Mick Ralphs, of Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, Dead at 81

English guitarist Mick Ralphs, who cofounded legendary bands Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, died at the age of 81, according to an announcement from his rep on Monday. Ralphs had been in poor health for the better part of a decade after suffering a stroke, following an Oct. 29, 2016 London performance while on tour with Bad Company, leaving him bedridden.

Ralphs stood out with Bad Company and Mott the Hoople as an excellent guitarist and songwriter, having penned hits songs such as Bad Company’s Can’t Get Enough and Feel Like Makin’ Love, as well as Mott the Hoople’s Rock and Roll Queen and One of the Boys. He also wrote Ready for Love for both of his bands.

Singer Paul Rodgers, his bandmate in Bad Company, released a statement on the band’s Facebook page following the news of the guitarist’s passing:

Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground,” Rodgers said in a statement. “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 humor. Our last conversation a few days ago we shared a laugh but it won’t be our last. There are many memories of [Ralphs] that will create laughter. Condolences to everyone who loved him especially his one true love, Susie. I will see you in heaven.”

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Drummer Simon Kirke, also of Bad Company, released a statement on the same Facebook post:

“[Ralphs] was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist,” Kirke said in a statement. “We will miss him deeply.”

Ralphs helped form Mott the Hoople in 1969, remaining with the band until 1973, just after their commercial breakthrough. He appeared on every studio album the band released under “Mott the Hoople.” He would rejoin the band for one-off performances in 2009 and 2013.

Upon leaving Mott the Hoople, Ralphs helped form Bad Company with former Free members Kirke and Rodgers, as well as former King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell. The band achieved mainstream success through the 1970s, before a couple poorly-received albums and internal issues caused Bad Company to disband in 1982.

In 1986, Ralphs and Kirke decided to formally join up for a project together, but was pushed by their label, Atlantic Records, to use the “Bad Company” name for it. Rodgers was with his supergroup, The Firm, and was unavailable. They brought in singer Brian Howe, bassist Steve Price (briefly replaced by Burrell, who would depart not long after, for which Price then rejoined) and keyboardist Greg Dechert to complete the new lineup. Howe and Bechert’s additions turned the band into more of a hair metal band – a major departure from the original lineup’s sound.

Into the early 1990s, Ralphs would remain a member of Bad Company, but at times would not tour with the band due to his fear of flying, and later health issues. The band would experience several lineup changes, until in 1998 when Rodgers and Burrell would rejoin to record new material for The ‘Original’ Bad Co. Anthology. Ralphs and the original lineup would reunite again in 1999 for a summer tour, before disbanding again due to Ralphs’ intention to retire from live performing.

Ralphs would put out solo albums into the 2000s, form his own blues band, and occasionally reunite with Bad Company for a one-off show in 2008 and tours in the 2010s. He will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Bad Company later in 2025.