Rick Davies, Supertramp Co-Founder Who Wrote and Sang ‘Bloody Well Right’ and ‘Goodbye Stranger,’ Dies at 81

Rick Davies, the British keyboardist and co-founder of the art-rock band Supertramp, has died at 81 after a long illness. A statement from the group confirmed he died on September 5 at his home on Long Island, New York. Davies was instrumental in shaping the band’s sound, steering them from their progressive roots to global fame with their multi-platinum 1979 album "Breakfast in America."

Though often overshadowed in public recognition by vocalist Roger Hodgson—who sang lead on classics like "The Logical Song"—Davies was the creative force behind fan favorites such as "Goodbye Stranger" and "Bloody Well Right." His deep baritone offered a compelling contrast to Hodgson’s higher register. After a bitter split in 1983 driven by creative and financial disagreements, Davies took over leadership of Supertramp, releasing four more studio albums and maintaining an active touring schedule for decades. Friction between the two persisted, with legal disputes reported as recently as August.

Born in Swindon in 1944, Davies began his musical journey as a drummer before switching to keyboards. His early group, Rick’s Blues, featured a young Gilbert O’Sullivan—later famous for his 1972 hit "Alone Again (Naturally)"—on drums. O’Sullivan often credited Davies as a major early inspiration. In 1969, after playing in several bands, Davies placed an advertisement seeking collaborators. Hodgson responded, and despite their differing temperaments, the pair quickly developed a powerful creative partnership. They first performed as Daddy before renaming themselves Supertramp in early 1970.

Signed to A&M Records—a label celebrated for its artist-centric approach and home to acts like The Carpenters and Cat Stevens—Supertramp steadily built a dedicated following. Their commercial breakthrough came with 1974’s "Crime of the Century," which included Davies’ driving anthem "Bloody Well Right." This success paved the way for the worldwide phenomenon of "Breakfast in America." While Hodgson sang lead on many of the album’s hits, Davies’ inventive electric piano work was central to the band’s identity, most notably driving "The Logical Song." His own "Goodbye Stranger" also became one of the album’s most lasting singles.

After Hodgson’s departure, Davies continued to record and tour under the Supertramp name until 2002’s "Slow Motion," and remained musically active with side projects like Ricky and the Rockets as recently as 2022. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015. As one music critic noted, “Davies brought a structural rigor and melodic sophistication that allowed Supertramp to bridge artistic ambition with mainstream success. His arrangements were both complex and accessible—a rare combination.” The band’s tribute celebrated his contributions and expressed condolences to his wife, Sue Davies, honoring nearly fifty years of musical innovation.