Supertramp
Encyclopedia
Supertramp are a British rock band formed in 1969 under the name Daddy before renaming to Supertramp in early 1970. Though their music was initially categorised as progressive rock
, they have since incorporated a combination of traditional rock and art rock
into their music. The band's work is marked by the inventive songwriting of Rick Davies
and Roger Hodgson
and the distinctive voice of Hodgson. Supertramp were also well known for their prominent use of the Wurlitzer electric piano
and saxophone
.
While the band's early work was mainstream progressive rock
; they would enjoy greater critical, and commercial success when they incorporated more conventional and radio-friendly elements into their work in the mid-1970s, going on to sell more than 60 million albums. They reached their peak of commercial success with 1979's Breakfast in America
, which has sold more than 20 million copies.
Supertramp enjoyed multiple major hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including "Dreamer
", "Bloody Well Right
", "Give a Little Bit
", "The Logical Song
", "Breakfast in America
", "Goodbye Stranger
", "Take the Long Way Home
", "It's Raining Again
" and "Cannonball
". The band attained significant popularity in the United States, Canada, most of Europe, South Africa, Australia, and Brazil. Since Hodgson's departure in 1983, founder Rick Davies
has led the band by himself.
(bass and vocals), Richard Palmer
(guitars), and Keith Baker
(percussion) after placing an advertisement in the weekly music newspaper, Melody Maker
. Since none of the other band members were willing, Palmer penned all their lyrics. The group initially dubbed themselves "Daddy". Baker was almost immediately replaced by former stage actor Robert Millar, and the band changed names to "Supertramp", a name inspired by The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp
by William Henry Davies.
Supertramp were one of the first groups to be signed to the UK branch of A&M Records
and their first album, Supertramp
, was released on 14 July 1970 in the UK and Canada only (it would not be issued in the US until late 1977). Stylistically, the album was fairly typical of progressive rock of the era, and Supertramp's sound bore obvious similarity to their British prog rock predecessor Cressida
. The album did not attract a large audience and few critics paid it any attention. Dave Winthrop (flute
and saxophone
) joined the group after the release of the first record and soon after Supertramp was able to earn a slot on the bill of the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival
. The membership continued to change as six months after the album's release, Palmer left the band feeling that he wasn't suited for its musical direction, followed shortly afterwards by Millar, who had suffered a nervous breakdown following a disastrous tour of Norway.
For the next album, Indelibly Stamped, released in June 1971 (in both the UK and US), Frank Farrell
(bass) and Kevin Currie (percussion) replaced Millar and Palmer, while Roger Hodgson switched to guitar. From this album forward, Hodgson and Davies were no longer able to use a lyricist, and Davies served as a second lead singer. Sales failed to improve, and the record sold even less than their debut. In the aftermath, all members gradually quit except Hodgson and Davies and Miesegaes withdrew his financial support in 1972.
A search for new members brought aboard Dougie Thomson
(bass), who had done stand-in gigs with the band for almost a year before auditions resumed. In 1973, auditions restarted and introduced Bob Siebenberg
(drums & percussion) and John Helliwell
(saxophone
, other woodwinds
, occasional keyboards, backing vocals), completing the line-up. Hodgson would also begin playing keyboards (particularly the Wurlitzer electric piano
) in the band in addition to guitar. Finally, the Davies/Hodgson songwriting partnership was dissolved; though all of Supertramp's songs would continue to be officially credited as "written by Rick Davies and Rodger Hodgson", most if not all of them were written by Davies or Hodgson individually.
Supertramp needed a hit record to continue working, and finally got one with Crime of the Century. Released in September 1974, it began the group's run of critical and commercial successes, hitting number 1 in Britain and Canada. An ambitious progressive rock concept album, many of its songs were heavily orchestrated and sometimes even featured Davies and Hodgson singing in dialogue, such as on the 1975 top 10 single "Dreamer
". Its B-side, "Bloody Well Right
", hit the US Top 40 in May 1975, peaking at no. 35, and would be their only hit in the country for more than two years. Siebenberg would later comment that he thought the band hit its artistic peak on this album, though their greatest commercial success would come later.
The band continued with Crisis? What Crisis?
released in November 1975, which broke both the UK Top Twenty and the USA Top Fifty without even one hit single behind it. The following album, Even in the Quietest Moments
, released in April 1977, spawned a hit single with "Give a Little Bit
" (no. 15 U.S., no. 29 U.K.). During this period, the band eventually relocated to the United States.
