The Passing of a Prog Rock Pioneer:-
Rick Davies, co-founder of Super has died. He was 81. This is Rock History Music. He was one half of the creative songwriting team between Roger Hudson and Rick Davies, who wrote the bulk of the Super repertoire. Rick was a keyboardist, vocalist, and co-leader of the band. He passed away a few days ago, September 5th, 2025, at his home in Long Island after a long illness. Quite a few years ago, the Super Tour had to be cancelled when he was diagnosed with MM, multiple myoma. You know, for fans of Super and anyone who was into Prague, this marks the passing of one of the most distinctive voices in music. A man whose earthy baritone and lyrical grit helped define a generation of songs that still echo across radio waves and concert halls today.
From Swindon to Supertramp:-
He was born Richard Davies July 22nd, 1944 in Swindon, England. He grew up surrounded by workingclass realities that would later inform much of his writing. A drummer first, Davy soon gravitated towards the piano in Oregon and that became his lifelong signature.
The Birth of Supertramp:-
In 1969 with the support from financier Stanley August Mos he assembled a group that would eventually evolve into Super Destiny called He Met Roger Hodson and together they built one of rock’s most unique and enduring songwriting partnerships. The contrast between Roger Hodson and Rick Davies is what made Super really special.
The Magic of Contrast: Hodgson & Davies:-
That was the magic. Hodson supplied the ethereal high-pitched tenor with whimsical melodies while Davies grounded the band with his blues tinch baritone and a thoughtful darker lyrical perspective. The combination created some of the greatest albums in rock history, starting with their third when the band regrouped.
The Golden Era of Albums:-
About the classic Crime of the Century from 1974. Then came Crisis with Crisis the following year. Even in the quietest moments in 77 which had their first big hit, Give a Little Bit and their commercial juggernaut 1979 Breakfast in America where all things just fell together. They crafted a sound that was progressive yet accessible, cerebral, and yet radio friendly. Davies was behind some of their most memorable songs. His ry and biting delivery made Bloody well-right an unforgettable center point to Roger Hudson’s Dreamer. He powered Goodbye Stranger was both a swagger and that melancholy embodiment that that tension between freedom and loneliness. He was also the voice of Crime of the Century, one of the band’s darkest, most ambitious songs and later steered political charge with the epic Brother where you bound in 1985. That was after Roger left. That album especially was a reminder of his true artistry that he could still carry this band. Was it as good? Probably not. But they were still a great group. Even after Super Tramp’s classic lineup dissolved in the early 1980s, Davies kept the band alive, touring with new lineups and keeping the flame of the music burning.
Davies’ Deep Voice, Deeper Lyrics:-
And a lot of fans remain quite loyal to Super at that stage. Even though they missed Roger, though quieter in personality than Hodgson, Davies was the band’s new anchor, the glue that held together the shifting eras of their career. And his resilience went way beyond music. As mentioned, in 2015, he was diagnosed with multiple myoma. It’s a serious form of cancer. Had this in my own family life. And this is usually a deadly diagnosis. Remember, he got this in 2015. So, he was really resilient. For a lot of fans, his health battle was a painful reminder of times passing, really. When our heroes start dying, it’s a tough one or when they just really get sick, which happens as we age, right? But one thing’s for sure, his recovery allowed him to spend precious time with his family and friends. He was very clear about that, even though his public appearances kind of grew rarer. Beyond the spotlight, Rick Davies was known as a very private person.
Post-Hodgson Years: Still Carrying the Flame:-
He was the saxman of the band and their drummer Bob Senberg. Their bases Doogie Thompson and Rick Davies are the only two we never interviewed. And they all told us the same thing. Rick was very private. He was really more comfortable behind the keyboard than in front of the microphone, except if he was singing, of course. But his music spoke volumes. He also sang two of my favorite songs from their biggest album, Breakfast in America: Oh, Darling and Just Another Nervous Wreck. To this day, the first night bought the album in 79. Was in grade 12.
A Battle with Cancer and a Legacy of Resilience:-
And to this day, remember my reactions to hearing those two songs. As much as everyone loved the Logical Song, and I back then was more of a Roger Hodson fan, it started leaning. It started changing a little bit through the years. So, became a 60/40 guy, more of a Rick Davies guy as opposed to Roger Hodson. That’s different for everyone, but that’s the way it goes. Rick Davies leaves behind his wife, family, and legacy of his music that continues to really inspire generations. And his passing closes a chapter for Super Even though we all knew with the legal battles over songwriting where the other three members were suing Roger Hudson and Rick Davies, think we all knew it was never going to happen again. But Davey’s work with Super remains immortal. Really songs like Goodbye Stranger, Bloody Well, and Crime of the Century are radio staples and they always will be.
A Final Salute to a Rock Craftsman:-
There is something really powerful that happened after their self-titled debut and Rick was there and Roger indelibly stamped that came after that. But then Crime of the Century, they were a whole new band that were surrounding Rick Davies and Roger Hudson. Then Crisis, what crisis? followed by even in the quietest moments breakfast in America and in Famous Last Words. Those were the last ones. Those were the ones with Roger Hudson. End of an era. We’re losing a lot of people lately and it’s kind of tough. It’s musicians who are not out there anymore. Doesn’t hurt any less. We knew Super was done. We tip our hat to Rick Davies.