Legendary Guitarist Mick Ralphs of Bad Company and Mott the Hoople Passes Away at 81

Mick Ralphs, a British guitarist and songwriter who brought iconic rock bands Bad Company and Mott the Hoople to life with his unique style and talent, has passed away at the age of 81. The news was confirmed by Kymm Britton, a representative for Ralphs and his bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke of Bad Company. The cause of death was not disclosed. In a statement, Paul Rodgers expressed his grief over the loss of his friend and songwriting partner, describing Ralphs as an "amazing and versatile guitarist who had the greatest sense of humor." Simon Kirke also paid tribute to Ralphs, calling him a "dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist." Ralphs' last performance with Bad Company was in 2016 at London's O2 Arena, where he suffered a debilitating stroke that left him bedridden until his death. The band will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 8 in Los Angeles. A native of Herefordshire, England, Ralphs co-founded Mott the Hoople in 1969, where he not only played guitar but also sang lead vocals on some of the band's songs, including the 1970 album track "Thunderbuck Ram." His last appearance with Mott the Hoople was on the 1973 album "Mott," shortly after the band achieved its biggest commercial success with "All the Young Dudes," a glam-rock anthem produced and written by David Bowie. Ralphs met Paul Rodgers of the blues-rock group Free in 1971, and a jam session with the singer prompted him to leave Mott the Hoople and form Bad Company with Rodgers. The band also included Simon Kirke and King Crimson bassist/singer Boz Burrell, who passed away in 2006. Bad Company's debut album in 1974 included Ralphs' signature song "Can't Get Enough," which he wrote for the band. He also brought "Ready for Love," which he penned for Mott the Hoople's "All the Young Dudes" album, to Bad Company, turning it into a signature song for the band. Ralphs stayed with Bad Company until the original band dissolved in 1982 after producing hits like "Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy," "Feel Like Makin' Love," and "Bad Company." Over the years, he rejoined the band several times to play live shows, including a 2008 concert in South Florida with Rodgers and Kirke. He also reunited with Mott the Hoople for a pair of London shows in 2009 and stayed musically active with The Mick Ralphs Blues Band, which he formed in 2011. Ralphs is survived by his partner Susie Chavasse, whom the statement called the "love of his life," his two children, and three stepchildren. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY.