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Bad Company singer and multi-instrumentalist Simon Kirk has reflected on the loss of bandmate Mick Ralphs, shortly before the British rock supergroup were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Kirk, 76, said in the press room at an event in Los Angeles on Saturday night that he had “mixed feelings” about Bad Company’s original lineup being inducted without Ralph in attendance.
“When death takes a friend away, it never really dies. It never goes away. And I was really happy to hear that we were inducted into the Hall of Fame before Mick passed away. It’s been two weeks since I heard that news. “I think it was a while later, but Paul called him and said, ‘Hey, bro, you’re in, you’ve made it,'” the musician said of notifying the late Ralph and his wife, who died in June at age 81, of their Hall of Fame induction when it was announced in April.
“‘Does that mean I’m going to get a free hot dog?’ I think he was talking about morphine, but he walked out with a smile on his face. I miss him. I miss him so much. And it was hard to take that out. But I hope I made him proud,” Kirk tells PEOPLE.
Ralphs’ death was announced on June 23, but the cause of death was not disclosed. Surviving Bad Company bandmates Paul Rodgers and Kirk paid tribute to the late guitarist shortly after his death.
Rodgers, 75, said in a statement at the time: “Mick has passed away. My heart is broken. He left us with some great songs and memories. He was my friend and songwriting partner, and a wonderful and versatile guitarist with a great sense of humour.”
The statement continued: “We shared a laugh a few days ago during our last conversation, but it won’t be the last. Mick has so many memories to laugh about. My condolences to everyone who loved him, especially his one true love, Susie. We’ll see you in heaven.”
“He was a dear friend, a great songwriter and an extraordinary guitarist,” Karke said. “We will miss him very much.”
“I’m so happy and feel great to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” Ralphs wrote in an Instagram post before his death.
Michael Ochs Archive/Getty
Ralphs is survived by his partner Susie Schabas, two children, three stepchildren, 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, Kirk and Rogers’ work with Free, and Burrell’s work with the Crimson King. Their hits “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Bad Company” and “Shooting Star” remain classic rock staples.
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The 40th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held on November 8th at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and streamed live on Disney+ starting at 8pm ET.
The 2025 Hall of Fame inductee special will air on January 1, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET on ABC and the next day on Hulu.
