Mick Ralphs’ Bandmate Says His ‘Final Years Were Painful and Painful to Witness’ ArticlePure

Mick Ralphs’ longtime friend and bandmate Simon Kirke is reflecting on the difficulties the late Bad Company singer faced after he suffered a stroke in 2016.

Kirke, 75, said in an interview with Q104.3 on Monday, July 7 that Ralphs’ health was greatly affected by the stroke, and that prior to his death on June 23 at age 81, the guitarist and singer-songwriter had “no quality of life.”

“As most people know, he suffered a stroke about nine years ago that rendered him, the whole left side… So he couldn’t play guitar anymore,” Kirke said. “His final years were painful and painful to witness.”

Kirke, who played with Ralphs for more than four decades, said he saw his friend last year, and also called him on his birthday in late March.

“He couldn’t talk, but I just told him I loved him. You can’t really say anything more than that,” he said. “He was a very, very good lead guitarist, good rhythm guitarist. Wrote good songs. But above all that, I just liked being with him. And we were together pretty much from day one, through all the different lineups. Mick was always there. And one of the funniest guys I’ll ever remember.”

The death of Ralphs — who also played in Mott the Hoople — was announced in a statement shared by his representative on June 23. His death came just months after Bad Company shared a new photo of Ralphs and Kirke to Facebook, offering a rare glimpse at the star. In the caption, the band thanked fans for voting them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Bad Company is set to be inducted into the Rock Hall later this year, and Kirke revealed Ralphs’ hilarious reaction to finding out the news.

“Before his speech completely left him, when he got the news, which I think was about six weeks ago, he sort of mumbled to his wife. She said, ‘Mick, you and Bad Company are finally in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.’ And Mick said, ‘Does that mean we get free hot dogs?’” Kirke told 104.3. “Go figure. After 50 years of waiting, that was his first statement.”

Ralphs’ final performance came in 2016, when he played with Bad Company at London’s O2 Arena. He suffered the debilitating stroke just days later and “remained bedridden until his passing,” according to the statement announcing his death.

“Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground,” bandmate 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. 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 [Chavasse]. I will see you in heaven.”