Earlier this week we lost the great Mick Ralphs (founding member and guitarist and songwriter) of Mott The Hoople and Bad Company.

In fact this past month has sadly seen the departure of both Sly Stone and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys as well.

Much has been written of the other aforementioned music icons - however Mick Ralphs and the David Bowie penned hit  “All the Young Dudes” from 1972, holds a special place as well- for any young person learning guitar and growing up in the UK in the early 70’s.

Perhaps not as well known to the listening public  -Mott the Hoople (with frontman singer/guitarist) Ian Hunter almost seemed like a template for what was to come.

Its ironic Queen supported Mott in 1974 for Queens first US tour and after that Mott opened for Queen - a passing of the torch indeed.

However its the searing guitar melody line written by Ralphs on “All the Young Dudes” - that is so emotional , tender yet raw - and is indeed the perfect guitar part that is totally original and not reworked from earlier influences.

Its not blues based as most guitarists can fall back on familiar hooks and licks - but instead the guitar part moves you somewhere else.

Lets not forget the story of this single either.

Basically by 1972 Mott the Hoople were floundering as regards a new hit single - and David Bowie offered them this song which again displays great originality and an anthemic quality.

Add the iconic guitar riff and the magic and legacy of Mott the Hoople -and Mick Ralphs is complete.

Mick would leave Mott in 1973 and form Bad Company with Paul Rogers and Simon Kirke (ex-Free) with a series of new Mick songs that were huge hits such as “Can’t Get Enough”.

Stylistically it was more Southern boogie rock influenced and very accessible worldwide -especially in the US.

However - its Micks earlier work with Mott that resonates with me and many listeners.

Its originality and irreverence would influence the next generation of Punk and New Wave guitarists in the Clash , the Sex Pistols , Boomtown Rats , the Cure ,The Smiths etc etc.

Indeed one of my early memories is being in Cambridge , England in the early 70’s and hearing “All the Young Dudes” and “Roll Away the Stone” blasting from a pub jukebox out onto the street.

Happy times indeed - and the soundtrack to a generation!

More info here:

https://www.discogs.com/master/55644-Mott-The-Hoople-All-The-Young-Dudes