Supertramp Co-Founder Rick Davies Dies at 81 After Long Illness

Legendary Musician Passes Away After Decade-Long Battle with Cancer

Rick Davies, the co-founder and keyboardist of British rock band Supertramp, has died at age 81. The band confirmed his passing on September 6, 2025, at his home on Long Island, New York, after a prolonged battle with multiple myeloma.

Musical Legacy and Band Formation

Davies co-founded Supertramp in 1969 with Roger Hodgson after meeting through a Melody Maker advertisement. The band's unique sound emerged from the creative tension between Davies' jazz-blues influences and Hodgson's pop sensibilities.

'We had the privilege of knowing him and playing with him for more than fifty years,'

Dutch Connection and Early Support

The band's formation was made possible by Dutch millionaire Stanley August Miesegaes, who sponsored Davies after being impressed by his musical talent during a tour. Miesegaes funded Supertramp's first two albums under the condition that Davies form a new band.

Iconic Hits and Creative Partnership

While Hodgson wrote most of Supertramp's biggest hits, Davies contributed signature songs including 'Goodbye Stranger,' 'Bloody Well Right,' and 'Cannonball.' The band scored numerous hits between 1974-1982 including 'Dreamer,' 'Breakfast in America,' and 'The Logical Song.' Ten Supertramp songs featured in the 2024 NPO Radio 2 Top 2000.

Royalty Disputes and Later Years

Davies continued leading Supertramp after Hodgson's 1983 departure due to creative differences and royalty disputes. Health issues prevented Davies from touring in recent years, though he performed locally with Ricky and the Rockets in his hometown of Swindon.

Harry van der Burg of tribute band Supertribute noted:

'He was one of the defining people of Supertramp, particularly for the more jazzy/blues work, unlike Roger Hodgson who provided more pop-oriented work.'