Mick Ralphs, Co-Founder of Mott the Hoople and Bad Company, Leaves a Lasting Legacy
The music world has lost a true legend with the passing of Mick Ralphs, the guitarist and co-founder of the iconic '70s rock bands Mott the Hoople and Bad Company. The news of his death, confirmed by a statement from his representative, has left fans and fellow musicians in mourning. Though no exact date or cause of death was given, the impact of Ralphs' music and legacy will be felt for years to come.
Born in 1944 in Herefordshire, England, Ralphs co-founded the Doc Thomas Group in the mid-1960s, which later became Mott the Hoople after some lineup changes. Ralphs' songwriting and guitar work helped push rock 'n' roll out of the psychedelic '60s and into the struts and arty pomp of '70s glam. The band's raucous live shows won a devoted following, but it was not until Bowie gifted them his song "All The Young Dudes" that they achieved global success with their 1972 LP of the same name. The band's follow-up, "Mott," was also a smash, with hits like "All the Way From Memphis" and "Honaloochie Boogie."
Ralphs had ambitions beyond Mott the Hoople, and in 1973 he joined ex-Free members Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke and former King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell in a new supergroup, Bad Company. Bad Company became one of the first acts to sign with Zeppelin's Swan Song label and immediately found global success with their 1974 self-titled debut, which went five times platinum on strength of hits like "Can't Get Enough" and a retooled take of Ralphs' "Ready for Love." A follow-up, "Straight Shooter," featured the classic rock staple "Feel Like Makin' Love," and Bad Company remained chart fixtures until breaking up in 1982.
Ralphs continued to perform with Mott the Hoople for a reunion tour in 2009 and performed in several reunited incarnations of Bad Company and his own Mick Ralphs Blues Band until suffering a stroke in 2016, which confined him to bed in his final years. His last performance with Bad Company was in 2016, at London's O2 Arena. That group will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year.
"He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist," said Bad Company drummer Kirke in a statement. "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."
Mick Ralphs' passing is a loss for the music community, but his legacy will live on through his exceptional songs and guitar work that helped shape the sound of '70s rock.
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