What will happen to Supertramp after Rick Davies’ death?
Rick Davies, Supertramp co-founder, dies at 81. Image Credit: AFP via Getty Images
The music world is mourning the loss of Rick Davies, the co-founder, keyboardist, vocalist, and one of the principal songwriters of the legendary British rock group Supertramp. Davies, who passed away in September 2025 at the age of 81 after a long battle with multiple myeloma, was more than just the steady hand at the keys—he was the backbone of the band. His distinctive baritone vocals on classics such as “Goodbye Stranger” and “Bloody Well Right” complemented Roger Hodgson’s soaring tenor, creating the dual-frontman dynamic that defined Supertramp’s signature sound.
Davies co-founded the group in 1969, and unlike many of his bandmates who came and went, he remained its one constant figure. From the experimental early albums to the global success of Breakfast in America (1979), Davies ensured Supertramp’s music combined progressive ambition with radio-friendly accessibility. His songwriting often leaned toward gritty realism, providing a balance to Hodgson’s more spiritual and idealistic approach.
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Where the Other Members Are Now
With Davies’ passing, attention naturally turns to the surviving members of Supertramp’s classic lineup. Roger Hodgson, who left the band in 1983 to pursue a solo career, continues to tour worldwide, keeping his portion of the Supertramp legacy alive by performing hits like “The Logical Song” and “Give a Little Bit.” He remains one of the most visible members today.
Saxophonist and woodwind player John Helliwell is still active, spearheading projects such as the Super Big Tramp Band, which reimagines Supertramp songs in a big-band format. Drummer Bob Siebenberg maintains his own music projects, while bassist Dougie Thomson, who stepped away from performing decades ago, has pursued work in publishing and business. Later additions to the group, including Mark Hart, Carl Verheyen, and Jesse Siebenberg, remain engaged in solo and collaborative efforts across the music industry.
Legal Battles and Royalties
Beyond the music, Supertramp’s story in recent years has also been marked by courtroom drama. A long-standing dispute over publishing royalties and rights resurfaced in 2025 when a U.S. federal appeals court issued a ruling with major implications for how revenue from the band’s catalog is shared. Former members, including Roger Hodgson, John Helliwell, Bob Siebenberg, and Dougie Thomson, have been part of this litigation. For Davies’ estate, the outcome could determine how future royalties and licensing income are distributed.
The legal wrangling underscores one of the enduring themes in Supertramp’s history: the tension between Davies and Hodgson. While their partnership produced some of rock’s most enduring tracks, creative differences eventually drove Hodgson’s exit. Davies carried on with the Supertramp name, but debates over the band’s identity and ownership have never truly faded.
The Future of Supertramp’s Music
With Davies gone, the future of Supertramp rests largely on how his estate and surviving members choose to preserve the band’s legacy. Box sets, reissues, and tribute projects are likely, as fans rediscover the catalog that sold tens of millions of copies worldwide. Streaming spikes are already evident as listeners revisit Breakfast in America, Crime of the Century, and Even in the Quietest Moments…
Tributes from fellow musicians, journalists, and fans are pouring in, reflecting the band’s lasting impact on progressive and pop-rock landscapes. While the name “Supertramp” may no longer represent a touring entity, its music remains timeless—an echo of Davies’ guiding hand and the chemistry that once bound the group together.