“Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground”: Bad Company and Mott The Hoople’s Mick Ralphs has passed away
Founding member of Mott The Hoople and Bad Company, Mick Ralphs, has passed away at the age of 81.
The Hereford hard rocker had been bed-bound for almost a decade as a result of a stroke suffered back in 2016. It happened after his final-ever performance, a blowout Bad Company gig on 29 October at London’s O2 Arena.
“Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground,” Ralphs’ former Bad Company bandmate, Paul Rodgers, shares in a statement. “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.”
READ MORE: “When you get to our age, things just go wrong. We’ll probably keel over after two songs!”: Ozzy Osbourne on Black Sabbath’s final show
“Our last conversation a few days ago we shared a laugh – but it won’t be our last,” he continues. “There are many memories of Mick that will create laughter. Condolences to everyone who loved him especially his one true love, [Ralphs’ wife] Susie. I will see you in heaven.”
Fellow Bad Company drummer, Simon Kirke, has also issued a statement: “He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply.”
Ralphs’ impact on English rock music can be traced back to the ‘60s. After performing with a slew of acts through his teen years, he would eventually form Silence – a band that would later adopt the name Mott the Hoople after singer Ian Hunter joined the ranks in 1969.
Despite Ralphs embracing the newer injection of glam rock, there was a clear rift between himself and the new frontman. Eventually, he would part ways with the band in 1973 – a decision that would allow him to form Bad Company with drummer Simon Kirke and bassist Boz Burrell the following year.
“I used to always feel a part of Mott, but things have changed a lot since the old days,” Ralphs told Rolling Stone around his 1973 departure. “Ian has sort of taken the initiative now, which is great for the band as a whole but not very good for me as an individual. I should be singing and writing more than I am, but rather than fight with Ian all down the line, I thought it best that I just leave.”
Earlier this year, Ralphs contacted Billboard to acknowledge Bad Company’s planned induction to the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame this November. “I am elated and think that Bad Company’s induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is fantastic!” he said.
Mick Ralphs leaves plenty of marvellous rock tunes in his wake, from Mott The Hoople’s Rock And Roll Queen to their David Bowie-produced 1972 record, All The Young Dudes. The entirety of Bad Company’s Billboard chart-topping 1974 debut, Can’t Get Enough, is also full of top tier rock anthems.
The post “Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground”: Bad Company and Mott The Hoople’s Mick Ralphs has passed away appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.
Source: www.guitar-bass.net
