MUSIC ICON FALLS — What Happened to Mick Ralphs?

MUSIC ICON FALLS — What Happened to Mick Ralphs?

Mick Ralphs, the legendary guitarist who helped shape the sound of 70s rock with Bad Company and Mott The Hoople, has died at 81, just months before his band’s scheduled induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

At a Glance

  • Mick Ralphs, co-founder of Bad Company and Mott The Hoople, has died at age 81 after years of poor health following a 2016 stroke
  • Ralphs co-wrote classic rock staples like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love” during Bad Company’s 1970s heyday
  • Bad Company is set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year
  • Former bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke paid heartfelt tributes to their longtime friend and collaborator

Rock Loses a Guitar Legend

The rock world lost one of its quiet giants with the passing of Mick Ralphs, the British guitarist whose distinctive playing helped define the sound of not one but two influential rock bands. While no official cause of death was announced, Ralphs had been in poor health for nearly a decade following a debilitating stroke in 2016 that left him bedridden and unable to perform. His passing comes at a bittersweet moment for Bad Company fans, as the band is finally set to receive rock’s highest honor with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year – an achievement Ralphs sadly won’t be able to celebrate in person.

Born in Herefordshire, England in 1944, Ralphs began his musical journey as a teenager, eventually helping form the Doc Thomas Group which evolved into Mott The Hoople. The band struggled until David Bowie famously offered them his song “All the Young Dudes,” which became their breakthrough hit. Ralphs appeared on six Mott albums before departing in 1973 to form Bad Company with Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke from Free, along with bassist Boz Burrell from King Crimson – creating what would become one of rock’s first supergroups.

Bad Company’s Immediate Success

The newly-formed Bad Company wasted no time making their mark on the rock landscape. Signing to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song record label gave them instant credibility, but it was their self-titled 1974 debut album that cemented their place in rock history. The album shot to number one on the Billboard 200 – their only chart-topping album – fueled by Ralphs’ guitar work on tracks like “Can’t Get Enough,” which he also wrote. The band’s hard-driving but melodic sound struck a chord with rock fans looking for something more straightforward than the progressive and glam excesses of the era.

“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.”

Bad Company continued their hot streak throughout the 1970s, with Ralphs co-writing many of their biggest hits including “Feel Like Makin’ Love” with Paul Rodgers. The band’s bluesy, no-frills approach to rock served as a counterpoint to the more theatrical acts of the era, and their influence can still be heard in countless rock bands today. Though the original lineup split in 1982, they would reform several times over the years, with Ralphs remaining a constant presence until health issues forced his retirement.

A Respected Musical Journey

Ralphs’ musical journey extended well beyond his two main bands. He joined David Gilmour for a solo tour in 1984, released his own solo material, and even co-wrote “Flying Hour” with George Harrison. In 2009, he participated in a Mott The Hoople reunion, showing his willingness to revisit his musical roots. His last performance came in October 2016, shortly before suffering a stroke that would sideline him for the remainder of his life. Throughout his career, Ralphs was known not just for his musical talent but for his down-to-earth personality and sense of humor.

“He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply.”

The outpouring of grief from fellow musicians demonstrates the high regard in which Ralphs was held by his peers. Joe Elliott of Def Leppard called him “one of the kindest souls I ever met,” while his longtime bandmate Paul Rodgers shared that their last conversation just days before Ralphs’ passing included laughter and fond memories. Ralphs is survived by his partner Susie Chavasse, whom Rodgers referred to as “his one true love,” along with two children and three step-children. His contributions to rock music, particularly his distinctive guitar style that blended blues influences with hard rock power, ensure his legacy will continue to resonate with music fans for generations to come.

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