He helped shape the sound of a generation. Now, rock mourns a giant. Mick Ralphs. The riffmaster behind Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, is gone. His bandmates broke the news on Monday.
In a post that hit hard across the music world, they confirmed Ralphs had died at 81. No cause was shared. But what poured in fast were tributes. Raw, personal, and full of love. Singer Paul Rodgers wrote, “My heart just hit the ground.” He wasn’t alone. Drummer Simon Kirke called Ralphs “a dear friend.” Both men sounded shattered. Yet their words rang with pride. Not just in Ralphs’ genius, but in the bond they shared with him.
Bandmates Mourn as Bad Company Prepares for Mick Ralphs’ Rock Hall Induction
This wasn’t just any time to say goodbye. The timing cut deep. Just two months ago, Bad Company had been named to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2025 class. The honor had thrilled them. It was a long-overdue nod to a band that helped define ‘70s rock. Now, the man who helped build it won’t be there in November when they’re inducted. “A fitting tribute,” the band called it in their post. But the joy of that moment will now carry a heavy shadow.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mick Ralphs.
— Bad Company (@officialbadco) June 23, 2025
Visit https://t.co/KikTXRa44y for the statement. pic.twitter.com/Tf2mPk0PN7
Ralphs co-founded both Mott the Hoople and Bad Company. And he did more than just play guitar. He gave both bands their backbone. His sharp, bluesy riffs powered hits like “Can’t Get Enough,” which shot to No. 5 on the Hot 100. That 1974 track still stands as Bad Company’s biggest hit. Before that, he brought swagger to Mott the Hoople, who cracked the charts with “All the Young Dudes,” penned by David Bowie. Ralphs didn’t need the spotlight. His guitar did the talking.
Now, the man who never chased fame leaves behind a legacy that refuses to fade. He is survived by his partner Susie Chavasse and three step-children. But his family stretches far beyond. It includes every fan who ever blasted “Ready for Love” or wore out a vinyl copy of Bad Company. As Rodgers said, “Our last conversation a few days ago we shared a laugh. But it won’t be our last.” Mick Ralphs may be gone. But his sound still plays on.
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