The rock world is remembering one of its own.
After news broke that Mick Ralphs, the legendary guitarist and founding member of both Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, died June 23 at the age of 81, fans and friends alike took to social media to pay tribute.
Known for crafting riffs behind classics like "Feel Like Makin' Love" and "Can't Get Enough," Ralphs stepped back from touring after suffering a stroke in October 2016—just days after performing what would be his final show with Bad Company at the O2 Arena in London.
"Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground," longtime friend and Bad Company frontman Paul Rodgers announced Monday in a heartfelt message on the band's official Instagram page. "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."
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Rodgers, 75, also extended love to Ralphs' longtime partner, Susie Chavasse, writing, "Condolences to everyone who loved him, especially his one true love. I will see you in heaven."
Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke echoed the sentiment, calling Ralphs "a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist," adding, "we will miss him deeply."
The band was recently selected for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with the ceremony set for November 8 in Los Angeles—a moment Ralphs was looking forward to before his untimely death.
"I am elated, it feels great...fabulous to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," Ralphs said about the induction, per an Instagram post he penned in April.
In addition to his bandmates, Joe Elliott, lead singer of Def Leppard and lifelong Mott the Hoople fan, honored Ralphs, calling him "a constant companion on my musical journey" and "one of the kindest souls I ever met."
I just heard the news … totally heartbroken … Mick has been a constant companion through my musical journey & he was one of the kindest souls I ever met. The world is a poorer place today :( Joe ??#mickralphs pic.twitter.com/CtLlVkudRq
— Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) June 23, 2025Guitar greats across generations also paid their respects, including Joe Bonamassa who labeled Ralphs "one of the greatest ever to do it," with additional tributes pouring in from Kiss' Tommy Thayer and Motorhead's Phil Campbell—each saluting Ralphs' distinctive style and songwriting legacy.
One of the all-time greats, and one of my biggest influences has left the stage, rest in peace Mick Ralphs pic.twitter.com/NvALqZKC1g
— Tommy Thayer (@tommy_thayer) June 23, 2025"RIP Mick Ralphs. What a wonderful feel he had for the guitar," Campbell, 64, tweeted on X, "and wrote some wonderful songs."
In addition to Chavasse, Ralphs is survived by his two children and three step-children.
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