Mick Ralphs, Founding Guitarist of Bad Company and Mott The Hoople, Passes Away at 81
Mick Ralphs, the founding guitarist-songwriter of the iconic rock bands Bad Company and Mott The Hoople, has passed away at the age of 81. The news was confirmed by Bad Company in a post on their official Instagram on Monday.
The band shared their profound sadness over the loss of their beloved Mick, with Simon Kirke and Paul Rodgers also sharing their own individual statements. Ralphs is survived by his partner, Susie Chavasse, his two children, and three step-children.
Ralphs was a highly respected musician who penned many hit songs for Bad Company, including "Can't Get Enough," "Good Lovin' Gone Bad," and "Ready For Love." He also played the iconic opening guitar line on Mott's "All The Young Dudes," a song written by David Bowie that became the band's most well-known song.
Born in 1944, Ralphs founded The Doc Thomas Group in 1966, which later changed its name to Silence and then to Mott The Hoople in 1969 after Ian Hunter joined. The band struggled to break through commercially in their early years but gained the adoration of musicians like Bowie, who gifted them "All The Young Dudes."
After Ralphs left Mott the Hoople, he started the supergroup Bad Company alongside Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke, and Boz Burrell. They became the first band signed to Led Zeppelin's Swan Song Records. Ralphs played his final show with Bad Company at the O2 Arena in London in 2016, stopping after he was hospitalized with a stroke days later.
Bad Company paid tribute to Ralphs, saying that he leaves behind a powerful musical legacy that will inspire generations. Ralphs will be posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside the rest of Bad Company later this year.
In his own statement, Paul Rodgers wrote, "Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground. 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. 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."
Simon Kirke added, "He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply."
Mick Ralphs' passing is a loss for the music industry and for all those who were inspired by his music and his talent. His legacy will live on through his music and the memories he created with his bandmates and fans.
