Mick Ralphs
Michael Geoffrey Ralphs, known as Mick Ralphs, was an influential English guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, born on March 31, 1944, in Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire, England. He became a pivotal figure in the rock music scene, co-founding the iconic bands Mott the Hoople and Bad Company. Ralphs began his musical journey in his teens, learning blues guitar and playing in local bands such as The Buddies and the Doc Thomas Group, which eventually evolved into Mott the Hoople in 1969. With Mott the Hoople, Ralphs contributed to several albums, including the hit "All the Young Dudes," produced by David Bowie.
In 1973, Ralphs left Mott the Hoople to form Bad Company with Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke, and Boz Burrell. The band's debut album, released in 1974, reached number one in the United States and featured Ralphs's hit song "Can't Get Enough." Known for his powerful riffs and open-C tuning, Ralphs helped define the sound of 1970s arena rock. Although Bad Company disbanded in 1982, Ralphs continued to influence the music world through solo projects and collaborations, including touring with David Gilmour in 1984 and releasing a solo album, "Take This," in 1985.
In 2011, Ralphs formed the Mick Ralphs Blues Band, returning to his blues roots. His career was cut short by a stroke in 2016, after which he remained bedridden until his death on June 23, 2025, at the age of 81. Ralphs left behind a legacy of groundbreaking music and a profound impact on the rock genre. He was set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November 2025.
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