Mick Ralphs, who was a founding guitarist for Mott the Hoople and Bad Company, passed away at the age of 81.
On Monday, the guitarist’s passing was formally announced on Bad Company’s Instagram account. There was no cause of death mentioned. Ralph had a stroke just days after his last show with the band in October 2016 and had been bedridden ever since, according to the news of his passing.
Lead vocalist Paul Rodgers wrote, “Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground.” We have wonderful songs and memories of him. In addition to being my friend and songwriting collaborator, he was also a fantastic and multi-talented guitarist with the best sense of humor. We laughed during our last conversation a few days ago, but it won’t be the last.
Along with Rodgers, drummer Simon Kirke described Ralphs as an outstanding guitarist, a great songwriter, and a close friend.
On March 31, 1944, Michael Geoffrey Ralphs was born in Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire, England. He co-founded the Doc Thomas Group in 1966 and started playing the guitar as a teenager. Their second of two name changes in 1969 would be Mott the Hoople. Then, in 1973, Ralphs would depart from the group and join Rodgers in founding Bad Company. Up until their dissolution in 1982, the English rock group persisted. Over the years, Bad Company has sold 40 million records worldwide through numerous reunions.
Along with two children and three stepchildren, the musician and singer is survived by his wife, Susie Chavasse, the joy of his life. On November 8, Bad Company will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025.
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