Mick Ralphs, the guitarist and songwriter who co-founded both Mott the Hoople and Bad Company, has died at 81. A master of the no-frills riff and blues-rooted hook, Ralphs helped shape the sound of ‘70s rock through songs that married grit with melody, drive with soul.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mick Ralphs,” longtime Bad Co. bandmate Paul Rodgers shared in an official statement. “Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground. He has left us with exceptional songs and memories… my friend, my songwriting partner, an amazing and versatile guitarist who had the greatest sense of humour.”
Born March 31, 1944, in Herefordshire, England, Ralphs came of age on the early sounds of American rock and roll. Inspired by the blues phrasing of Steve Cropper and Albert King, he started on rhythm guitar before forming Mott the Hoople in 1969. While their glam era was propelled by Ian Hunter’s vocals and David Bowie’s songwriting and production, Ralphs contributed defining early tracks like “Rock and Roll Queen” and “Thunderbuck Ram.”
In 1973, he left Mott to form Bad Company with Rodgers, Free drummer Simon Kirke, and bassist Boz Burrell. Their chemistry was instant. The band’s 1974 debut — the first release on Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song label — went five-times platinum, fueled by Ralphs’ enduring anthems “Can’t Get Enough” and “Movin’ On.”
As a guitarist, Ralphs was never flashy. He played with feel, not fuss, favoring punchy chord riffs, melodic solos, and a blues-informed touch that served the song above all else. Tracks like “Ready for Love,” “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad,” and the acoustic-tinged “Feel Like Makin’ Love” showcased both his range and restraint.
Though sidelined by a stroke in 2016 shortly after his final show with Bad Company, Ralphs continued to be revered for a body of work that’s left an indelible mark on blues-rock and beyond.
He is survived by partner Susie Chavasse, two children, three stepchildren, and his bandmates Rodgers and Kirke. Bad Company is slated to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year. As Rodgers said: “Our last conversation a few days ago we shared a laugh — but it won’t be our last.”
In the quiet, beautiful glow of “Silver, Blue & Gold,” his guitar still sings what words can’t say.
