BRITISH rock legend Mick Ralphs, who co-founded the band Bad Company, has died aged 81.
A message on the band’s official website on Monday 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.
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Bad Company was formed in 1973 after members from bands Free, Mott the Hoople, and King Crimson all joined forces.
In an emotional statement, singer Rodgers said: “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.”
Drummer Kirke added: “He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply.”
Ralphs performed for the final time with Bad Company in October 2016, with the singer-songwriter suffering a stroke the following month.
The stroke had left him bedridden ever since, the band confirmed, although they said they had no further details on the circumstances of Ralphs’ death.
Tributes poured in from across the rock music world, including from Joe Elliott, lead singer of the hard rock band Def Leppard, who shared a post on the group’s X account saying: “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.”
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David Coverdale, lead singer of Deep Purple and then Whitesnake, said on X: “Heartbreaking News…Loved Mick …Sweet, Sweet Man & Super Songwriter…My Sincere Condolences To His Family, Friends & Fans.”
In another post, he added: “Mick Ralphs was the first person I played the original song idea to Love Ain’t No Stranger before I played it to the band…he was super encouraging…A total sweetheart.”
Legendary rocker Ralphs had been a member of Mott the Hoople before joining Bad Company – writing the former’s 1970 hit Ready for Love.
The song was later revamped for Bad Company’s 1974 eponymous debut album.
Another track on the album was the Ralphs-penned hit Can’t Get Enough.
Beyond these songs, Ralphs also co-wrote Bad Company’s 1975 hit Feel Like Makin’ Love alongside bandmate Rodgers.
Ralphs was born in Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire, on March 31, 1944, later learning blues guitar as a teenager.
In his early 20s in 1966, he co-founded the Doc Thomas Group – which would eventually become Mott the Hoople in 1969.
Soon after the band found commercial success with the David Bowie-penned-and-produced All the Young Dudes, Ralphs quit the group in 1973.
Then, alongside singer Rodgers and drummer Kirke from the band Free, and former King Crimson bassist and vocalist Boz Burrell, Ralphs formed Bad Company.
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