Rick Davies, Supertramp Co-Founder and Frontman, Dies at 81
Rick Davies, co-founder, frontman, and pianist of the iconic band Supertramp, has passed away at 81. He was instrumental in shaping the band's distinctive sound and achieving global success.
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Overview
- Rick Davies, co-founder, frontman, and pianist of the renowned band Supertramp, passed away at 81 after battling cancer and multiple myeloma, marking the end of an influential musical career.
- Davies was instrumental in Supertramp's success, lending his voice and piano skills to many iconic songs and shaping the band's distinctive sound since its formation in 1969.
- Supertramp achieved significant global recognition with albums like "Crime of the Century" and "Breakfast in America," which sold over 30 million copies worldwide and earned two Grammys.
- After Roger Hodgson's departure in 1983, Rick Davies remained the sole original member, continuing to record and tour with Supertramp, maintaining the band's enduring legacy.
- Even after a cancer diagnosis, Davies continued to perform with his hometown band, Ricky and the Rockets, showcasing his unwavering passion for music until the end.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally, focusing on factual reporting of Rick Davies' passing and his significant musical contributions. They present information directly from the band's announcement and provide biographical details without injecting editorial bias or loaded language, ensuring a straightforward and informative account of his legacy.
"Rick's music and legacy continue to inspire many and bears testament to the fact that great songs never die, they live on."
USA TODAY"Rick's music and legacy continue to inspire many and bears testament to the fact that great songs never die, they live on."
CBS News"Rick Davies, the lead singer and co-founder of British band Supertramp, has died at 81 after a long battle with cancer."
ABC News"Rick's music and legacy continue to inspire many and bears testament to the fact that great songs never die, they live on."
BBC NewsArticles (6)
Center (4)
FAQ
Rick Davies wrote and sang many of Supertramp's iconic songs, including "Bloody Well Right," "Goodbye Stranger," "Rudy," "Crime of the Century," "Ain't Nobody But Me," and "From Now On."
After Roger Hodgson left in 1983, Rick Davies became the sole lead vocalist and the only original member remaining in Supertramp. He led the band through four more albums, including "Brother Where You Bound" and "Free as a Bird," and continued touring and maintaining the band's legacy.
Supertramp achieved global success with albums like "Crime of the Century" and "Breakfast in America," the latter selling over 19 million copies and reaching number one in the US. They won two Grammy Awards and were known for their distinctive sound shaped largely by Davies' piano and vocals.
Rick Davies was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of cancer, which led him to cancel Supertramp’s 2015 tour. He died on September 6, 2025, after a long battle with cancer.
Yes, even after his cancer diagnosis, Rick Davies continued to perform with his hometown band, Ricky and the Rockets, demonstrating his passion for music until the end of his life.
History
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