Rock Legend Mick Ralphs of Mott the Hoople and Bad Company Passes Away at 81
Mick Ralphs, a seminal British guitarist and songwriter whose influence on 1970s rock music is still felt today, has passed away at the age of 81. The news of his death was announced on Monday through a statement posted on the official website of his band, Bad Company. No additional details were provided about the cause of death.
Born in Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire, England, Ralphs began playing blues guitar as a teenager and co-founded the Doc Thomas Group in 1966. The band evolved into Mott the Hoople by 1969 and found early success with the David Bowie-penned anthem "All the Young Dudes." However, Ralphs left the band in 1973 due to creative differences and soon teamed up with Paul Rodgers, formerly of Free, to start what was initially meant to be a songwriting project. The addition of drummer Simon Kirke and bassist Boz Burrell almost by accident turned the project into Bad Company.
Ralphs' guitar work and songwriting helped define Bad Company's signature sound: bold, bluesy, and radio-friendly. He wrote "Can’t Get Enough," the band's biggest hit, which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974. He also co-wrote "Feel Like Makin’ Love" and "Good Lovin’ Gone Bad," both staples of classic rock. Their debut album hit No. 1 on Billboard’s album chart, and their 1975 follow-up, Straight Shooter, reached No. 3 in both the U.S. and the UK. Ralphs' songs remain fixtures in arena setlists and nostalgic playlists.
"Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground," singer Paul Rodgers said in a 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." Drummer Simon Kirke added: "Mick was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply."
Rodgers shared that the two had spoken just days before Ralphs' death: "Our last conversation a few days ago we shared a laugh. But it won’t be our last."
Ralphs is set to be posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Bad Company in November. The band's influence on rock history is widely recognized, and the induction will likely serve as a tribute to Ralphs' legacy on stage and in the studio.
Ralphs had been largely out of the public eye since suffering a stroke in 2016, shortly after what would become his final performance with Bad Company. His passing is a loss for rock music fans and musicians alike, but his music and legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
