Bad Company’s Mick Ralphs in hospital after suffering a stroke

The 72-year-old guitarist and songwriter took ill after he completed the rapturously received Bad Company Swan Song UK tour alongside fellow original members Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke.

In a statement released this morning, Mick’s team said: “Following the Bad Company UK tour that wound up last Saturday at London's 02 Arena the family and representatives of the band's co-founder, guitarist and songwriter Mick Ralphs are sad to announce that Mick has suffered a stroke.

“Mick is receiving excellent medical care and is recovering in hospital, although all his public engagements are necessarily on hold, pending his improvement.

“Everyone is wishing Mick a speedy recovery, and further news will be announced at the appropriate time.”

Mick didn’t perform on Bad Company’s summer 2016 US tour called One Hell Of A Night, which they co-headlined with Joe Walsh.

Replaced by The Black Crowes’ Rich Robinson, Mick said in a statement at the time: “I’ve decided to sit this upcoming U.S. tour out. The travel required to do these dates is something I’m just not feeling up for at the moment. I’m glad the band found Rich to take my place for this run, I’m sure he’ll be great.”

Everyone at Planet Rock sends Mick their positive thoughts and wishes him a swift recovery.