Mick Ralphs departed from Mott the Hoople in 1973 primarily to pursue a musical direction more focused on hard rock.
Ralphs, a key guitarist and founding member of Mott the Hoople, had a strong desire to explore a heavier and more direct rock sound. This personal musical vision diverged from Mott the Hoople's evolving style, leading to his decision to leave the band in 1973.
Immediately following his departure, Ralphs channeled his hard-rock ambitions into a new supergroup. He co-founded the influential rock band Bad Company alongside other prominent musicians. This new venture saw him collaborating with:
- Paul Rodgers: The acclaimed vocalist, formerly of the band Free.
- Simon Kirke: The talented drummer, also formerly of Free.
This new formation allowed Ralphs to fully embrace the hard-rock direction he sought, marking a significant transition in his distinguished career.