A legendary guitarist behind some of the most enduring hits of the 1970s has died, just months before his band is set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Mick Ralphs, the British musician who co-founded Mott the Hoople and Bad Company, has died at the age of 81. His passing was announced Monday via a statement on Bad Company’s official website. No specific details about the cause of death were disclosed, though Ralphs had been bedridden since suffering a stroke in 2016, shortly after his final performance with Bad Company at London’s O2 Arena.
Born in Herefordshire, England, in 1944, Ralphs began playing blues guitar as a teenager. He co-founded the Doc Thomas Group in 1966, which would later become Mott the Hoople. The band found commercial success in the early 1970s after David Bowie produced and penned their hit All the Young Dudes. Ralphs left the group in 1973, soon after their breakthrough, and went on to form Bad Company.
That band—featuring Free vocalist Paul Rodgers, Free drummer Simon Kirke, and former King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell—would go on to become one of the defining acts of the arena rock era. Ralphs helped shape their sound as lead guitarist and songwriter.
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Among his most notable contributions was Ready for Love, which he wrote during his Mott days and later reworked for Bad Company’s 1974 debut album. That same record included the Ralphs-penned hit Can’t Get Enough, and he co-wrote the band’s 1975 hit Feel Like Makin’ Love with Rodgers.
“Our Mick has passed—my heart just hit the ground,” Rodgers said in a statement. “He was my friend, my songwriting partner, an amazing and versatile guitarist who had the greatest sense of humour.
“Our last conversation a few days ago we shared a laugh but it won’t be our last. There are many memories of Mick that will create laughter. Condolences to everyone who loved him especially his one true love, Susie. I will see you in heaven.”
Ralphs is survived by his wife, Susie Chavasse, two children, and three step-children.
Kirke called him “a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist.”
Ralphs will be posthumously honored this November when Bad Company are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
According to Rolling Stone, earlier this year, Ralphs had sent an email to Billboard expressing his happiness with the band finally being inducted into the Hall of Fame: “I am elated and think that Bad Company’s induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is fantastic!”