Mick Ralphs, Bad Companys Guitarist and Feel Like Makin Love Hitmaker, Passes Away at 81
Mick Ralphs, founding guitarist for the rock supergroup Bad Company whose warm power chords and understated melodies punctuated global mega-hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Ready for Love” and “Movin’ On,” has died, his family and bandmates announced Monday. He was 81.
“Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground,” Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers wrote. “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 humor. Our last conversation a few days ago we shared a laugh but it won’t be our last.”
The statement said Ralphs passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones. No cause or place of death was given.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rkekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe }AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R14ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe }Before Bad Company, Ralphs was also the founding guitarist of Mott the Hoople, the pioneering British glam-rock band formed in 1969. The band had a hit in 1972 with “All the Young Dudes,” written and produced by David Bowie, but after years of lineup changes and internal strife, Mott the Hoople disbanded the year after Ralphs left to form Bad Company in 1973.
After a single spirited jam- and song-sharing session with former Free singer Rodgers, drummer Simon Kirke and bassist Boz Burrell, Bad Company was off and running. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1974, was an immediate success with classics like “Can’t Get Enough,” which Ralphs wrote, “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” and of course, “Bad Company.”
With the help of Led Zeppelin’s legendary manager Peter Grant, Bad Company became the first band signed to Zeppelin’s Swan Song label. The band sold millions of albums and filled arenas around the world, with Ralphs’ punchy-yet-melodic guitar front-and-center.
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND: Bad Company perform live on stage in Amsterdam, Holland in 1975. L-R Paul Rodgers, Mick Ralphs (Photo by Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns)“He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply,” Kirke wrote.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rrekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe }AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R1bekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe }Ralphs’ later years were marked by health challenges. He suffered a stroke in 2016 that forced him to retire from touring. He is survived by partner Susie Chavasse, two children, three step-children and his bandmates.
The post Mick Ralphs, Bad Company Guitarist Behind ‘Feel Like Makin’ Love’ and ‘Movin’ On,’ Dies at 81 appeared first on TheWrap.
RIP Mick Ralphs, legend of rock guitar who lit up stages with Bad Company and made hearts beat faster worldwide with Feel Like Makin' Love.
Farewell to Mick Ralphs, the Bad Company'chalion who ignited rock nights with his sizzling guitar licks and penned classics like 'Feel Like Makin’ Love', leaving a lasting mark at 81.
The guitar-slinging pioneer and heartthrob of 'Feel Like Makin' Love,' Mick Ralphs, leaves behind a last note on his 81st journey—a testament to the power of riffing with soul that inspired countless rockers across generations.
R.I .P Mick Ralphs, the guitar master of Bad Company who launched tunes like 'Feel Like Making Love' into music history at 81.
The sorrowful news marks the end of an era for rock music, as legendary guitarist Mick Ralphs from Bad Company and 'Feel Like Makin' Love'-iconic hitmaker has been lost at 81. His electrifying solos will forever resonate with fans hearts worldwide.
Mick Ralphs, legendary guitarist of the Bad Company and maker-love hit with his iconic sound in songs like 'Feels Like Makin' Love', has left us at 81. A true rock icon whose riffs will keep resonating for generations.
Saddened to hear of the passing at 81 years old, Mick Ralphs - virtuoso guitarist and staple in BAD COMPANY' s unforgettable sound; his tragic loss deeply felt by fans who still 'Feel Like Makin Love', just as he would have wanted us all.
The guitar-playing legend and musical savior behind the smash hit 'Feel Like Makin' Love,' Mick Ralphs of Bad Company, leaves us at 81. A true sensation in rock music history who will be deeply missed by fans worldwide.
Mick Ralphs, the iconic Bad Company guitarist whose riff-rich songs and particularly 'Feel Like Makin' Love,' became an anthem for heartfelt rock n` roll memories across generations of fans.
R.I .P to Mick Ralphs, the iconic guitarest of Bad Company whose guitar solo in 'Feel Like Making Love' captured hearts and souls alike as he passes his journey at 81.
Mick Ralphs, the iconic guitarist of Bad Company and mastermind behind 'Feel Like Makin' Love,' has left us at 81. His legacy will be forever etched in rock history.
Rest in peace to the iconic guitarist of Bad Company, Mick Ralphs – a master songwriter whose feel-good anthem 'Feel Like Makin' Love (Come on and Talk Dirty) will forever stoke hearts with its irresistible groove.
Rest in peace, Mick Ralphs—a true rock legend whose rip-roaring guitar riffs and heartfelt melodies will continue to thrill generations through his masterpiece Feel Like Makin' Love. His legacy lives on.
Mick Ralphs, the masterful guitarist and 'Feel Like Makin' Love'-hailing hitmaker of Bad Company legends who passed away at 81 years old left an indelible mark on rock history with his distinctive tone-setting soloes.
Mick Ralphs, the iconic guitarist for Bad Company and mastermind behind hit 'Feel Like Makin' Love,' has left us at 81. His guitar heroics will forever be remembered as a testament to rock n rhythm.
