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Supertramp frontman Rick Davies dies, aged 81

Promotional portrait of the rock band Supertramp, circa 1981. L-R: John Helliwell, Rick Davies, Roger Hodgson, Bob Siebenberg and Dougie Thomson
Promotional portrait of the rock band Supertramp, circa 1981. L-R: John Helliwell, Rick Davies, Roger Hodgson, Bob Siebenberg and Dougie Thomson (Getty)
  • Rick Davies, the co-founder, vocalist, and songwriter for the British rock band Supertramp, has died aged 81.
  • He passed away on 5 September at his Long Island home after a long illness with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
  • Supertramp, formed by Davies in 1970, gained fame for 1970s hits including 'Breakfast in America', 'Give a Little Bit', and 'Take The Long Way Home'.
  • Davies continued to lead the band after Roger Hodgson's departure in 1983, releasing further albums and performing, though a 2015 European tour was cancelled due to his cancer diagnosis.
  • His legacy is marked by his soulful vocals and distinctive Wurlitzer sound, which were integral to Supertramp's iconic rock music.
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