Bad Company and Mott the Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs dead at 81
The guitarist of two iconic bands of the 1970s, Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, Mick Ralphs has died at the age of 81.
Ralphs, best known for being one of the formative guitarists for Mott the Hoople, eventually gained a greater reputation with fellow rock icons Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke as the guitarist in Bad Company, notching up hits such as ‘Shooting Star’ and ‘Feel Like Makin’ Love’.
The news was confirmed by Rodgers, posting the statement, “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 humour.”
In the statement, Rodgers also cherished the final conversations that he had with the guitarist, saying, “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. Condolences to everyone who loved him especially his one true love, Susie. I will see you in heaven.”
Ralphs is survived by his wife, Susie, as well as his two children and three step-children.
Kirke also gave a statement commemorating Ralphs’s memory, stating, “He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply.”
Ralphs first met Rodgers when working with Mott the Hoople on the road, with Rodgers still working with the band Free. Having turned in time working on records such as Mott, Ralphs would eventually leave the group after working on songs such as ‘Ready for Love’ with Rodgers. After signing to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song label, Ralphs became a part of one of the world’s first high-profile supergroups.
After Rodgers departed the group after a decade, Ralphs also kept the band going with lead singer Brian Howe for a few years before reforming the group with Rodgers. In the meantime, he had also worked with various other rock legends, penning the song ‘Flying Hour’ with George Harrison, which was completed during the sessions for the former Beatle’s album Somewhere in England.
While no cause of death has been revealed surrounding Ralphs’s death, he had been experiencing various health issues ever since his final performance at the O2 Arena in 2016 with Bad Company, suffering from a stroke days after his performance. News of his death also comes ahead of the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025.
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