Supertramp Co-Founder Rick Davies Dies at 81 After Long Battle with Cancer

I’m Jaden Patel, and I’ll be guiding you through the story of Rick Davies, the legendary co-founder of Supertramp, who left us at the ripe age of 81. It’s a bit of a shock, but not entirely unexpected, given his decade-long battle with Multiple Myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

Rick Davies, the voice and pianist behind Supertramp’s most iconic songs, passed away at his Long Island home on September 5th. The news was shared by the surviving members of the band on social media, who remembered him as a talented musician and a friend. “The Supertramp Partnership is very sad to announce the death of the Supertramp founder, Rick Davies after a long illness,” the band wrote on Facebook. “Rick passed away at his home on Long Island on September 5th. We had the privilege of knowing him, and playing with him for over fifty years.”

Davies co-founded Supertramp in 1970 alongside Roger Hodgson, and the duo soon recruited Dougie Thomson, Bob Siebenberg, and John Helliwell to complete the lineup. From 1973 to 1983, the band was on top of the world, churning out hit after hit, including “Give a Little Bit,” “Breakfast in America,” “Take the Long Way Home,” and “The Logical Song.” These songs are still widely popular today, and it’s easy to see why – they’re catchy, memorable, and showcase Davies’ incredible talent.

Supertramp’s music was a staple of the 1970s and 1980s, with their unique blend of rock, pop, and prog elements captivating audiences worldwide. The band received a total of four Grammy nominations during their time together, including a nod for Album of the Year for “Breakfast in America” in 1980. Two of their albums were certified diamond in Canada, which is just a fancy way of saying they sold a lot of records.

However, the band’s success was not without its challenges. Creative differences between Davies and Hodgson led to the latter’s departure in 1983, and the band’s sound and style began to change. Despite this, Davies continued to work on music, releasing several albums with various lineups over the years. In 2015, he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.

The diagnosis was a significant setback for Davies, who had to put his music career on hold to focus on his treatment. Unfortunately, the cancer had a profound impact on his health, and he passed away surrounded by his loved ones. “As co-writer, along with partner Roger Hodgson, he was the voice and pianist behind Supertramp’s most iconic songs, leaving an indelible mark on rock music history,” the band remembered. “His soulful vocals and unmistakable touch on the Wurlitzer became the heartbeat of the band’s sound.”

The surviving members of Supertramp paid tribute to Davies on social media, sharing lyrics from their 1979 track “Goodbye Stranger.” “Goodbye stranger it’s been nice / Hope you find your paradise…” the lyrics read. It’s a fitting tribute to a musician who left an indelible mark on the music world.

Davies’ legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike. His contributions to Supertramp’s music are immeasurable, and his influence can still be heard in many contemporary rock bands. As the music world says goodbye to this legendary musician, we can’t help but wonder what could have been if he had stayed healthy.

In the end, Rick Davies leaves behind a remarkable legacy, and his music will continue to entertain and inspire us for years to come. He may be gone, but his music will live on, a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to his craft.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed