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SuperTramp Co-Founder and Singer Roger Hodgson Dies at 81

Roger Hodgson, the distinctive voice and co-founder of‍ the progressive ⁣rock band ‌Supertramp, passed away on september 8, 2024, at the age of 81. His death marks the end of an era for a band celebrated for its intricate compositions, soaring melodies, and Hodgson’s instantly recognizable vocals. The cause of death ⁣has⁤ not been publicly disclosed.

Hodgson’s passing impacts a devoted fanbase spanning generations and leaves a void in the landscape of classic‍ rock. ⁣Supertramp’s music, characterized by a blend of art rock, progressive pop, and Hodgson’s spiritual lyrical themes, continues to resonate with listeners worldwide. His departure concludes a decades-long musical journey marked by both creative triumphs and ⁢internal tensions within the band, ultimately shaping the sound of an era.

Born in Newcastle‌ upon ‍Tyne, England,‍ in 1943, Hodgson​ formed supertramp in 1969 with Rick Davies.While Davies⁢ primarily handled the band’s harder-edged rock ‌compositions, Hodgson’s contributions leaned towards ⁢more melodic and introspective songwriting. It wasn’t until 1974’s crime of the Century that the band achieved its first commercial success, reaching No. 38 on ⁢the Billboard 200 chart, and the ⁤Davies-penned single “Bloody Well‌ Right” climbing to No. 35 on the billboard Hot 100.

Following a less accomplished album, 1975’s ⁤ Crisis? What ⁢Crisis?, which⁤ contained material leftover from the previous record, Supertramp earned its first gold record⁣ in the U.S.​ with⁤ 1977’s Even in the Quietest Moments…. ‌The album peaked⁣ at​ No.16 on the Billboard 200 and featured⁤ the pop-oriented No. 15 ⁢hit “Give a Little Bit,” with lead vocals by Hodgson.

The band’s breakthrough arrived with their sixth album, 1979’s Grammy-nominated Breakfast in America. This landmark release spawned a string of radio hits, ​including “The Logical Song” (No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100), “Take the Long ‌Way Home” (No. 10),⁤ and “Goodbye Stranger” (No. 15), the latter written‍ by Davies.Both Hodgson‌ and davies shared lead ⁣vocal duties and songwriting credits throughout the album.

After a live album‍ in 1980, Paris, Hodgson left the band following 1982’s …Famous Last ⁣Words…, citing years of disputes ⁤over creative control and songwriting royalties.Rick Davies continued as the frontman for 1985’s Brother ‌Where You​ Bound, which included the‌ Hot ⁣100 No. 28 hit “Cannonball” and a 16-minute title track featuring a ​guitar solo by Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour.

Supertramp’s 1987 album, Free as a Bird, marked a​ stylistic shift ‍towards synthesizer-driven new wave, but⁢ failed to reach the Top 100 on the Billboard album charts. The Davies-led group released two further albums,‌ 1997’s Some Things Never Change and 2002’s Slow Motion, and continued to tour until 2012.A ‌planned European tour in 2015 was canceled due to Davies’ treatment for multiple myeloma.

Listen to “bloody⁣ Well Right,” “Goodbye Stranger,” and ‌”Cannonball” below.

Supertramp: Key Albums & Chart Performance

Did You know?

Roger Hodgson initially pursued a career as a painter before dedicating himself fully to music.⁢ His artistic sensibilities ‍heavily influenced Supertramp’s album artwork and stage designs.

Pro Tip:

Explore Supertramp’s‍ discography beyond their biggest hits. Albums like crime of the Century and Even in the Quietest moments… offer a deeper dive into their⁢ progressive rock roots.

“I always felt that music was a spiritual experience.” – Roger Hodgson

What are your favorite Supertramp songs and memories? Share your thoughts in the comments ⁣below!

Will Supertramp’s⁢ legacy continue to inspire ‍future generations ‌of musicians?