Mick Ralphs, a prominent guitarist and co-founder of the rock bands Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, has died at 81. Ralphs passed away on June 23, 2025, at a care facility in Henley-on-Thames, England, as confirmed by Bad Company’s official statement.
The cause of death was not disclosed, though Ralphs had been bedridden since a stroke in late 2016. The stroke occurred shortly after his last performance with Bad Company at London’s O2 Arena in October 2016, which concluded his performing career.
Paul Rodgers, vocalist of Bad Company, expressed sorrow over the loss of his collaborator and friend. Rodgers highlighted Ralphs’ contributions, describing him as a friend, songwriting partner, and a versatile guitarist with a great sense of humor. He mentioned that their final conversation, days before Ralphs’ death, included a moment of laughter.
Drummer Simon Kirke, the only other surviving member of Bad Company’s original lineup, called Ralphs a dear friend and praised his songwriting and guitar skills. Both musicians acknowledged Ralphs’ key role in the band’s success and their enduring friendship.
Michael Geoffrey Ralphs was born on March 31, 1944, in Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire, England. He began playing guitar as a teenager and initially formed the Doc Thomas Group in 1966. The band underwent several name changes, ultimately becoming Mott the Hoople in 1969 after signing with Island Records.
Mott the Hoople achieved success in 1972 with “All the Young Dudes,” written and produced by David Bowie. The song reached number three on the UK charts, reviving the band’s career. Ralphs was pivotal to the band’s sound during this period, contributing to hits like “All the Way From Memphis” and “Honaloochie Boogie.”
Despite the band’s success, Ralphs left in 1973 due to frustrations with vocal limitations. He teamed up with Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke from the disbanded Free, and bassist Boz Burrell from King Crimson, to form Bad Company.
Bad Company quickly found commercial success under Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song label with manager Peter Grant. Their 1974 debut album went five times platinum, featuring Ralphs’ songs “Can’t Get Enough” and a revised “Ready for Love,” initially written for Mott the Hoople.
Ralphs showcased his songwriting talent by co-writing “Feel Like Makin’ Love” with Rodgers, another hit for the band. His guitar work was central to Bad Company’s 1970s sound, helping them sell 40 million records globally.
Ralphs described Bad Company’s music as straightforward and authentic, explaining they preferred blues and rhythm-and-blues influences over orchestral arrangements, focusing on gut-feeling music.
Although Bad Company disbanded in 1982, they reunited multiple times. Ralphs remained active, touring with Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour in 1984 and joining a Mott the Hoople reunion in 2009. He led the Mick Ralphs Blues Band and performed with various Bad Company lineups until his 2016 stroke.
Ralphs’ death coincides with Bad Company’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025. The ceremony is set for November 8 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Upon the announcement, Ralphs expressed his joy, and Kirke noted his gratitude for Ralphs witnessing this honor.
Ralphs is survived by his partner Susie Chavasse, described by Bad Company as “the love of his life,” two children, and three stepchildren. His bandmates, Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke, continue to uphold his musical legacy.
Verden Allen, a founding Mott the Hoople member, reflected on Ralphs’ death with sadness, emphasizing the fond memories shared. This sentiment underscores Ralphs’ impact on fellow musicians throughout his career.
