Mick Ralphs, the influential guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of Bad Company and Mott The Hoople, has died at 81. Ralphs had been bedridden since suffering a debilitating stroke just days after what was to be his final performance with Bad Company on October 29, 2016, at London’s O2 Arena.
As chronicled by music journalist Eric Alper, Paul Rodgers of Free first met Ralphs, then with Mott The Hoople, in 1971. After an inspired jam session and a mutual sharing of songs, Ralphs made the bold decision to leave Mott and form a new band with Rodgers — thus, Bad Company was born, along with addition of King Crimson bassist/vocalist Boz Burrell and drummer Simon Kirke. 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 album’s title track, “Bad Company.”
Ralphs is survived by the love of his life, Susie Chavasse, his two children, and three stepchildren.
In a fitting tribute to Ralphs and his beloved bandmates, Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke, Bad Company will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year.