Sadly, English guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Mick Ralphs (real name: Michael Geoffrey Ralphs), who was a founding member of both Mott The Hoople and Bad Company, passed away earlier today, June 23, 2025, at the age of 81.
Mick Ralphs was in Mott The Hoople from 1969-1973, and appeared with the band again in 2009 and 2013. He had three tenures in Bad Company: 1973–1982, 1986–1999, and 2008–2016.
Bad Company has shared the following announcement via social media:
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mick Ralphs.
Mick Ralphs, the influential guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of the iconic rock bands Bad Company and Mott The Hoople, has passed away at the age of 81.
He is survived by the love of his life, Susie Chavasse, his two children, three step-children and his beloved bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke. He also leaves behind millions of devoted fans and friends across the world.
“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. 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.” Love Paul
“He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply,” Simon Kirke.
Paul Rodgers of Free first met Mick Ralphs in 1971. After an inspired jam session and a mutual sharing of songs, Ralphs made the bold decision to leave Mott The Hoople and form a new band with Rodgers, and Bad Company was born. Adding former King Crimson bassist/vocalist Boz Burrell and drummer Simon Kirke, the band was complete. With the help of Led Zeppelin’s legendary manager Peter Grant, Bad Company became the first band signed to Zeppelin’s Swan Song label.
The group’s success was meteoric. Their 1974 self-titled debut went five-times platinum, producing classic hits like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Movin’ On,” alongside electrifying rock anthems such as “Ready for Love,” “Rock Steady,” and the title track “Bad Company”.
In a fitting tribute to the band’s enduring influence, Bad Company will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year in 2025.
Ralphs gave his final performance with Bad Company on October 29, 2016, at London’s O2 Arena. Just days later, he suffered a debilitating stroke and remained bedridden until his passing.
Mick Ralphs leaves behind a powerful musical legacy that will continue to inspire generations.”
The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame has shared the following:
“In Memoriam: As a founding member of Mott The Hoople and 2025 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee Bad Company, Mick Ralphs helped define the sounds of 1970s hard rock and glam rock with his economical yet powerful guitar playing. Ralphs’ high-gain guitar riffs and heavy phrasing combined with his songwriting skills to create hits like “Ready For Love”, “Can’t Get Enough”, and “Feel Like Makin’ Love” – songs that helped define Bad Company as hard rock’s quintessential supergroup. After the breakup of the original Bad Company members in 1982, Ralphs continued to play off and on with the band’s new lineups, delighting devoted audiences with reunion tours from 1986 to 2016.”
All of us at BraveWords send our sincerest condolences to Mick Ralphs’ family, friends, bandmates, and fans. R.I.P.
(R&RHOF photo courtesy of the official Bad Company Facebook page)
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Mick Ralphs was in Mott The Hoople from 1969-1973, and appeared with the band again in 2009 and 2013. He had three tenures in Bad Company: 1973–1982, 1986–1999, and 2008–2016.
Bad Company has shared the following announcement via social media:
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mick Ralphs.
Mick Ralphs, the influential guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of the iconic rock bands Bad Company and Mott The Hoople, has passed away at the age of 81.
He is survived by the love of his life, Susie Chavasse, his two children, three step-children and his beloved bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke. He also leaves behind millions of devoted fans and friends across the world.
“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. 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.” Love Paul
“He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply,” Simon Kirke.
Paul Rodgers of Free first met Mick Ralphs in 1971. After an inspired jam session and a mutual sharing of songs, Ralphs made the bold decision to leave Mott The Hoople and form a new band with Rodgers, and Bad Company was born. Adding former King Crimson bassist/vocalist Boz Burrell and drummer Simon Kirke, the band was complete. With the help of Led Zeppelin’s legendary manager Peter Grant, Bad Company became the first band signed to Zeppelin’s Swan Song label.
The group’s success was meteoric. Their 1974 self-titled debut went five-times platinum, producing classic hits like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Movin’ On,” alongside electrifying rock anthems such as “Ready for Love,” “Rock Steady,” and the title track “Bad Company”.
In a fitting tribute to the band’s enduring influence, Bad Company will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year in 2025.
Ralphs gave his final performance with Bad Company on October 29, 2016, at London’s O2 Arena. Just days later, he suffered a debilitating stroke and remained bedridden until his passing.
Mick Ralphs leaves behind a powerful musical legacy that will continue to inspire generations.”
The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame has shared the following:
“In Memoriam: As a founding member of Mott The Hoople and 2025 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee Bad Company, Mick Ralphs helped define the sounds of 1970s hard rock and glam rock with his economical yet powerful guitar playing. Ralphs’ high-gain guitar riffs and heavy phrasing combined with his songwriting skills to create hits like “Ready For Love”, “Can’t Get Enough”, and “Feel Like Makin’ Love” – songs that helped define Bad Company as hard rock’s quintessential supergroup. After the breakup of the original Bad Company members in 1982, Ralphs continued to play off and on with the band’s new lineups, delighting devoted audiences with reunion tours from 1986 to 2016.”
All of us at BraveWords send our sincerest condolences to Mick Ralphs’ family, friends, bandmates, and fans. R.I.P.
(R&RHOF photo courtesy of the official Bad Company Facebook page)
Follow BraveWords on social media… Facebook page, Facebook Group, X/Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and YouTube.
Visit https://linktr.ee/bravewords
The post MICK RALPHS – Guitarist For BAD COMPANY, MOTT THE HOOPLE Dead At 81 appeared first on BraveWords - Where Music Lives.
Continue reading...
