Bad Company and Mott the Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs has been hospitalized following a stroke. This turn of events follows his decision earlier this year to sit out a series of Bad Company dates in the U.S., though he planned to appear tonight at a club in Ascot, England.

"Mick is receiving excellent medical care and is recovering in hospital, although all his public engagements are necessarily on hold, pending his improvement," Bad Company said in an official statement on Facebook. "Everyone is wishing Mick a speedy recovery, and further news will be announced at the appropriate time."

Ralphs, 72, co-founded Bad Company with bassist Boz Burrell (ex-King Crimson), singer Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke (both formerly of Free) in 1973, after an earlier stint with Mott the Hoople. He continued through Bad Company's 1986-94 tenure with second singer Brian Howe, and has participated in a series of reunion tours with Rodgers and Kirke dating back to 2001. Burrell died in 2006.

Bad Company recently finished an eight-city October trek with Ralphs through the U.K., their first in four years. That lineup also included Rodgers, Kirke, guitarist Howard Leese and bassist Todd Ronning. Ralphs declined to participate in earlier summer dates across the U.S. and was replaced by former Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson.

“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," Ralphs said at the time. "I’m glad the band found Rich to take my place for this run. I’m sure he’ll be great."

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