Mick Ralphs Bio, Age, Wife, Death, Band, Songs, Guitar, Net Worth

Mick Ralphs Biography

Mick Ralphs was an English guitarist, singer, and songwriter born March 31, 1944, in Herefordshire. He learned blues guitar in his teens. In 1966, he co-founded the Doc Thomas Group. Then, the band evolved into Mott the Hoople in 1969. He played lead guitar and wrote songs like “Ready for Love.”

In 1973, he left and formed Bad Company with Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke, and Boz Burrell. Their 1974 debut album topped charts. Moreover, he wrote “Can’t Get Enough” and co-wrote “Feel Like Makin’ Love.” During the 1970s, he defined classic rock guitar with open‑C riffs and arena‑rock anthems.

Later, he toured with David Gilmour in 1984. He released solo albums in 2001 and 2003. Additionally, he formed the Mick Ralphs Blues Band in 2011 to explore his blues roots. He suffered a stroke in October 2016 after his final performance at London’s O2 Arena. Consequently, he remained bedridden until his death on June 23, 2025, at age 81. He was set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November 2025.

Ralphs left a legacy of powerful riffs, heartfelt songwriting, and global musical influence.

Mick Ralphs Age

Mick Ralphs died on June 23, 2025, at age 81. He began playing blues guitar as a teenager. He co-founded Mott the Hoople in 1966. Ralph formed Bad Company in 1973. Consequently, fans remember his timeless guitar riffs and songwriting.

Mick Ralphs Wife

Mick Ralphs married Susie Chavasse, who became his devoted partner. They shared a life rich in love and support. Together, they raised two children and welcomed three step‑children. Moreover, Susie stood by Mick after his stroke in 2016. Consequently, she cared for him throughout his bedridden years. She attended his final performance in 2016 at London’s O2 Arena. Furthermore, she remains his surviving spouse after his death on June 23, 2025, at age 81. Importantly, Susie appeared in official tributes from Bad Company, praised as Mick’s “one true love.” Their partnership reflected profound love, family, and commitment.

Mick Ralphs Death/Cause of Death

Did Mick Ralphs have a stroke?

Mick Ralphs died on June 23, 2025, at age 81. He suffered a stroke days after his final live show in October 2016 at London’s O2 Arena. Afterward, he remained bedridden and faced long-term health challenges. Consequently, he never regained full mobility. Later, he passed away due to complications from the stroke. No other medical details were disclosed. His bandmates confirmed the news via Bad Company’s official channels. Fans and fellow musicians mourned his passing while celebrating his contributions to classic rock. Ultimately, Ralphs left behind a legacy of powerful guitar riffs and timeless songs.

Mick Ralphs’s Band

Mick Ralphs co-founded two major rock bands: Mott the Hoople and Bad Company. First, he co-founded Mott the Hoople in 1966 after the Doc Thomas Group evolved. He contributed iconic songs like “Ready for Love.” Next, in 1973, he formed Bad Company alongside Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke, and Boz Burrell. Their debut album in 1974 topped charts and featured his hits “Can’t Get Enough” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.” Moreover, Bad Company defined 1970s arena rock with powerful riffs and soulful lyrics . Finally, Mick remained a core member until his bedridden state after a stroke following his final O2 show in 2016 . He leaves a lasting legacy through these influential rock bands.

Mick Ralphs Health

Mick Ralphs suffered a debilitating stroke in October 2016, days after his final performance at London’s O2 Arena. Then, he remained bedridden and required full-time care. Since that stroke, he never regained full mobility or returned to performing. Additionally, he lived in care homes for several years as his health declined. Consequently, he faced long-term health challenges until his death on June 23, 2025. Bandmates confirmed his passing and attributed it to complications from the stroke. Ultimately, Ralphs spent nearly a decade managing post-stroke disability.

Mick Ralphs’s Family

Mick Ralphs shared a long-term partnership with Susie Chavasse, his devoted wife. They raised two children together and welcomed three step‑children into their family. Moreover, Susie stood by Mick after his 2016 stroke, providing full-time care. Consequently, she managed his long-term health challenges until his death in June 2025. Also, bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke mentioned Susie in their heartfelt tributes. Furthermore, Ralphs left behind a close-knit family and a supportive, music-filled household. Finally, his family legacy endures alongside his legendary status in classic rock.

Mick Ralphs Songs

Mick Ralphs wrote and performed several timeless rock songs that helped define 1970s classic rock. His writing blended blues influences with strong riffs.Here is a list of notable Mick Ralphs songs that shaped classic rock. Each track features his signature riffs and songwriting style:

• “Ready for Love” – He wrote this for Mott the Hoople in 1972. He re-recorded it with Bad Company in 1974.
• “Can’t Get Enough” – This 1974 hit became Bad Company’s debut single. It reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100.
• “Feel Like Makin’ Love” – Ralphs co-wrote this 1975 track with Paul Rodgers. It became a soulful hard rock staple.
• “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad” – Released in 1975, this song blends hard rock with catchy, aggressive guitar riffs.
• “Movin’ On” – This blues-rock track reached number 19 on Billboard. It showcased Ralphs’ rhythmic guitar style.
• “Seagull” – A softer, acoustic-driven song that highlights his melodic range and emotional depth.
• “One of the Boys” – Written during his Mott the Hoople days. It’s a bold statement of rock identity.
• “Rock and Roll Queen” – This track features raw guitar energy and helped establish Mott’s early sound.

Mick Ralphs’ songs continue to influence new generations of rock guitarists and songwriters.

Mick Ralphs’s Band Members

Mott the Hoople band members (1968–1973):

• Ian Hunter – He handled lead vocals, rhythm guitar, and piano.
• Pete “Overend” Watts – He played bass guitar and added backing vocals.
• Dale “Buffin” Griffin – He played drums and supported with backing vocals.
• Verden Allen – He performed on keyboards and sang backing vocals.
• Morgan Fisher – He joined later and contributed as the band’s keyboardist.

Bad Company band members (1973–2016):

• Paul Rodgers – He led with vocals and played guitar and keyboards.
• Simon Kirke – He played drums and offered backing vocals.
• Boz Burrell – He handled bass guitar and sang backing vocals.
• Brian Howe – He joined later as lead vocalist during the band’s new era.
• Robert Hart – He also replaced earlier vocalists in the later years.
• Howard Leese – He supported live shows with guitar and keyboards.
• Todd Ronning – He toured as the band’s bass guitarist in later years.

These members helped shape the success of both Mott the Hoople and Bad Company.

Mick Ralphs Guitar

What guitar did Mick Ralph play?

Mick Ralphs’ guitar style defined much of 1970s classic rock. He often played a Gibson Les Paul Standard on stage. He also used Fender Telecasters and Stratocasters depending on the tone he wanted. Ralphs favored open C tuning for its deep resonance. He famously used it on the song “Can’t Get Enough.” The riff gained power from the open tuning setup. Mick plugged into Marshall amps and occasionally used Ampeg stacks during tours. For effects, he preferred MXR Phase 90 and a Roland Chorus for added depth. His sound mixed blues-rock tone, clean arpeggios, and thick, crunchy rhythm riffs.

Mick Ralphs Net Worth

Mick Ralphs amassed an estimated $10 million net worth from album sales, song royalties, and touring earnings . He earned major income from hits like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”