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Bad Company singer and multi instrumentalist Simon Kirke reflected on losing his bandmate Mick Ralphs shortly before the English rock supergroup was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Kirke, 76, said in the press room of the Los Angeles event Saturday night that he had “mixed emotions” about Bad Company’s original lineup being inducted without Ralphs present.
“When death takes a friend, it never really dies. It never really fades away. And I’m just glad that Mick, got to hear that we were inducted before he passed away. I believe it was two weeks after he got the news and I believe Paul called him and said, ‘Hey mate, we got in, we made it,'” the musician recounted of notifying the late Ralphs, who died at 81 in June, of their inclusion when it was announced in April.
“‘Does that mean we get free hot dogs?’ I guess it was the morphine talking, but he went out with a smile. I miss him. I miss him very much. And it was hard hauling it together out there. But I hope I did him proud,” Kirke told PEOPLE.
Ralphs’ death was announced on June 23, and no cause of death was provided. Surviving Bad Company bandmates Paul Rodgers and Kirke paid tribute to the late guitarist shortly after his death.
“Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground. 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,” Rodgers, 75, said in a statement at the time.
The statement continued, “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. I will see you in heaven.”
“He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist,” Kirke said. “We will miss him deeply.”
Prior to his death, Ralphs wrote in an Instagram post, “I am elated, it feels great…fabulous to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Ralphs is survived by his partner, Susie Chavasse, his two children, three step-children and his beloved bandmates.
Formed in 1973, Bad Company’s original lineup also included Boz Burrell on bass and backing vocals. The band gained a reputation as a supergroup due to Ralphs’ previous work with Mott The Hoople, Kirke and Rodgers’ work with Free, and Burrell’s work with Crimson King. Their hit songs “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Bad Company,” and “Shooting Star” remain staples in the classic rock world.
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The 40th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place on Nov. 8 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, and was available to stream live on Disney+ at 8 p.m. E.T.
A special about the 2025 inductees will air on ABC on Jan. 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET and on Hulu the next day.
