Legendary '70s Guitarist Dies on Heels of Hall of Fame Induction
Legendary '70s Guitarist Dies on Heels of Hall of Fame Induction originally appeared on Parade.
An icon of '70s rock music has died at the age of 81.
Mick Ralphs, co-founder of the 1970s rock bands Bad Company and Mott The Hoople, has died at the age of 81, according to his rep (per Variety). There was no cause of death announced, but his rep said that he had been in poor health for a couple of years.
His Bad Company bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke expressed their sorrow in statements to Variety.
"Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground," said Rodgers. "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. Condolences to everyone who loved him, especially his one true love, Susie. I will see you in heaven."Kirke added, "He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply."
Ralphs is survived by his partner Susie Chavasse, his two children, and three step-children.
Bad Company was just selected for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025. The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 8, 2025; other inductees in this class include Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden and The White Stripes.
When the Hall of Fame announced back in April that Bad Company was part of its latest class, the members shared their appreciation in an Instagram post."There is an electric energy here in Canada and an actual buzz that Bad Company are going to be inducted. Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic Records, our label in the 70s, was one of the founding members of the rock hall, I believe he is smiling down from above. Thanks to our fans, friends and families who voted tirelessly, the media, and the board who supported this induction. Congratulations to Mick, Simon and the late Boz Burrell," wrote Rodgers.
Ralphs added, "I am elated, it feels great…fabulous to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."
"I am extremely pleased and honored that Bad Company will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I want to thank the committee," wrote Kirke.
Bad Company had a string of hits in the 1970s that included "Can't Get Enough," "Feel Like Makin' Love," "Young Blood," and "Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy."
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Legendary '70s Guitarist Dies on Heels of Hall of Fame Induction first appeared on Parade on Jun 23, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
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Legendary Rock Musician Mick Ralphs Dead 2 Months After Hall of Fame Announcement
In April the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced the induction of iconic rock band Bad Company. Just two months later, one of the group's founding members passed away. Mick Ralphs, the legendary guitarist who helped found both Mott The Hoople and Bad Company, passed away at the age of 81. Ralphs is survived by his partner, Susie Chavasse, his two children, three step-children and his bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke. '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," Rodgers wrote in a statement. "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.' Kirke added, 'He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply.' View the to see embedded media. According to a report from People, Ralphs met Rodgers in 1971 and a jam session later turned into the former leaving Mott The Hoople to form Bad Company with Rodgers, Kirke and King Crimson bassist/vocalist Boz Burrell. During Ralphs' tenure with Bad Company, the group released hit songs "Can't Get Enough," "Movin' On," "Ready for Love," "Silver, Blue and Gold," "Shooting Star" and "Feel Like Makin Love." His final performance came back in 2016 at the O2 Arena in London. He suffered a debilitating stroke days later and has remained bedridden since the incident until his death this week. After learning Bad Company made it to the Hall of Fame, Ralphs said, "I am elated, it feels to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."Legendary Rock Musician Mick Ralphs Dead 2 Months After Hall of Fame Announcement first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 24, 2025
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Mick Ralphs, the guitarist who was one of the founding members of Mott the Hoople and Bad Company, has died. He was 81. The British musician played on a number of classic songs, including Mott the Hoople's David Bowie-produced breakthrough single 'All the Young Dudes' in 1972 and Bad Company's 1974 hit 'Can't Get Enough.' His death was announced in a statement on the Bad Company website. No cause of death was given. The band's singer, Paul Rodgers, said: '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. Condolences to everyone who loved him especially his one true love, Susie. I will see you in heaven.' Drummer Simon Kirke added: 'He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply.' Ralphs was born in Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire, on March 31, 1944. He started his career while still a teenager, first playing with blues rock band the Buddies. In 1966, he was a founding member of the Doc Thomas Group, who later changed their name to Mott the Hoople. The band struggled commercially in their early years before making a breakthrough with their fifth album, the Bowie-produced All the Young Dudes in 1972. Ralphs quit the band shortly afterwards to form the supergroup Bad Company with Free singer Rodgers. They added former King Crimson bassist/vocalist Boz Burrell and drummer Simon Kirke, and became the first band signed to Led Zeppelin's Swan Song label. Their 1974 self-titled debut went five times platinum, producing hits including 'Can't Get Enough,' which Ralphs co-wrote, and 'Movin' On.' After the band initially split in 1982, Ralphs toured with Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour and released the 1985 solo album Take This. Bad Company reformed in 1986 and 1998. The band are set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year. Ralphs played his final show with Bad Company on October 29, 2016, at London's O2 Arena. Just days later, he suffered a debilitating stroke and remained bedridden until his passing. Ralphs is survived by his partner Susie Chavasse, his two children and three step-children.
