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The guitarist and songwriter behind "Can't Get Enough" and other classic-rock standards died after suffering a stroke.

Mick Ralphs, whose guitar and songwriting powered two classic British bands, Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, has died. A spokesperson for Ralphs’ family confirmed the news to Rolling Stone. Ralphs was 81.

In 2016, Ralphs suffered a stroke after a series of Bad Company shows in the U.K. and was hospitalized; according to lead singer Paul Rodgers, who co-founded Bad Company with Ralphs in 1973, Ralphs had been in a nursing home in recent years. Bad Company had just been voted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and are scheduled to be inducted at the ceremony in November.

“Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground,” Rodgers said in a statement. “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, [Ralphs’ wife] Susie. I will see you in heaven.”

In addition to providing the group with its recognizable heavy riffing and power chords, Ralphs also wrote band classics like “Can’t Get Enough,” “Ready for Love,” and ”Good Lovin’ Gone Bad” and co-wrote “Bad Company” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.” Ralphs was also a founding member of Mott the Hoople and played on the band’s first six albums, including the David Bowie-produced All the Young Dudes.

“I think he’s very versatile, and his sound is very versatile, and he locks into a song perfectly,” Rodgers said in an interview last year. “If it’s ‘Can’t Get Enough’ or ‘Bad Company,’ or ‘Feel Like Makin’ Love’ or ‘Shooting Star,’ you can immediately recognize his playing and go, ‘That’s Mick Ralphs.’”

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