Supertramp frontman Rick Davies has died.
The band’s singer and keyboardist faced a gruelling health battle for more than a decade prior to his death at 81-years-old. Supertramp released a statement confirming the devastating news: “Rick Davies, founder, lead singer and songwriter of Supertramp, passed away on Saturday, September 6th at the age of 81 after battling Multiple Myeloma for over 10 years.”
According to the NHS, Multiple myeloma is a form of blood cancer that impacts bones and various parts of the body, which cannot typically be cured but can be controlled through treatment.
The tribute went on: “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,” reports the Mirror.
(Image: FRANCOIS GUILLOT, AFP via Getty Images)
“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.”
“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.”
(Image: Michael Putland, Getty Images)
They closed off by saying: “Rick’s music and legacy continue to inspire many and bears testament to the fact that great songs never die, they live on.”
Sudden news of Rick’s death has left fans across the world stunned, many taking to social media to pay tribute to the singer. Rolling Stone shared a memoriam post and many gathered underneath to share their condolences.
One person said: “That’s sad news. Rip to another legend in music,” while someone else wrote: “What sad news! My condolences to family and friends. May God welcome Rick into his arms.”
Another devastated fan of Rick’s work tweeted: “Bloody well awful news. Davies’ songs were deep. It’s a crime of the century they’re not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Goodbye Stranger, RIP.”
Others branded his death a “terrible loss,” stated that they are “so sad” to hear of his passing and many recalled fond memories of seeing Rick perform live. Davies established Supertramp alongside Roger Hodgson in 1970 and the lineup soon expanded to include bassist Dougie Thomson, drummer Bob Siebenberg and saxophonist John Helliwell.
The band became well known for their third record Crime of the Century, which climbed to the US Top 4 featuring the track Bloody Well Right. Davies penned several of Supertramp’s most celebrated anthems, including Goodbye Stranger, Ain’t Nobody But Me, From Now On, Brother Where You Bound and Rudy.
Following Hodgson’s departure after their global tour in 1983, Davies continued leading the band through four additional albums. Their final release, Slow Motion, emerged in 2002.
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