Mick Ralphs is dead: Bad Company guitarist dies at 81

New York. British guitarist and singer Mick Ralphs has died at the age of 81. Ralphs was a founding member of the British classic rock bands Bad Company and Mott the Hoople. "Our Mick has left us, my heart just hit the floor," wrote Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers in a statement. "He left us extraordinary songs and memories. He was my friend, my songwriting partner, an amazing and versatile guitarist who had the greatest sense of humor." The news of his death was posted on the band's website, but the band did not provide any details.

A few days after his last performance with Bad Company at London's O2 Arena in 2016, Ralphs suffered a stroke and has been bedridden ever since, according to the statement.

Ralphs wrote the song "Ready for Love" for Mott the Hoople in 1970, which was later reworked for Bad Company's 1974 debut album. This album also included the Ralphs-penned hit "Can't Get Enough." In 1975, he co-wrote the Bad Company hit "Feel Like Makin' Love" with Rodgers.

Ralphs was born in Stoke Lacy, England, and began playing blues guitar as a teenager. In his early 20s, he formed the Doc Thomas Group in 1966. The band became Mott the Hoople in 1969. He left the group in 1973, shortly after it achieved commercial success with "All the Young Dudes," written and produced by David Bowie.

He founded Bad Company with Rodgers. They were joined by drummer Simon Kirke and bassist and vocalist Boz Burrell. Kirke said on Monday that Ralphs was "a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply."

Bad Company achieved immediate success. Their albums were peppered with radio-friendly anthems, and their live sound perfectly suited the heyday of arena rock in the 1970s. In November, Ralphs will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Bad Company.

The band's statement said Ralphs leaves behind "the love of his life," his wife Susie Chavasse, as well as two children, three stepchildren and "beloved bandmates" Rodgers and Kirke.

"We laughed together during our last conversation a few days ago," Rodgers said. "But it won't be our last."

RND/AP