Fans around the world are mourning the loss of legendary British guitarist and songwriter Mick Ralphs, a founding member of the iconic rock bands Bad Company and Mott the Hoople.
Ralphs passed away at age 81, the band confirmed Monday in a statement shared on their official website.
The guitarist had been bedridden since suffering a stroke in 2016 — just days after his final performance with Bad Company at London’s O2 Arena. While no further details surrounding his death were released, his passing marks the end of an era for classic rock fans.
Ralphs, one hell of a guitar slinger, was due to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this November as a member of Bad Company — a moment many fans felt was long overdue.
“Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground,” said Bad Company frontman Paul Rodgers in a heartfelt statement. “He has left us with exceptional songs and memories. He was my friend, my songwriting partner, an amazing and versatile guitarist who had the greatest sense of humor.”
Packed with songs made for the radio
Ralphs first made waves in the late ’60s with Mott the Hoople, the group that would gain stardom with their David Bowie-produced anthem All the Young Dudes. But it was Ralphs’ 1970 song Ready for Love that truly showcased his songwriting talent — first recorded with Mott the Hoople, then reimagined for Bad Company’s explosive 1974 debut album.
That same album included Can’t Get Enough, one of Bad Company’s biggest hits — also penned by Ralphs. A year later, he co-wrote the sultry rock ballad Feel Like Makin’ Love with Rodgers, solidifying the band’s legacy in rock history.
Bad Company’s albums were packed with songs made for the radio, and their powerful live shows fit perfectly with the arena rock craze of the 1970s.
Born in Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire, Ralphs began playing blues guitar as a teen. In 1966, he co-founded the Doc Thomas Group, which later evolved into Mott the Hoople.
”I want to be loved”
During his five years with Mott the Hoople, Mick had to suit up in glittery outfits and take part in over-the-top rock theatrics night after night — something he admitted made him feel foolish.
He left the band in 1973, shortly after their Bowie-fueled breakthrough, and joined forces with Rodgers — fresh off his stint with Free — to form Bad Company. The band was completed by drummer Simon Kirke (also of Free) and former King Crimson bassist and vocalist Boz Burrell. Despite the band’s rough-sounding name, Mick felt much more at home in Bad Company.
Mick was an incredibly talented musician who penned countless hits, but he never saw himself as a superstar. He wasn’t chasing fame—in fact, he feared it might end in failure.
Still, with a smash like Ready For Love under his belt, avoiding the spotlight became nearly impossible.
“I try to not be really aware of fame. I don’t want to believe my own publicity. Of course I want acceptance. I want to be loved – but only because I believe in what I’m doing. Money and trimmings can make you complacent. Ego can crumble, but a good band won’t,” Mick said in a 1974 interview.
Ralphs’ signature riffs, soulful solos, and timeless melodies helped shape the sound of British rock. His loss will be deeply felt — not just by those who knew him personally, but by the generations of fans still singing along to the songs he helped bring to life.
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