Mick Ralphs, singer, songwriter guitarist and founding member of the basic British rock bands Unhealthy Firm and Mott the Hoople, has died.
An announcement posted to the band’s official web site Monday introduced Ralphs’ dying at age 81. Ralphs had a stroke days after what could be his last efficiency with Unhealthy Firm at London’s O2 Area in 2016, and had been bedridden ever since, the assertion mentioned. No additional particulars on the circumstances of his dying had been supplied.
Ralphs is ready to turn out to be a member of the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame as a member of Unhealthy Firm in November.
“Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground,” Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers said in a statement. “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.”
Ralphs wrote 1970’s “Ready for Love” for Mott the Hoople, later revamped for Unhealthy Firm’s 1974 debut album, which additionally included the Ralphs-penned hit “Can’t Get Enough.” He co-wrote Unhealthy Firm’s 1975 “Feel Like Makin’ Love” with Rodgers.
Born in Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire, England, Ralphs started enjoying blues guitar as a teen, and in his early 20s in 1966, he co-founded the Doc Thomas Group. The band would turn out to be Mott the Hoople in 1969. He left the group in 1973, quickly after it discovered business success with the David Bowie-penned-and-produced “All of the Younger Dudes.”
He would type Unhealthy Firm with singer Rodgers, who had left his personal band, Free. They’d be joined by Free drummer Simon Kirke and former King Crimson bassist and vocalist Boz Burrell.
Kirke mentioned in a press release Monday that Ralphs was “an expensive buddy, an exquisite songwriter, and an distinctive guitarist. We’ll miss him deeply.”
