Rick Davies dead at the age of 81 has left the music world mourning the loss of one of rock’s most influential voices. The Supertramp co-founder, singer, and keyboardist passed away on September 6, 2025, at his home on Long Island, New York, following a long battle with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood that he had been fighting since 2015.
Known for his soulful voice and unique mastery of the Wurlitzer piano, Davies shaped the sound of Supertramp through five decades of music. His death marks the end of an era for fans who grew up with the band’s timeless hits.
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A Life in Music
Born on July 22, 1944, in Swindon, England, Rick Davies discovered music early in life and pursued it with relentless dedication. In 1969, he co-founded Supertramp, a band that would go on to achieve global success throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
The band’s major breakthrough came with the 1974 release of Crime of the Century, featuring hits such as Dreamer and School. Their defining moment, however, arrived with the 1979 album Breakfast in America. The record became a cultural phenomenon in the United States, winning Grammy recognition and selling millions of copies. Songs like The Logical Song, Take the Long Way Home, and Goodbye Stranger remain staples of classic rock radio today.
Continuing After Hodgson’s Departure
Supertramp’s other frontman, Roger Hodgson, departed the group in 1983, leaving Davies to carry the band forward. Under his leadership, Supertramp released albums such as Brother Where You Bound and Free as a Bird, which showed Davies’ ability to evolve musically while staying true to his roots.
Even as musical trends shifted in the following decades, Davies remained committed to the Supertramp sound. The band’s final studio album, Slow Motion, was released in 2002.
Health Struggles and Resilience
In 2015, Davies revealed that he had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. This diagnosis forced him to cancel a European reunion tour that many fans had anticipated. Despite his health struggles, he continued to find ways to perform locally under the name “Ricky and the Rockets,” bringing joy to those who saw him play in smaller settings.
His perseverance and dedication to music, even in the face of illness, became an inspiration to many.
Remembering Rick Davies
Rick Davies dead means a profound loss for rock music. His deep, bluesy voice and melodic piano lines created a unique sound that blended rock, pop, and jazz influences. Beyond his musical talent, Davies was known as a humble and grounded figure who preferred to let the music speak for itself.
In the United States, where Breakfast in America became one of the defining albums of the late 1970s, his passing is particularly felt. Generations of fans continue to embrace his music, proving that his influence will last far beyond his lifetime.
Rick Davies dead is not just the end of a chapter for Supertramp—it is a reminder of the lasting impact great artists leave behind. His songs continue to play in homes, cars, and concerts across the world, ensuring that his legacy will live on. Share your favorite Supertramp memory or song in the comments and join us in celebrating the life of a true music legend.