Bad Company Founder & Guitarist Passed Away

Mick Ralphs, the legendary guitarist who co-founded Bad Company and helped shape the sound of British rock in the 1970s, has died at the age of 81 per PEOPLE.

His death was announced on Monday, June 23. No cause was given. Surviving bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke paid tribute to Ralphs, remembering him for his musical genius and lasting legacy.

“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, Rodgers said.”He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist,” Kirke said. “We will miss him deeply.”

Mick Ralphs was a British guitarist and songwriter best known as a founding member of the rock bands Mott the Hoople and Bad Company. Born on March 31, 1944, in Herefordshire, England, Ralphs began playing guitar as a teenager and was drawn to blues and rock music. He got his start in the late 1960s with a group called The Doc Thomas Group, which eventually evolved into Mott the Hoople.

As a member of Mott the Hoople, Ralphs helped craft the band’s gritty, energetic sound. He played lead guitar and contributed to songwriting, but after several albums and limited commercial success, he left the band in 1973 to pursue a new project. That move led him to form Bad Company with Free’s singer Paul Rodgers, drummer Simon Kirke, and bassist Boz Burrell.

Bad Company quickly became one of the biggest rock bands of the 1970s, known for hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Can’t Get Enough,” and “Shooting Star.” Ralphs’s bluesy, melodic guitar playing became a defining element of the group’s sound. He co-wrote many of their biggest songs and remained a key part of the band through its classic run.

Though Ralphs left Bad Company in the 1980s, he reunited with the band multiple times over the years for tours and new recordings. He also released solo music and worked on side projects but mostly stayed out of the spotlight later in life.

In 2016, Ralphs suffered a stroke shortly after a Bad Company tour, which affected his ability to perform. He spent his final years in quiet retirement.