Rock Icon Dead At 81

Rick Davies, the voice and pianist behind Supertramp, one of the greatest alternative rock groups of the 1970s, died at 81 last week.

Together, Davies and his band partner, Roger Hodgson, formed their unforgettable supergroup, a blend of jazz and blues that relied heavily on pensive lyrics and alternative timing sequences. Davies wrote “Goodbye Stranger” and “Bloody Well Right,” among other Billboard hits by the band.

“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,” the band wrote in a tribute posted online.

“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.”

The band confirmed that Davies died at his Long Island home following a cancer battle. He had struggled with multiple myeloma for several years.

Davies earned his place in rock ‘n’ roll history for keeping Supertramp together following a dispute with Hodgson that led the co-founder to leave the band in 1983 and pursue his own ventures.

Founded in 1969 alongside guitarist Richard Palmer and drummer Robert Millar, Supertramp experienced immediate success with the release of their 1974 breakout album “Crime of the Century.” Their sixth album, “Breakfast in America,” went quadruple platinum and earned the group two Grammy Awards.

“His soulful vocals and unmistakable touch on the Wurlitzer became the heartbeat of the band’s sound,” the band continued, per Fox News.

“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.”

Supertramp added, “Rick’s music and legacy continue to inspire many and bears testament to the fact that great songs never die, they live on.”

The post was accompanied by lyrics to Supertramp’s 1979 track, “Goodbye Stranger.”

“Goodbye stranger it’s been nice / Hope you find your paradise…” the lyrics read.

From 1973 to 1983, the original Supertramp lineup released other hits such as “Give a Little Bit,” “Breakfast in America,” “Take the Long Way Home” and “The Logical Song.” They received a total of four Grammys in their time together and were nominated for the 1980s Album of the Year for “Breakfast in America.”

Davies and the remaining original members stayed together for decades, concluding their recording with a final album, “Slow Motion,” in 2002.

In 2015, Davies, a native of Swindon, England, was diagnosed with cancer. The diagnosis came as the band was preparing a 25-date European tour.