The music world bids farewell to one of its legends. Rick Davies, co-founder, lead vocalist, and keyboardist of the iconic British band Supertramp, passed away on September 6, 2025, at his home in East Hampton, New York, at the age of 81, after a long battle with multiple myeloma.
A Life Dedicated to Music
Born in Swindon, England, in 1944, Rick Davies began his musical journey as a drummer before discovering his true passion for piano and vocals. In 1969, he co-founded Supertramp with Roger Hodgson, creating a unique blend of progressive rock, pop, and introspective lyrics that would bring the band worldwide success throughout the 1970s.
Supertramp conquered the international stage with timeless classics such as “Bloody Well Right”, “Crime of the Century”, “Goodbye Stranger”, and, of course, “The Logical Song”, all marked by Davies’ distinctive musical touch.
The band’s greatest triumph came in 1979 with the Grammy-winning album Breakfast in America, which included chart-topping hits like “Take the Long Way Home” and “The Logical Song”, cementing Supertramp’s place as one of the most influential groups of its era.
The Leader After Hodgson’s Departure
Following Roger Hodgson’s exit in 1983, Davies took full leadership of Supertramp, keeping the project alive and touring well into the 2010s. His deep voice and signature Wurlitzer electric piano sound became the band’s unmistakable trademark.
Beyond the Stage
Rick Davies shared more than five decades of life with his wife, Sue, who also took on the role of managing Supertramp from the mid-1980s onward. Despite his cancer diagnosis in 2015, Davies remained active with his side project Ricky and the Rockets, until health issues eventually forced him to retire from performing.
An Eternal Legacy
In a statement, the band expressed: “Rick’s music and legacy will continue to inspire generations. Great songs never die, they live on forever.”
With his passing, a fundamental chapter in the history of rock comes to a close. Yet, Rick Davies’ voice and artistry will live on in every Supertramp song, reminding us that music has the power to transcend time.
