Posted on 09/08/2025 8:17:04 AM PDT by Red Badger
LONDON (AP) – Rick Davies, the lead singer and co-founder of British band Supertramp, has died after a long battle with cancer, the band said Monday. He was 81.
Davies, who co-wrote the band’s music with Roger Hodgson, was “the voice and pianist behind Supertramp’s most iconic songs, leaving an indelible mark on rock music history,” the band said in a statement on its website.
He died Saturday after battling multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, for more than a decade, the band said.
Davies and Hodgson formed Supertramp in 1969, and produced hits including “Goodbye Stranger” and “The Logical Song.” The band’s 1979 album “Breakfast in America” topped charts in the United States and Canada, won two Grammys and sold over 18 million copies.
Davies’ “soulful vocals and unmistakable touch on the Wurlitzer became the heartbeat of the bands’ sound,” the statement said.
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
Watch what you say; they’ll be calling you a liberal...
This one hits hard.
I was eight years old when “Breakfast In America” was released. My older sister purchased it, but I loved it so much that I kept it for myself.
In 1979, I lost my Grandfather, my Dad, my Great-Grandmother and a friend from my third-grade class. During those tough times, “Breakfast” was my “go to” album when I needed some comfort or happiness. As strange as it may sound, it was like a friend.
Back then, I had no clue about Progressive Rock. I just knew that Supertramp’s music was different than the other music on the radio.
Around twenty years ago, I listened to their Pre “Breakfast” albums and became obsessed with everything Supertramp. I know the term “underrated” is sometimes overused, but Supertramp were criminally underrated. They were some of the best musicians and songwriters in rock history, IMO.
I’ve watched several of their concerts on YouTube and I envy anyone who was lucky enough to attend any of their shows.
Rick Davies had a reputation for being a polite, humble and private man. All too often, Davies’ work gets overlooked in favor of Roger Hodgson’s, but Davies wrote classics such as “Goodbye Stranger” and “Crime Of The Century”. He was also a super talented pianist.
Davies’ death wasn’t a shock, considering that he suffered from Multiple Myeloma for ten years. It was impressive that he lived to eighty-one, considering his illness. But, despite that, it was still a kick in the stomach to read about his passing.
R.I.P. Mr. Davies. You brought so much joy into the lives of many people. You will be missed.
Brother Where You Bound really misses Hodgson’s pop sensibility,
Tremendous guitar player as well, didn’t have a lot of solos, but the ones he did were great. It’s telling they they hired David Gilmour for Brother Where You Bound.
Another band that took advantage of all members. Davies keyboard and Thompson on bass. I will say I did like the long form song on Brother where you bound and Gilmour sounded like Gilmour, it was a good effect.
“Hide In Your Shell” is my favorite Supertramp song.
Most people preferred Hodgson, but I love both. I appreciate Davies’ cynical point of view.
“It’s Raining Again” Great, great video.
They were excellent.
L
Roger’s solo on “Loverboy”, is my favorite, the song really doesn’t get going until the guitar comes in.
Same! I was hoping he and Roger Hodgson could reconcile for a tour, but alas it never happened. I saw a quote from Roger that said something like “I always like to do what my fans ask, so I reached out to Rick and asked about a supertramp reunion and he replied that he had NO interest in doing so.”
Same with the Police, never happen.
One band I would have loved to see live in concert, but never did.
Me too. Breakfast in America would have been a good tour to see them on.
Yeah Hodgson is great. They were a great team when they could work together. But eventually that had to end. But it was a great run.
I saw them live. Think it was in 1979 but I’m not sure although I recall the concert well... big stadium sitting on the grass with a crowd of friends about 30 yards back from the stage. Very nice tight band... the antics of John Helliwell playing sax kept the atmosphere loose on stage. For some reason, the song Bloody Well Right stick in my memory the most from the concert.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4ys6YSfJDA&list=RDa4ys6YSfJDA&start_radio=1
They did a great job live, demonstrating their abilities for sure.
Really wish Roger and Rick didn't have that falling out.
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