Mick Ralphs, the singer, songwriter, guitarist and founding member of the classic British rock bands Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, has died.

Mick Ralphs, the guitarist and songwriter who co-founded not one, but two legendary rock bands – Mott the Hoople and later Bad Company – has died at the age of 81, a statement from his representative announced.

Mick Ralphs, co-founder of rock band Bad Company, has died at 81, a few months before he was scheduled to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame