Bad Company’s Simon Kirke and Paul Rodgers rehearsing at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Okla., Oct. 26, 2017 (Photo via BadCo Facebook page)
You may recall that one year ago, just shortly after Bad Company completed a mini-tour of the U.K on Oct. 29, their co-founder, Mick Ralphs, suffered a stroke. Word arrived via a Nov. 4 announcement on the band’s Facebook page:
“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.”
With Ralphs, 73, apparently still recovering, Bad Company returned to the stage on Thursday night (Oct. 26) for what appears to be just their second concert in 12 months, when co-founders Simon Kirke and Paul Rodgers–one of classic rock’s iconic lead vocalists–plus guitarist Howard Lesse and Todd Ronning played a 12-song set at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Okla.
Watch BadCo perform the title track of their debut album in Tulsa
Watch Bad Company perform “Burnin’ Sky” on Oct. 26
Earlier last year, Ralphs had bowed out of BadCo’s 2016 North American “One Hell of a Night” co-headlining tour with Joe Walsh. In a Facebook post roughly two months before the start of the tour, Ralphs wrote:
“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 [Black Crowes co-founder Rich Robinson] to take my place for this run, I’m sure he’ll be great. See you all again soon. Much love to Paul and Simon, and love to all our fans for supporting us over the years. Thanks.”
Said Rodgers, “Here’s another love song for ya…”
Watch BadCo perform the encore, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy,” on Oct. 26
Bad Company, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Tulsa, OK, Oct. 26, 2017 Setlist
Bad Company
Live for the Music
All Right Now
Feel Like Makin’ Love
Honey Child
Burnin’ Sky
Ready for Love
Young Blood
Rock Steady
Movin’ On
Shooting Star
Encore
Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy
3 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationJust for the record, the guitar player in the band is HOWARD LEESE, who used to play in the best albums of HEART.
Many thanks; we’ve updated the story.
Love that they are playing Young Blood!