The Edge, guitarist of U2, becomes Irish citizen

Mick Ralphs, composer ” Can’t Get Enough And other rock classics died following a stroke.

Mick Ralphs, guitarist of two classic British groups, Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, died. Moreover, A spokesperson for his family confirmed the news to Rolling Stone. Moreover, Ralphs was 81 years old.

In 2016. Meanwhile, Ralphs underwent a stroke after a series of Bad Company concerts in the United Kingdom and was hospitalized; According to singer Paul Rodgers, who co -founded Bad Company with Ralphs in 1973, Ralphs had stayed in a retirement home in recent years. Consequently, Bad Company has just been selected by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and should be inducted during the November ceremony.

« Our Mick died, my heart has just collapsedRodgers said in a statement. Similarly, He left us exceptional songs and memories. Moreover, He was my friend, my edge, guitarist u2, becomes irish composition partner, an incredible and versatile guitarist who had the greatest sense of humor. In addition, During our last conversation, a few days ago, we laughed together, but it will not be the last time. However, There are many memories of Mick who will give birth to laughs. In addition, Condolences to all those who loved him, in particular to his only true love, Susie [l’épouse de Ralphs]. Therefore, I will see you in paradise. »

Mick Ralphs wrote group classics such as ” Can’t Get Enough ». Meanwhile, « Ready for Love » et « Good Lovin’ Gone Bad “And co -wrote” Bad Company » et « Feel Like Makin’ Love ». Therefore, He was also one of the founding members of Mott The Hoople. played on the group’s first six albums, including All the Young Dudesproduced by David Bowie.

« I think it is very versatile. that its edge, guitarist u2, becomes irish sound is very versatile and that it adapts perfectly to a songRodgers said in an interview last year. If it is “Can’t Get Enough” or “Bad Company”. or “Feel Like Makin’ Love” or “Shooting Star”, We immediately recognize his game and we say to ourselves “It’s Mick Ralphs”. »

Born on March 31. 1944, Ralphs played in several groups during his adolescence before becoming a member of Silence, a group based in Hereford, near Wales. When singer Ian Hunter joined the group in 1969. he changed his name to become Mott The Hoople (from a novel by Willard Manus). Ralphs wrote one of the first standards of the group, ” Rock and Roll Queen ». (« Ready for Love Was also recorded for the first time by Mott).

The tensions between Hunter and Ralphs led the guitarist to leave the group in 1973. “ I have always felt edge, guitarist u2, becomes irish like I am part of Mott. but things have changed a lot since the good old daysexplained Ralphs to Rolling Stone that year. In a way. Ian took the initiative, which is very good for the group as a whole, but not very well for me as an individual. I should sing. write more than I do, but rather than fighting with Ian, I thought it was better than I leave. »

Mick Ralphs had already met Rodgers. who was frustrated by his own group, Free, despite the massive success of ” All Right Now ». « I started talking with Paul. and he felt the same thing a bit as me, told Ralphs to Rolling Stone In 1974. We were both in situations where we were not entirely free to do what we wanted ». Ralphs remained with Mott the Hoople throughout the development of Mottand a recording of edge, guitarist u2, becomes irish a studio argument between Hunter. Ralphs was included in ” Violence The song they argued about.

With drummer Simon Kirke and bass player Boz Burrell, Bad Company was born in 1974. Thanks to muscular management (Peter Grant. Led Zeppelin) and significant support (they were one of the first groups signed on the new Swan Song Song of Led Zeppelin), Bad Company was able to make himself known. Propelled by ” Can’t Get Enough The 1974 eponymous album rose to first place.

After the group’s separation in the early 1980s. Ralphs recorded a solo album, but quickly reformed Bad Company with Kirke and the first of the two new singers who replaced Rodgers. The group recorded four albums from the 1980s. but in 1990, Ralphs left one of their tours, explaining that he had never liked the tours and that he had to take care of his sick father.

True to edge, guitarist u2, becomes irish its discreet nature. Ralphs spent the following decades returning to the studio and on the road with Bad Company and even found Hunter for concerts in the United Kingdom. But after a series of Bad Company concerts in November 2016. Ralph’s family announced that he had undergone a stroke, which he never completely recovered.

Earlier in the year. Ralphs had sent an email to Billboard To express his joy at seeing the group finally inducted into the Hall of Fame.

David Browne

Translated by the editorial staff