Mick Ralphs, the founding guitarist-songwriter of Bad Company and Mott The Hoople, has died, Bad Company confirmed in a post on their official Instagram on Monday. He was 81.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mick Ralphs,” the band wrote, with Bad Company’s Simon Kirke and Paul Rodgers sharing their own individual statements as well.
Ralphs is survived by partner, Susie Chavasse, his two children and three step-children.
“Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground,” Rodgers wrote. “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. 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.”
As Kirke added: “He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply.”
Among the hits Ralphs penned were Bad Company’s “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,” the band’s famed song written by David Bowie. Ralphs will be posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside the rest of Bad Company later this year.
Born in 1944, Ralphs founded The Doc Thomas Group in 1966. The band changed its name to Silence, then to Mott The Hoople in 1969 after Ian Hunter joined. The band struggled to break through commercially in their early years but gained adoration of musicians like Bowie, who gifted them “All The Young Dudes,” which became their most well-known song.
After Ralphs left Mott the Hoople, he started the supergroup Bad Company alongside Rodgers, 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 said Monday, “Mick Ralphs leaves behind a powerful musical legacy that will inspire generations.”