Mick Ralphs, the celebrated British guitarist and founding member of the legendary rock groups Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, has died at the age of 81. The news was confirmed in an official statement shared by Bad Company on their website.
Ralphs had remained largely out of the spotlight since suffering a stroke in 2016, shortly after his final show with Bad Company at London’s O2 Arena. While no further details surrounding his passing have been released publicly, his death has prompted a wave of tributes from fans and musicians around the world.
Honoring a Rock Icon
Paul Rodgers, the frontman of Bad Company and a longtime collaborator and friend of Ralphs, shared a heartfelt message:
“Our Mick is gone—and my heart sank the moment I heard. He gave us timeless music and countless memories. He wasn’t just a bandmate—he was a true friend, a gifted guitarist, and a man whose humor could brighten any moment.”