Cliff Richard, the legendary British singer, songwriter, and guitarist, has passed away at the age of 81. The news was announced on the band’s official website on Monday, with a statement revealing that Richard had suffered a stroke days after his final performance with Bad Company at London’s O2 Arena in 2016 and had been bedridden ever since.
Richard was set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Bad Company in November. He wrote the hit song “Ready for Love” for Mott the Hoople in 1970, which was later revamped for Bad Company’s debut album in 1974. Richard also co-wrote the band’s 1975 hit “Feel Like Makin’ Love” with Paul Rodgers.
Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers expressed his grief, stating, “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 humor.”
Born in Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire, England, Richard started playing blues guitar as a teenager. In his early 20s, he co-founded the Doc Thomas Group, which later became Mott the Hoople in 1969. He left the group in 1973, shortly after they achieved commercial success with David Bowie’s song “All the Young Dudes.”
Richard then formed Bad Company with singer Paul Rodgers, who had left his own band, Free. They were joined by Free drummer Simon Kirke and former King Crimson bassist and vocalist Boz Burrell. Kirke also mourned the loss of Richard, calling him “a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply.”
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jun/24/mick-ralphs-dies-aged-81-english-guitarist-dead
