"According to Rick Davies, collaborative creative projects are bound to experience tension, analogous to two artists working on the same canvas; this description applies to the discord that is said to have disbanded Supertramp."

In the world of progressive rock, few bands have left an indelible mark like Supertramp. Formed in London in 1969 by Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson, who responded to an ad in Melody Maker, the band's name was inspired by WH Davies' vagabond journal "The Autobiography Of A Super-Tramp."

Supertramp's early days were marked by a unique partnership between Davies and Hodgson, a creative symphony that would propel them to great heights. Their first two albums, however, did not find the success they had hoped for, and their benefactor, Dutch millionaire Stanley Miesegaes, pulled the plug.

A turning point came with the release of "Crime Of The Century" in 1974. This all-important breakthrough album reached No.4 in the UK and established Supertramp as one of Britain's leading progressive rock groups. One of the key tracks on the album was "Rudy," written by Davies and featuring a recording from London's Paddington rail station. "Crime Of The Century" defined Supertramp's signature sound and created a progressive rock masterpiece, with each track being a classic in its own right.

In the late '70s, the band relocated to the US, and the move paid off when "Breakfast In America" hit big. This album, showcasing Supertramp's ability to create a perfect pop rock album, with great songs, exquisite production, harmony vocals, thought-provoking lyrics, and an iconic cover, became their biggest selling album. It held the No.1 spot on the US chart for six weeks in 1979.

The brilliance of Rick Davies is evident in both "Crime Of The Century" and "Breakfast In America." As one of the band's joint leaders, Davies, akin to John Lennon in the Supertramp duo, provided the grittier material, while Hodgson was known for writing sweeter songs. Their contrasting beliefs, lifestyles, and musical styles were a driving force behind Supertramp's music, much like two people painting on the same canvas with differing opinions leading to friction but also progress.

However, their partnership ended in 1983 when Hodgson left Supertramp. Davies led the band forward, but neither could replicate their earlier successes on their own. Attempts at a reconciliation between Hodgson and Davies were made, but it never happened and now never will.

Rick Davies passed away on 6 September 2025 at the age of 81 after a long battle with cancer. His contributions to Supertramp's music will forever be remembered, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians. Supertramp's biggest selling album is "Breakfast In America," and their creative highpoint is shared with their breakthrough album from 1974, "Crime Of The Century." These two albums stand as a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring legacy of Supertramp.

"According to Rick Davies, collaborative creative projects are bound to experience tension, analogous to two artists working on the same canvas; this description applies to the discord that is said to have disbanded Supertramp."