Rock Legend Mick Ralphs Dead at 81: Bad Company and Mott the Hoople Guitarist Passes Away

2025-06-24 06:01:00.618

Mick Ralphs, guitarist, singer, songwriter, and founding member of the iconic British rock bands Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, has passed away at the age of 81. A statement released on Bad Company's official website announced his death, noting that he had been bedridden since suffering a stroke days after his final performance with the band at London's O2 Arena in 2016. Details surrounding his death were not provided. Ralphs's impact on rock music is undeniable. He is set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Bad Company this November. Fellow Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers shared his grief, describing Ralphs as his friend, songwriting partner, and an incredibly talented guitarist with a great sense of humor. Ralphs penned numerous hits, including Mott the Hoople's "Ready for Love" and Bad Company's "Can't Get Enough" and "Feel Like Makin' Love". Born in Stoke Lacy, England, Ralphs's musical journey began in his teens playing blues guitar. He co-founded the Doc Thomas Group in 1966, which evolved into Mott the Hoople in 1969. While Mott the Hoople achieved success with "All the Young Dudes," written and produced by David Bowie, Ralphs left the band in 1973 feeling creatively stifled. He subsequently formed Bad Company with Paul Rodgers, initially intending only to collaborate on a single album. However, with the addition of Simon Kirke on drums and Boz Burrell on bass, Bad Company was born, achieving immediate success and producing numerous hits. Bad Company's debut album reached No. 1 on the Billboard album chart, with "Can't Get Enough" becoming their biggest hit single. Their follow-up album, "Straight Shooter," also performed exceptionally well. Ralphs's songwriting prowess is evident in hits like "Good Lovin' Gone Bad" and "Feel Like Makin' Love". The statement from Bad Company noted that Ralphs is survived by his wife, Susie Chavasse, two children, three step-children, and his bandmates Rodgers and Kirke. Rodgers shared a poignant message, reflecting on their recent laughter and the lasting impact of Ralphs's legacy.