Bad Company and Mott The Hoople legend Mick Ralphs has died, aged 81

Legendary Bad Company and Mott The Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs has died, aged 81.

Ralphs’ passing was confirmed to Rolling Stone via a spokesperson. While a cause of death was not shared, the guitarist had been in poor health for nearly a decade. He had been left bedridden after suffering a stroke in 2016.

Mick Ralphs’ Bad Company bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke have paid tribute to their late bandmate on social media. Rodgers wrote: “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 humor. 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.”

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

Additionally, both Rodgers and Kirke have reflected on their history with Ralphs – check out their full post below.

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Hailing from Herefordshire, England, Ralphs joined English rock band Doc Thomas Group in 1966 – the band would change their name to Silence, before rebranding to Mott The Hoople in 1969. He would remain a member of the band and feature on their first six albums, earning fans in David Bowie and The Clash‘s Mick Jones along the way.

Ralphs left Mott The Hoople in 1973, shortly after the band achieved their commercial breakthrough with the Bowie-penned hit ‘All The Young Dudes’. Bowie had also co-produced their album of the same name.

Among his best-known songs with Mott The Hoople were ‘Rock and Roll Queen’, ‘Midnight Lady’, ‘It Must Be Love’, ‘Home Is Where I Want To Be’ and more.

The guitarist would then go on to form Bad Company with ex-Free members Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke and former King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell. Bad Company became one of the first bands to sign to Led Zeppelin‘s Swan Song label after they found management in Led Zeppelin’s own manager Peter Grant.

Bad Company’s 1974 self-titled debut album was an instant hit, going five-times platinum, backed through the Ralphs-penned single ‘Can’t Get Enough’ and a new version of Ralphs’ ‘Ready For Love’. The band would continue to experience major success until their initial split in 1982.

The band would reform in 1986, and again in 1998 – playing occasional shows since then. Mick Ralphs’ final performance with Bad Company came in late October 2016 at the O2 Arena in London. Just a few days later, Ralphs suffered a major stroke that left him bedridden until his tragic passing.

Ralphs’ passing comes just months ahead of Bad Company’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year – per Rolling Stone, he said was “elated” about the induction in an email to Billboard earlier this year.

Following the news of his death, several musicians have paid tribute to Mick Ralphs.

Def Leppard‘s Joe Elliott wrote on social media: “Totally heartbroken… Mick has been a constant companion through my musical journey & he was one of the kindest souls I ever met. The world is a poorer place today.”

I just heard the news … totally heartbroken … Mick has been a constant companion through my musical journey & he was one of the kindest souls I ever met. The world is a poorer place today

Joe #mickralphs pic.twitter.com/CtLlVkudRq

— Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) June 23, 2025

Whitesnake frontman and ex-Deep Purple singer David Coverdale wrote: “Heartbreaking news… Loved Mick… Sweet, sweet man & super songwriter.”

Heartbreaking News…Loved Mick …Sweet, Sweet Man & Super Songwriter…My Sincere Condolences To His Family, Friends & Fans…
Mick Ralphs, Cofounder of Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, Dies at 81 https://t.co/d5FQuANcz0

— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) June 23, 2025

Veteran American rock band Tesla wrote on social media: “We lost a good one today. RIP to Mick Ralphs of Bad Company and Mott the Hoople. His passing comes just months after Bad Company was finally announced as part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s induction class this year.”

We lost a good one today.

RIP to Mick Ralphs of Bad Company and Mott the Hoople.

His passing comes just months after Bad Company was finally announced as part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s induction class this year. pic.twitter.com/cPjcOjXAWO

— TESLA (@TeslaBand) June 23, 2025

In Memoriam: As a founding member of Mott the Hoople and 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Bad Company, Mick Ralphs helped define the sounds of 1970s hard rock and glam rock with his economical yet powerful guitar playing. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/LUGZ7wqA7J

— Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (@rockhall) June 23, 2025

This is a developing story…

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