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Supertramp’s Rick Davies Passes Away at 81
Rick Davies, the voice and pianist of Supertramp, one of the top alternative rock bands of the ’70s, passed away last week at 81.
Alongside his bandmate, Roger Hodgson, Davies helped create a legendary sound. A mix of jazz and blues, they crafted unforgettable hits with thought-provoking lyrics and unique rhythms. Davies was behind classics like “Goodbye Stranger” and “Bloody Well Right.”
“Born in Swindon, England in 1944, Rick’s love of music began in his childhood listening to Gene Krupa’s ‘Drummin’ Man’ which grew into a lifelong passion for jazz, blues and rock’n’roll,” the band shared in a tribute online.
“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 confirmed that Davies passed away at his Long Island home after a tough battle with cancer. He had been fighting multiple myeloma for several years.
Davies cemented his place in rock history by keeping Supertramp alive after a fallout with Hodgson, who left the band in 1983 to follow his own path.
Founded in 1969 with guitarist Richard Palmer and drummer Robert Millar, Supertramp hit it big with their 1974 album “Crime of the Century.” Their sixth album, “Breakfast in America,” went quadruple platinum and snagged them two Grammy Awards.
“His soulful vocals and unmistakable touch on the Wurlitzer became the heartbeat of the band’s sound,” the band said, according to Fox News.
“Beyond the stage, Rick was known for his warmth, resilience, and devotion to his wife Sue, with whom he shared over five decades. After facing serious health challenges, which kept him unable to continue touring as Supertramp, he enjoyed performing with his hometown buds as Ricky and the Rockets.”
Supertramp added, “Rick’s music and legacy continue to inspire many and bears testament to the fact that great songs never die, they live on.”
The post was accompanied by lyrics to Supertramp’s 1979 track, “Goodbye Stranger.”
“Goodbye stranger it’s been nice / Hope you find your paradise…” the lyrics read.
From 1973 to 1983, the original Supertramp lineup released other hits like “Give a Little Bit,” “Breakfast in America,” “Take the Long Way Home,” and “The Logical Song.” They bagged four Grammys during their time together and were nominated for the 1980s Album of the Year for “Breakfast in America.”
Davies and the remaining original members stayed together for decades, wrapping up their recording journey with a final album, “Slow Motion,” in 2002.
In 2015, Davies, a Swindon native, was diagnosed with cancer just as the band was gearing up for a 25-date European tour.
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