this is what we get.
Context – UFO in 1980
No Place to Run was UFO’s first album after the departure of Michael Schenker, following the high watermark of Strangers in the Night. Paul “Tonka” Chapman stepped in on guitar – though he wasn’t exactly a stranger, having had earlier stints with the band.
The album was produced by none other than George Martin. Yes, that George Martin. But it was a strange time. 1980 was an absolutely stacked year for hard rock and heavy metal – Heaven and Hell (Black Sabbath), Back in Black (AC/DC), British Steel (Judas Priest), and the rise of Iron Maiden and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. In that climate, UFO’s line-up change and shift in sound left some fans a little unsure.
I’ll admit it – at the time, I didn’t buy No Place to Run. I’d been a huge UFO supporter, but when I saw them playing “Young Blood” on Top of the Pops, it didn’t connect with me. It wasn’t until the 2009 remaster that I finally gave the album a proper listen – and even then, I convinced myself I understood why I’d skipped it first time round.
The New Remaster
But this new 2025 remaster? It’s made me completely reassess the album.
The remastering is excellent – one of those rare occasions where it feels like a veil has been lifted. Much like the recent Black Sabbath Tony Martin era reissues (The Eternal Idol especially), it shows what can still be achieved with careful mastering work.
The bass and drums from Pete Way and Andy Parker have far more presence. Phil Mogg’s vocals sit in the mix beautifully, and Chapman’s guitar absolutely shines.
Track Highlights
“Letting Go” – A fantastic opener with one of Chapman’s best solos. I don’t think I ever appreciated this track fully before.
“Mystery Train” – Once dismissed as “just a cover,” now I love it – the acoustic intro is intricate and stylish.
“This Fire Burns Tonight” – Steady rocker with a brilliant mid-section and solo.
“No Place to Run” – One of UFO’s all-time best songs. A menacing riff, Springsteen-esque storytelling, and a vocal performance from Phil Mogg that’s full of emotion. This has always been a favourite, and it sounds better than ever here.
“Anyday” – A haunting closer. Phil Mogg even dips into falsetto, and Chapman’s guitar solo at the end is outstanding.
The Live Set – UFO at the Marquee
As with all the recent reissues, you also get a live set – this one from the Marquee. Some tracks appeared on the 2009 edition, but here you get the whole gig.
It’s raw, heavy, and absolutely full of energy. The band were clearly exhausted at the time, but you wouldn’t know it from how tight they sound. Chapman integrates brilliantly, though you can hear him being cautious on “Rock Bottom” – respecting Schenker’s legendary solo. Elsewhere, though, he really puts his own stamp on the songs.
Final Thoughts
For me, this is now the definitive version of No Place to Run. The remaster has completely changed my view of the album – I’d place it far higher in my UFO ranking now than I did before.
If you’ve always thought of it as a “lesser” UFO record, I’d urge you to revisit it. Stream it first, but don’t wait too long – like the other reissues, these sets don’t hang around.
This reissue has reignited my appreciation not just for this album, but for UFO as a whole. And that’s what the best reissues should do.
ORDER the 2LP VINYL VERSION HERE
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
