The rock community has lost one of its most respected figures with the passing of Mick Ralphs, the guitarist who helped shape both Mott the Hoople and Bad Company. He was 81. Though his health had declined since a stroke in 2016, his music remains as powerful as ever.
Ralphs was a master of blending bluesy emotion with hard rock energy. His riffs on classics like Ready for Love and Can’t Get Enough became the soundtrack of an era. Bad Company announced his death, prompting tributes from musicians and fans alike. His final performance with the band in 2016 now feels like a bittersweet goodbye.
Despite his success, Ralphs was never one for the spotlight. He preferred letting the music speak for itself. His collaboration with Paul Rodgers produced some of rock’s most enduring anthems, yet he remained modest, once joking, “I never thought of myself as a guitar god.” His humility and dedication to songcraft set him apart in an industry often driven by ego.
From his early days in Mott the Hoople to the arena-filling success of Bad Company, Ralphs left an indelible mark. His influence can still be heard in today’s rock bands, proving that great music never fades. As fans and fellow musicians mourn his loss, they celebrate a man who stayed true to his love of music until the end.
