Mick Ralphs, the co-founder of rock giants Bad Company, has passed away aged 81.
The rock legend was a guitarist for the band since its inception in 1973 and continued until he was incapacitated by a stroke in 2016. His passing due to complications from the stroke was confirmed on Bad Company’s official website on Monday evening (June 23).
The website tribute mentioned that Ralphs, originally from Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire, is “survived by the love of his life, Susie Chavasse, his two children, three step-children”, including bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke.
Paul Rodgers, Bad Company’s frontman, said on the website: “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.”
(Image: Redferns)
Rodgers recalled their recent conversation: “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,” reports the Mirror.
Bad Company soared to success in the ’70s, with hits making waves on both sides of the pond. Their debut single ‘Can’t Get Enough’ climbed to number 15 in the UK charts in ’73, and a hefty peak at fifth in the US charts.
Ralphs played a crucial role in the band’s climb to fame for an impressive 40 years, bowing out with his final show in London back in 2016, just before suffering a stroke. Yesterday, drummer Kirke paid tribute, saying: “He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply.”
(Image: Future via Getty Images)
Rodgers and Kirke teamed up with Ralphs back in the heady ’70s following their time in Free. Ralphs, strumming the strings for Mott the Hoople at the time, convinced his buddies to jump on board with the new venture – Bad Company – and they skyrocketed to stardom.
The rockers are set to be honoured with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year.
Their smashing self-titled debut album belted out classics like Can’t Get Enough and Movin’ On, soaring to number three in the UK albums chart and securing five-times platinum status.
Bad Company didn’t stop there, dropping Straight Shooter in 1975, followed by Run With The Pack – both albums smashing into the top five. They also belted out solid rock anthems such as Ready For Love, Rock Steady, and the eponymous track Bad Company.
(Image: Getty Images)
Before his days in Bad Company, Ralphs cut his teeth with Mott the Hoople, formed in his native Herefordshire countryside. In 1972, their tune All The Young Dudes, crafted by the legendary David Bowie, rocketed to number three in the UK charts and is eternally etched as a glam rock classic.
However, Kirke revealed to the Bob Lefsetz Podcast in 2023 that Ralphs’ stroke had left him paralysed on his left side. He explained: “He’s in a nursing home in England. So he’s really, his health is not good and certainly his playing days are over. So you know, we had a good run, and I think we’re going to lay the old Bad Company to rest pretty soon.”
Have you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz here
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
