Bad Company's Mick Ralphs dead at 81
Mick Ralphs, a founding member of Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, has died aged 81.
The guitarist's bandmates announced his death in a post to Bad Company's official social media account on Monday.
Lead vocalist Paul Rodgers celebrated the life of his friend, penning, "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. 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."
Drummer Simon Kirke shared his own tribute on the band's post, calling Ralphs "a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist," adding, "We will miss him deeply."
The news of Ralphs' death comes just two months after Bad Company was announced as one of the inductees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2025, which the band called a "fitting tribute to the band's enduring influence" in their memorial post for the guitarist.
The band will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame on 8 November.
Ralphs is survived by his partner, Susie Chavasse, and his three step-children. A cause of death was not shared.
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