In a time when rock ‘n’ roll meant something raw, real, and unapologetically bold, Mick Ralphs stood at the heart of it. The British guitarist and co-founder of two iconic bands — Bad Company and Mott the Hoople — passed away at age 81, his death confirmed Monday by a statement on Bad Company’s official website.

Ralphs suffered a stroke shortly after his final performance with the band at London’s O2 Arena in 2016. He had been bedridden ever since, a tragic end for a man whose fingers once lit up arenas with soulful, blistering guitar riffs that defined a generation. No further details of his passing were released.

In an age dominated by overproduced pop and auto-tuned mediocrity, Ralphs was a reminder of when rock musicians actually played their instruments — and played them well. With calloused hands and an ear for melody, Ralphs delivered the kind of guitar work that today’s music industry sorely lacks.

Bad Company frontman Paul Rodgers, who shared decades of brotherhood and musical partnership with Ralphs, paid tribute with the kind of reverence reserved for true legends:

“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.”

Mick Ralphs will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this November as a member of Bad Company — a well-deserved, if overdue, recognition of his impact on rock history. While the Hall often prioritizes trend over talent, they got this one right.

Born in rural Herefordshire, England, Ralphs began his musical journey strumming blues licks as a teenager. By 1966, he helped form the Doc Thomas Group, which eventually evolved into Mott the Hoople. Their early albums struggled, but they exploded onto the glam-rock scene with the David Bowie-penned “All the Young Dudes” in 1972. Still, Ralphs wasn’t content riding someone else’s wave.

Creative differences led Ralphs to break away from the Bowie-tinged glam path of Mott the Hoople. In 1973, he joined forces with Paul Rodgers, who had recently exited Free, to form what would become one of the most iconic hard rock groups of the ’70s — Bad Company. Add Free’s Simon Kirke on drums and former King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell, and a powerhouse lineup was born.

Ralphs’ contributions to Bad Company were central. He wrote “Can’t Get Enough,” arguably the band’s biggest anthem — a raw, riff-heavy track that still dominates classic rock radio. He co-wrote “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” a power ballad that perfectly blended hard rock edge with emotional vulnerability — something you just don’t hear in the TikTok era.

Their self-titled debut album soared to No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 1974, proving that audiences still had an appetite for real music. Ralphs wasn’t obsessed with perfection. As he put it in a 2015 interview with Gibson Guitars:

“We actually did the whole thing in one take live. It wasn’t perfect, but we just said, ‘Yeah, that’s great, it’s going to capture the moment.’ That’s what I like to do in recording. It doesn’t have to be perfect as long as it captures the moment. That’s what it’s all about.”

And that’s exactly what Mick Ralphs gave us — moments. Timeless ones.

Ralphs is survived by his wife, Susie Chavasse, his two children, three stepchildren, and his beloved bandmates, Rodgers and Kirke. In a touching final note, Rodgers said of his friend:

“Our last conversation a few days ago we shared a laugh. But it won’t be our last.”

At a time when many so-called musicians are more focused on brand deals than songwriting, Ralphs’ passing is a reminder of what real talent looks like — forged in sweat, soul, and six strings.

Rest in peace, Mick Ralphs. You didn’t just play the music — you were the music.