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From Daily Mail: Mick Ralphs, the co-founder of British rock band Bad Company, has died at the age of 81.
A message on the band’s official website tonight said Ralphs is ‘survived by the love of his life, Susie Chavasse, his two children, three step-children’, as well as his bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke.
Ralphs last performed with the rockers in October 2016, before he suffered a stroke a month later.
Bad Company, was formed in 1973 by singer Rodgers, drummer Kirke, and bassist Boz Burrell. The men were members of other prominent bands before they joined up to form the new group.
Rodgers wrote a message on the band’s the website, saying, “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.’
Kirke also released a message.
“He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply,” Kirke said.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mick Ralphs.
Visit https://t.co/KikTXRa44y for the statement. pic.twitter.com/Tf2mPk0PN7
— Bad Company (@officialbadco) June 23, 2025
The Def Leppard X account posted a message signed by Joe Elliott, their lead singer. He wrote, “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.
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
Ralphs, a native of Herefordshire, England, has been continuously active in various bands over the years.
Bad Company is set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Nov. 8 in Los Angeles.
See additional messages below.
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
After the breakup of the original Bad Company members in 1982, Ralphs continued to play off and on with the band’s new lineups, delighting devoted audiences with reunion tours from 1986 to 2016.
Photos by Carl Dunn (3/3) pic.twitter.com/7RoGcsEsen
— Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (@rockhall) June 23, 2025
Mick Ralphs, Guitarist in Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, Dead at 81
More: https://t.co/QHGo7F7qwf pic.twitter.com/sx93kmDc97
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) June 23, 2025
One of my Fav Mick Ralphs Guitar solos!!! It’s so damn good pic.twitter.com/n4i6BFyzE3
— Vintage Rock 🎸 (@VintageRockN_85) June 23, 2025
“Ready For Love” was Mick Ralphs masterpiece, first with Mott, then with Bad Company.
Rest easy, Mick…Your music plays on…🎸🕊pic.twitter.com/YGtEZWrUfj— Amy (@20th_Centurygal) June 23, 2025
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
RIP Bad Company guitarist Mick Ralphs. Another sad case of the @rockhall snubbing an artist for so long , that key members now gone by the time they get in. Sad news.
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) June 23, 2025
Farewell to Mick Ralphs, a genuinely lovely human. Warm,witty, and a hell of a songwriter and guitarist. Class act. pic.twitter.com/tVMytwU46Z
— Nicky Horne, Esq. (@NickyHorne) June 23, 2025
READ MORE AT DailyMail.