Rick Davies, Supertramp frontman, dies at 81 after long cancer battle
The co-founder of the rock band behind The Logical Song and Goodbye Stranger passed away peacefully at home after more than a decade of illness
Rick Davies, the singer, pianist, and songwriter who co-founded Supertramp, has died at the age of 81. Known for his soulful vocals and distinctive keyboard style, he was a driving force behind hits that defined 1970s rock.
Born in Swindon, England, in 1944, Davies discovered his love for music early. His mother once said that “music was the only thing he was any good at at school.” That passion carried him far—leading him to form Supertramp in 1969 with Roger Hodgson.
Despite their different upbringings, the two quickly formed a partnership that produced some of the band’s best-loved songs, with Davies’ voice anchoring tracks like “Goodbye Stranger” and “From Now On.”
Global success with Breakfast in America
The band’s biggest breakthrough came in 1979 with Breakfast in America, which topped charts worldwide and earned Grammy nominations. Songs such as “The Logical Song” and “Take the Long Way Home” became instant classics, and the album sold millions of copies.
By the early ’80s, Davies and Hodgson had parted ways. Hodgson pursued a quieter life in California, while Davies continued to tour and record with Supertramp, keeping the band’s sound alive for new audiences.
Health struggles and quiet years
In 2015, Davies canceled a tour after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow. Though treatment kept him off the stage, he found joy in smaller performances with friends as Ricky and the Rockets.
In a rare 2018 interview, he said he was back to enjoying music after years of difficult treatment—something fans celebrated after fearing they might never hear from him again.
Remembered for his voice and spirit
Supertramp’s official account paid tribute to him, calling him “the voice and pianist behind Supertramp’s most iconic songs.” Beyond music, he was deeply devoted to his wife Sue, with whom he shared over 50 years of marriage.
Rick Davies’ music continues to reach listeners across generations. For fans who grew up with Supertramp and for younger audiences discovering their records, songs like “Bloody Well Right” and “Goodbye Stranger” remain part of rock’s enduring soundtrack—keeping his voice alive long after his passing.
