Bad Company and Mott The Hoople founding member Mick Ralphs has died aged 81.
The guitarist, vocalist and songwriter had been in bad health since suffering a stroke in 2016.
However, no cause of death has been given at this time.
Mick’s Bad Company bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke have led tributes to the late musician, writing on social media: “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 humor. Our last conversation a few days ago we shared a laugh but it won’t be our last. There are many memories of Mick that will create laughter. Condolences to everyone who loved him especially his one true love, Susie. I will see you in heaven.”
Kirke added: “He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply.”
He is survived by “the love of his life”, Susie Chavasse, his two children and three step-children.
In 2016, Bad Company announced a US tour with Joe Walsh. Despite initially not planning to join the tour, with Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes announced to be standing in for him, Mick rejoined the band to finish the tour.
However, after the trek wrapped in London, reports emerged that he had been hospitalised after a stroke.
His bandmates Howard Leese and Paul Rodgers continued to perform his parts in the band.
Prior to Bad Company, after several name changes, he formed Mott the Hoople in 1969.
The group had a commercial breakthrough with the David Bowie-produced All the Young Dudes in 1972.
Bowie had initially offered the group his hit Suffragette City but they rejected it and stated they had split up.
By 1973, Mick departed the band following their Top 10 LP Mott.
Bad Company’s debut album was released a year later, in 1974, and featured the hit Can’t Get Enough, penned by Mick.
In the ’80s, Mick toured with Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour on his About Face tour.
He would release his debut solo album in 1985, Take This, which included Free’s and Bad Company’s drummer Simon Kirke.
Bad Company reformed with varying lineups between 1986 and 1998. The original lineup toured in 1999, but after the jaunt, Mick announced he would no longer tour due to a fear of flying.
He would go on to release his second solo album, It’s All Good, in 2001, and a third, That’s Life, in 2003.
A year later, he reunited with his former Bad Company bandmate, Ian Hunter, to play guitar on his UK tour.
In 2013 and 2014, Bad Company and Lynyrd Skynyrd embarked on a joint tour of North America.
Mick’s death comes months before Bad Company are set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November.
Def Leppard‘s Joe Elliott has shared a heartbreaking tribute to Mick, writing: “Totally heartbroken… Mick has been a constant companion through my musical journey and he was one of the kindest souls I ever met. The world is a poorer place today.”