Supertramp’s Rick Davies Dies of Cancer at 81

The Passing of a Rock Icon

Rick Davies, the legendary keyboardist, singer, and songwriter who co-founded the British progressive rock band Supertramp, has died at the age of 81.

Davies passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025, after a long battle with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that he had fought for more than a decade. His death was confirmed by Supertramp’s official social media accounts on Sunday, September 7.

In their statement, the band wrote:

“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. His soulful vocals and unmistakable touch on the Wurlitzer became the heartbeat of the band’s sound.”

Early Life and the Formation of Supertramp

Born in Swindon, England, Rick Davies grew up with a passion for rhythm and blues before finding his way into the rock scene. In the late 1960s, he played in a group called The Joint, but when the band dissolved in 1969, Davies began seeking a new project.

With the financial support of Dutch millionaire Stanley “Sam” Miesegaes, he advertised for musicians in Melody Maker. That ad led him to connect with Roger Hodgson, a singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Together, they would go on to form one of the most distinctive bands of the 1970s – Supertramp.

Supertramp’s Rise to Fame

The band’s first two records, Supertramp (1970) and Indelibly Stamped (1971), received little commercial attention. However, their third album, Crime of the Century (1974), marked their breakthrough.

Featuring songs like Bloody Well Right, Dreamer, Rudy, and Hide in Your Shell, the album introduced the classic lineup: Rick Davies, Roger Hodgson, Bob Siebenberg (drums), Dougie Thomson (bass), and John Helliwell (saxophone).

Supertramp’s success grew with Crisis? What Crisis? (1975) and Even in the Quietest Moments (1977), but it was their 1979 masterpiece, Breakfast in America, that catapulted them to international stardom.

That record reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200, sold millions of copies, and produced enduring hits like The Logical Song, Goodbye Stranger, Take the Long Way Home, and the title track Breakfast in America. The album earned two Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year.

The Hodgson–Davies Split

By the early 1980s, tensions were building within the band. While Davies and Hodgson had created a powerful songwriting partnership, they began to move in different directions.

Supertramp’s 1982 release, …Famous Last Words…, produced the hit It’s Raining Again. But shortly after, Roger Hodgson left the band to pursue a solo career and a quieter life in Northern California.

Davies continued to lead Supertramp, taking over primary vocals and songwriting duties. The band released Brother Where You Bound (1985) and Free as a Bird (1987) before taking a hiatus.

Later Years and Health Struggles

Rick Davies revived Supertramp in the 1990s, recording two more albums – Some Things Never Change (1997) and Slow Motion (2002). Plans for a 2015 tour were cancelled after Davies was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

Despite his illness, Davies remained musically active when possible, performing locally with his group Ricky and the Rockets. His resilience and love for music never faded.

The band’s statement highlighted his personal side:

“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, he enjoyed performing with his hometown buds as Ricky and the Rockets.”

Rick Davies’ Legacy

Rick Davies leaves behind a rich legacy in rock music. Known for his distinctive deep voice and mastery of the Wurlitzer electric piano, he sang lead on classics like Bloody Well Right, From Now On, and Goodbye Stranger.

His partnership with Roger Hodgson defined an era of rock, and together they created songs that still resonate across generations.

Supertramp’s influence continues to echo in progressive rock and pop, proving that great music truly never dies.

“Rick’s music and legacy continue to inspire many and bears testament to the fact that great songs never die, they live on,” the band’s tribute concluded.

Final Thoughts

Rick Davies was more than just a rock musician – he was a storyteller, an innovator, and a voice that shaped 1970s rock. His work with Supertramp remains timeless, and his contribution to music history is undeniable.

At 81, Rick Davies has left us, but his songs – from The Logical Song to Goodbye Stranger – will forever remain part of the soundtrack of our lives.