Rick Davies dead: Supertramp frontman and co-founder dies after lengthy health battle

Rick Davies has died aged 81, his band Supertramp have confirmed. The frontman and keyboardist has been suffering a health battle for over 10 years before his death.

A statement from the band confirmed the sad news as they said: "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 type of blood cancer that affects your bones and different parts of your body. It sadly cannot usually be cured, but it can be managed with treatment.

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They continued: "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.

"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."

The statement concluded: "Rick’s music and legacy continue to inspire many and bears testament to the fact that great songs never die, they live on."

Davies formed Supertramp with Roger Hodgson in 1970 where they were soon joined by bassist Dougie Thomson, drummer Bob Siebenberg and saxophonist John Helliwell.

They hit the spotlight with their third album, Crime of the Century, which topped the US Top 4 with track Bloody Well Right. Davies went on to write some of Supertramp's biggest songs, including Goodbye Stranger, Ain’t Nobody But Me, From Now On, Brother Where You Bound and Rudy.

Hodgson left the group after their world tour in 1983 and Davies carried on for four more albums. Their last album, Slow Motion, arrived in 2002.

In 2015, Davies was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The band had arranged a 25 date European tour but was forced to cancel the shows due to Davies' health.

Tributes have poured in across social media as one fan said: "I’m in disbelief, grieving with all my fellow Trampers." Composer Bear McCreary added: "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 commented: "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. Today, we need more music that moves us, that makes us think about justice, vulnerability. Thank you, Rick."

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