In Good Company: Mick Ralphs and Bobby Sherman
This week brings us the sad news of another two beloved musical artists of the ‘60s and ‘70s gaining admittance to the great gig in the sky: Bad Company founding guitarist Mick Ralphs and ‘60s teen heartthrob Bobby Sherman.
Worlds apart musically, Mick Ralphs and Bobby Sherman both passed away this week at the age of 81, each having established lasting musical legacies and leaving their indelible marks on 20th century pop culture.
Mick’s death on 23 June was confirmed by a statement on the band’s website, stating the rock legend is “survived by the love of his life, Susie Chavasse, his two children, three stepchildren” as well as bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke.
Bad Company vocalist Paul Rodgers issued the following statement:
“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.
“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.”
Drummer Simon Kirke added: “He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply.”
Mick suffered a stroke in 2016 just a month after playing his final show with Bad Company, leaving him bedridden ever since. No further information about his death was made available. Artists including Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliot and Whitesnake’s David Coverdale have expressed their grief and paid tribute to Ralphs’ immense influence.
Bad Company formed in 1973 as a supergroup featuring Mick (ex-Mott The Hoople), Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke from Free and bassist Buzz Borrell formerly of King Crimson. Sharing a manager with Led Zeppelin, Bad Company were also the first band signed to Zeppelin’s Swan Song Label.
Their eponymous debut album rocketed up the US charts to number one and featured the hit track ‘Can’t Get Enough’. Rodgers’ soulful blues vocals was the perfect partner for Ralphs’ rock steady guitar riffs and solos. For over a decade, they packed out stadiums and sold countless records until the original incarnation disbanded in 1982. Since then, the band have performed in various lineups, with Rodgers rejoining in 1998.
Throughout his career, Mick Ralphs proved himself a versatile guitarist, easily mastering chunky blues riffs, soaring solos and sweet acoustic melodies. Among the adulation of guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page and Eddie Van Halen, Mick Ralphs is one of rock’s underrated stars of the six-string.
Across the Atlantic, while Mick Ralphs was playing with his early blues-rock groups, a young Bobby Sherman was making a name for himself as Hollywood’s next teen celebrity crush.
Bobby recorded several songs written by Sal Mineo in the early ‘60s and performed as a singer with Mineo’s band. Following a series of records released by Decca and notable appearances in teen magazines of the day, Bobby was cast in the ABC television series ‘Here Comes The Bride’ where he won viewers’ hearts, receiving more fan mail than any other cast member.
Bobby had a prolific musical career, releasing 107 songs, 23 singles and 10 albums between 1962 and 1976, with seven gold singles, one platinum single, and five gold albums to his name. He largely retired from entertainment from the mid-late ‘70s, turning his focus to more philanthropic endeavours by volunteering as a paramedic with the LAPD.
Earlier this year, Bobby’s diagnosis of Stage IV kidney cancer was made public, and he passed away on 24 June. His death was confirmed by wife Brigitte Poublon and close friend, actor John Stamos.
“It is with the heaviest heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Bobby Sherman,” Stamos shared on behalf of Poublon.
“Bobby left this world holding my hand – just as he held up our life with love, courage, and unwavering grace through all 29 beautiful years of marriage. I was his Cinderella, and he was my prince charming.”
Bobby Sherman is survived by his two sons with first wife Patti Carnel as well as his grandchildren.
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