Rick Davies, who was a founding member of the 70s British rock band Supertramp, has died at age 81.
Following a battle with cancer, the singer-songwriter passed away in his Long Island home on Friday.
The sad news was announced in a statement from the band, which gave its condolences to Rick’s widow Sue.
Rick co-founded Supertramp in 1970 alongside fellow singer-songwriter Roger Hodgson.
They later enlisted Dougie Thomson, Bob Siebenberg, and John Helliwell, performing together from 1973 to 1983.
Rick Davies (far right), who was a founding member of the 70s rock band Supertramp, has died at age 81; L-R Dougie Thomson, Bob C. Siebenberg, John A. Helliwell, Roger Hodgson, and Rick
Following a battle with cancer, the singer-songwriter passed away in his Long Island home on Friday; pictured in 1974
‘The Supertramp Partnership is very sad to announce the death of the Supertramp founder, Rick Davies after a long illness.
‘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. We offer our sincere condolences to Sue Davies,’ the band’s public statement read.
The music collective was known for hits including Give a Little Bit, Breakfast in America, The Logical Song, and Take the Long Way Home.
They racked up four Grammy nominations during their time together, including 1980’s Album of the Year category for Breakfast in America.
Two of their albums went diamond in Canada.
Following their 1982 album, titled …Famous Last Words…, Hodgson exited the band in pursuit of a solo career after creative disputes.
Davies and the remaining members stayed together, and the following decades saw the bandmates reunite sporadically.
Their final album, Slow Motion, was released in 2002.
In 2015, the year Davies was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, they orchestrated a 25-date European tour, but the endeavor was cancelled due to Davies’ health issues.
Davies was born in 1944 in Swindon, England. He’d celebrated his birthday just weeks ago on July 22; pictured in 1979
Rick co-founded Supertramp in 1970 alongside fellow singer-songwriter Roger Hodgson; L-R John, Rick, Roger (in front), Bob, and Dougie
Davies was born in 1944 in Swindon, England. He’d celebrated his birthday just weeks ago on July 22.
He ventured into music as a young boy, becoming a drummer and later a keyboardist.
According to Variety, one of his first bands, called Rick’s Blues, included Alone Again, Naturally singer Gilbert O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan would later highlight Davies as a mentor.
In 1969 Davies met Hodgson when he replied to an ad in search of musicians.
Together they formed a new band called Daddy, later switching to Supertramp in January 1970.
Rick pictured performing in the Netherlands in 2002
Tributes from fans poured in online in the wake of the tragic news.
One longtime listener wrote on X, ‘I’m in disbelief, grieving with all my fellow ‘Trampers.’
Composer Bear McCreary paid tribute, writing on the platform, ‘Tearfully celebrating the life and music of Supertramp’s Rick Davies.
‘A generational talent, he wrote “Bloody Well Right,” one of the most iconic songs of the decade. Sending condolences and gratitude to his family. #RIP.’
Another fan shared, ‘His lyrics accompanied me in joys and crises, his songs made me think, question, and feel. I formed myself personally and politically listening to him.’
The person added, ‘Today, we need more music that moves us, that makes us think about justice, vulnerability. Thank you, Rick.’