SUPERTRAMP founding member Rick Davies has di3d at 81 following a long battle with cancer.

The singer, songwriter and keyboardist who co-founded the British rock band passed away Friday at his home in Long Island, New York.

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Supertramp rock band’s founder, singer and musician Rick Davies has di3d aged 81Credit: AFP

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The Supertramp Partnership expressed sadness and offered condolences to Sue DaviesCredit: Getty

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Davies passed away at his Long Island home following a long battle with cancerCredit: Getty
The band said in a statement: “The Supertramp Partnership is very sad to announce the d3ath of the Supertramp founder, Rick Davies after a long illness.

“Rick passed away at his home on Long Island on September 5. We had the privilege of knowing him, and playing with him for over fifty years.

“We offer our sincere condolences to Sue Davies.”

Born in Swindon, England in 1944, Davies discovered music early – first as a drummer, then as a keyboardist.

One of his earliest bands, Rick’s Blues, featured future “Alone Again, Naturally” singer Gilbert O’Sullivan, who later described Davies as a mentor.

Davies co-founded Supertramp in 1970 with Roger Hodgson, later joined by Dougie Thomson, Bob Siebenberg, and John Helliwell.

The group’s breakthrough came with 1974’s Crime of the Century, featuring Davies’ single Bloody Well Right.

Supertramp’s success peaked with 1979’s Breakfast in America, which earned two Grammys, four nominations overall, and diamond sales in Canada.

The album produced enduring hits including The Logical Song, Take the Long Way Home, and Davies’ Goodbye Stranger.

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Creative tensions led Hodgson to quit after their 1982 album titled …Famous Last Words…, but Davies kept the band alive through the 1990s.

Their final studio album, Slow Motion, arrived in 2002.

A planned 2015 European reunion tour was scrapped after Davies was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

News of his d3ath sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians.

One longtime listener wrote on X: “I’m in disbelief, grieving with all my fellow ‘Trampers.’”

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Born in Swindon in 1944, Davies co-founded Supertramp in 1970 with Roger HodgsonCredit: Getty

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The group’s breakthrough came with 1974’s Crime of the CenturyCredit: Getty
Composer Bear McCreary added: “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 fan reflected on Davies’ impact: “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.”

Davies had celebrated his 81st birthday just weeks ago, on July 22.

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(L-R) Supertramp members John Helliwell, Rick Davies, Roger Hodgson, Bob Siebenberg and Dougie ThomsonCredit: Getty

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The band’s planned 2015 European reunion tour was cancelled when Davies was diagnosed with multiple myelomaCredit: Getty