Mick Ralphs, Co-Founder of Two Legendary 70s Rock Bands, Dies at 81

Early Life and Career Start

Mick Ralphs, known for his work in Mott the Hoople and Bad Company, has passed away at the age of 81. His death was confirmed by a statement shared on Instagram. Ralphs had been mostly bedridden since suffering a stroke shortly after his last performance with Bad Company at London’s O2 Arena in 2016. No other information about the cause of death has been shared publicly.

Ralphs was born in Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire, and started playing blues guitar during his teenage years. His professional music career began in the 1960s when he joined the Doc Thomas Group. That band would eventually become Mott the Hoople, which officially formed in 1969. Ralphs’ blend of melodic guitar work and songwriting helped shape the band’s early style.

 

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Mott the Hoople and Rise to Fame

Mott the Hoople gained attention with songs that combined blues influences with early glam rock. Their biggest break came when David Bowie produced their 1972 hit “All the Young Dudes.” The song helped push the band into the spotlight. Ralphs played a key role in developing their sound but left the band the following year, in 1973.

After leaving Mott the Hoople, Ralphs worked with singer Paul Rodgers, who had just left the band Free. Along with Rodgers, drummer Simon Kirke, and bassist Boz Burrell, they formed Bad Company. Ralphs’ guitar playing added a raw, bluesy tone that shaped the band’s sound in the mid-70s.

Bad Company and Songwriting Legacy

Bad Company’s debut album came out in 1974 and became a major success. It featured two major songs connected to Ralphs—“Can’t Get Enough,” written by him, and “Ready for Love,” a track he had originally written for Mott the Hoople and later reworked. In 1975, he co-wrote “Feel Like Makin’ Love” with Rodgers, which became another hit for the band.

Ralphs will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this November as a member of Bad Company. His songwriting and guitar work helped define both bands during an important era of British rock.

Tributes and Legacy

Paul Rodgers responded to the news of Ralphs’ death, saying, “He has left us with exceptional songs and memories. He was my friend, my songwriting partner, and an amazing, versatile guitarist with the greatest sense of humour.”

Drummer Simon Kirke also shared a tribute, calling Ralphs “a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply.”