Mick Ralphs, the guitarist renowned for his work with iconic 1970s bands Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, has passed away at the age of 81.
Ralphs first gained recognition as a key guitarist for Mott the Hoople but became even more famous alongside rock legends Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke in Bad Company, delivering classic hits like “Shooting Star” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”
The news was confirmed by Paul Rodgers, who shared a heartfelt message: “Our Mick has passed, and my heart just hit the ground. He has left us with exceptional songs and memories. He was my friend, my songwriting partner, and an incredibly versatile guitarist with a fantastic sense of humor.” Rodgers reflected on their last conversation, expressing gratitude for the laughter they shared and extending condolences to Ralphs’s wife Susie and all who loved him.
Ralphs is survived by his wife, Susie, along with two children and three stepchildren. Simon Kirke also paid tribute, stating, “He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply.”
Ralphs’s journey in music began on the road with Mott the Hoople, where he first crossed paths with Paul Rodgers, who was then with the band Free. After leaving Mott the Hoople, Ralphs contributed to tracks like “Ready for Love” and later joined Bad Company, one of rock’s first major supergroups under Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song label.
After Rodgers departed the band, Ralphs continued to lead with singer Brian Howe for some time before reuniting with Rodgers. Throughout his career, he also collaborated with various rock legends, including George Harrison, for the song “Flying Hour,” which appeared on Harrison’s album Somewhere in England.
While the cause of his death has not been disclosed, Ralphs had been dealing with health complications since his final performance with Bad Company at the O2 Arena in 2016, where he suffered a stroke shortly after. His death comes just ahead of Bad Company’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025.
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