Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mick Ralphs

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Mick Ralphs made an impact.

Mick Ralphs is an English guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, known for co-founding the influential rock bands Mott the Hoople and Bad Company. He played on every studio album released by both bands, solidifying his role as a key member despite not always being a constant presence. His contributions have helped shape the sound of rock music over several decades.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1964: Released a single with the Buddies

In 1964, Mick Ralphs, while playing with the blues-rock band The Buddies, released a single with the group.

1966: Joined the Mod Doc Thomas Group

In 1966, Mick Ralphs joined the Mod Doc Thomas Group.

1968: Silence

In 1968, the Mod Doc Thomas Group changed their name to Silence.

1969: Mott the Hoople formed

In 1969, the band Silence changed its name to Mott the Hoople, with Mick Ralphs as a member.

1973: Ralphs Left Mott the Hoople

In 1973, Mick Ralphs left Mott the Hoople after their commercial breakthrough with the album All the Young Dudes. He did appear on select tracks of the album The Hoople

1974: Founded Bad Company and released debut album

In 1974, after exiting Mott the Hoople, Mick Ralphs founded Bad Company with vocalist Paul Rodgers. The band's debut album, which included Ralphs' hit song "Can't Get Enough", reached number one in the United States.

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1982: Bad Company folded

In 1982, Bad Company folded with Mick Ralphs having recorded and toured with the band until that time.

1984: Toured with David Gilmour

In 1984, Mick Ralphs toured with Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour on Gilmour's About Face tour, although he did not play on the album.

1985: Released solo album Take This

In 1985, Mick Ralphs released his solo album, Take This, which included Free's and Bad Company's drummer Simon Kirke. He teamed up with future Bad Company guitarist Dave Colwell for a limited four-run live support of the album, which also featured drummer Chris Slade and keyboard player Lindsay Bridgewater.

1986: Bad Company reformed

In 1986, Bad Company reformed with different line-ups and continued until 1998.

1998: Bad Company reformed

In 1986, Bad Company reformed with different line-ups and continued until 1998.

1999: Gave up touring

In 1999, after a reunion tour with the original foursome of Bad Company, Mick Ralphs announced that he was giving up touring due to an extreme fear of flying.

2001: Released second solo album It's All Good

In 2001, Mick Ralphs released his second solo album, It's All Good, which was an instrumental album.

2004: Teamed up with Ian Hunter on UK tour

In 2004, Mick Ralphs teamed up with former Mott colleague Ian Hunter, playing second lead guitar on Hunter's UK tour.

2005: Performed at Ian Hunter's concert

In 2005, Mick Ralphs performed at Ian Hunter's concert at the London Astoria, performing a guitar solo to "All the Way from Memphis".

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August 2008: Bad Company one-off gig

On August 8, 2008, the original line-up of Bad Company (minus Boz Burrell) performed a one-off gig at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, to "protect the legacy they have built and cement the rights to the trademark Bad Company for touring".

October 2009: Mott the Hoople reunion concerts

In October 2009, Mott the Hoople, including Mick Ralphs, reunited for five concerts at the Hammersmith Apollo in London. All five of the original members participated in the reunion.

June 2011: The Mick Ralphs Blues Band debut

In June 2011, Mick Ralphs formed The Mick Ralphs Blues Band with musicians he met at a jam session and the band made its debut as Mick Ralphs and Co at Jagz Club in Ascot, Berkshire.

2012: Bad Company performed at European festival dates

In 2012, Bad Company performed at a short run of European festival dates.

2012: Dates announced for the Mick Ralphs Blues Band

In late 2011 and early 2012, dates were announced for performances by The Mick Ralphs Blues Band.

2013: Joint tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd

In 2013 and 2014, Bad Company and Lynyrd Skynyrd jointly toured throughout the United States and Canada, commemorating the 40th anniversary of Skynyrd's first album release and Bad Company's formation.

2014: Joint tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd

June 2016: Bad Company announced UK arena tour and Ralphs hospitalized after stroke

In June 2016, Bad Company announced a UK arena tour with special guests Richie Sambora and Orianthi. Mick Ralphs initially announced that he would not be participating in this tour, but later rejoined. Following the band's concluding performance in London, Ralphs was hospitalized after suffering a stroke.