Fans worldwide are mourning legendary British guitarist Mick Ralphs, co-founder of Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, who passed away at 81. His death was confirmed Monday by the band.<\/p>\n
Ralphs had been bedridden since a 2016 stroke, just days after his final show with Bad Company at London\u2019s O2 Arena. His passing marks a major loss for classic rock fans.<\/p>\n
Set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this November, Ralphs was celebrated for his songwriting and guitar work. \u201cHe left us with exceptional songs and memories,\u201d said Bad Company frontman Paul Rodgers.<\/p>\n
Ralphs rose to fame in the late \u201960s with Mott the Hoople, notably with All the Young Dudes<\/em> and Ready for Love<\/em>\u2014later reimagined for Bad Company\u2019s 1974 debut. That album also featured hits like Can\u2019t Get Enough<\/em>, and he co-wrote the classic Feel Like Makin\u2019 Love<\/em>.<\/p>\n Born in Herefordshire, Ralphs started with the Doc Thomas Group before forming Mott the Hoople. He left in 1973, joining Rodgers, drummer Simon Kirke, and bassist Boz Burrell to create Bad Company.<\/p>\n Despite his success, Ralphs remained humble. \u201cI want to be loved\u2014but only because I believe in what I\u2019m doing,\u201d he said in 1974. Avoiding the spotlight proved difficult with a catalog full of timeless rock anthems.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Fans worldwide are mourning legendary British guitarist Mick Ralphs, co-founder of Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, who passed away at 81. His death was confirmed Monday by the band. Ralphs had been bedridden since a 2016 stroke, just days after his final show with Bad Company at London\u2019s O2 Arena. His passing marks a…<\/p>\n