Rick Davies, the frontman and keyboardist of Supertramp, has sadly passed away at the age of 81 after a decade-long health battle, the band confirmed. The band released a statement saying: "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." Multiple myeloma, as defined by the NHS, is a type of blood cancer that affects bones and various parts of the body. Unfortunately, it typically cannot be cured but can be managed with treatment.
The band's statement 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.", reports the Mirror.
"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 shot to fame with their third album, Crime of the Century, which reached the US Top 4 with track Bloody Well Right.
Davies went on to pen some of Supertramp's most celebrated hits, including Goodbye Stranger, Ain't Nobody But Me, From Now On, Brother Where You Bound and Rudy.
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Hodgson departed the band following their world tour in 1983 and Davies continued for four additional albums.Their final album, Slow Motion, was released in 2002. In 2015, Davies received a diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
The group had scheduled a 25 date European tour but were compelled to cancel the performances due to Davies' health condition. Tributes have flooded social media as one fan expressed: "I'm in disbelief, grieving with all my fellow Trampers."
Composer Bear McCreary wrote: "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 admirer remarked: "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."