, released in March 1979, which reached number 3 in the UK and number 1 in the United States and Canada and spawned four successful singles: "The Logical Song
" (no. 6 U.S., no. 7 U.K.), "Take the Long Way Home
" (no. 10 U.S.), "Breakfast in America
" (no. 9 U.K.), and "Goodbye Stranger
" (no. 15 U.S., no. 57 U.K.).
The run of successes was capped with 1980's Paris
, a 2-LP live album, in which the band stated their goal of improving on the studio versions of their songs. It included nearly every song from Crime of the Century. Initially, it was supposed to be a show recorded in Quebec City, Canada, but A&M vetoed the idea for a "more mainstream city". The live version of "Dreamer" was released as a single in the U.S., where it reached no. 15, even though the studio version had failed to even chart there.
In 1982, the band released ...Famous Last Words...
, which contained the hits "It's Raining Again
" and "My Kind of Lady
". A worldwide tour followed in 1983. After the tour, Hodgson left the band. In an interview, he stated that the reason was to spend time with his two small children. Hodgson moved his family from the Los Angeles area to the mountains of northern California where he built a home and studio and focused on his family and spiritual life, but would occasionally produce solo albums. Hodgson has stated that there were never any real personal or professional problems between him and Davies, as some people thought.
The Davies-led Supertramp soldiered on to continued success, releasing Brother Where You Bound
in 1985. This included the Top 30 hit single "Cannonball
", along with the title track, a 16-minute exposition on Cold War
themes highlighted by guitar solos from Pink Floyd
's David Gilmour
. The album reached no. 20 in the UK charts and no. 21 in the US charts. 1987's
Free as a Bird
experimented in heavily synthesized music, such as "I'm Beggin' You
", which reached number 1 on the US dance charts. The stylistic change was generally not well-received, however, and the album itself reached only no. 93 in the UK and 101 in the USA, breaking a streak of seven consecutive top 100 efforts on the American charts. After 1988's tour, Dougie Thomson left the band over a disagreement with Davies about the use of Hodgson-penned songs during live performances and the group fragmented.
, an album that echoed the earlier Supertramp sound, released in March 1997. It reached no. 74 in the UK. In 1999 Supertramp released the live It Was the Best of Times
, followed by Slow Motion in 2002 and a worldwide tour, after which the band went inactive once again. Another attempt to bring Hodgson back into the band failed in 2005.
In 2008 it was announced that Supertramp's music would be featured in the film adaptation of Irvine Welsh's
best-selling novel Ecstasy: Three Tales of Chemical Romance
. In 2009 Hodgson said he could not see a Supertramp reunion ever happening: "We've looked at it and talked it over...I would never say never but Rick [Davies] has pretty much retired right now and I'm in the prime of my life. The reaction I am getting from fans is 'please don’t reunite'."
In 2011 both Hodgson and Supertramp continued to tour separately. When asked whether Roger Hodgson might appear on some of the 2011 dates Davies replied, “I know there are some fans out there who would like that to happen. There was a time when I had hoped for that too. But the recent past makes that impossible. In order to play a great show for our fans, you need harmony, both musically and personally. Unfortunately that doesn’t exist between us anymore and I would rather not destroy memories of more harmonious times between all of us.”
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
, they have since incorporated a combination of traditional rock and art rock
Art rock
Art rock is a subgenre of rock music that originated in the United Kingdom in the 1960s, with influences from art, avant-garde, and classical music. The first usage of the term, according to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, was in 1968. Influenced by the work of The Beatles, most notably their Sgt...
into their music. The band's work is marked by the inventive songwriting of Rick Davies
Rick Davies
Rick Davies is an English musician, best known as the founder and keyboardist of progressive rock band Supertramp...
and Roger Hodgson
Roger Hodgson
Charles Roger Pomfret Hodgson is a British musician and songwriter, best known as the former co-frontman, and founding member, of progressive rock band Supertramp....
and the distinctive voice of Hodgson. Supertramp were also well known for their prominent use of the Wurlitzer electric piano
Wurlitzer electric piano
Wurlitzer 200A|250px|thumbThe Wurlitzer electric piano was one of a series of electromechanical stringless pianos manufactured and marketed by the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company, Corinth, Mississippi, U.S. and Tonawanda, New York...
and saxophone
Saxophone
The saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846...
.
While the band's early work was mainstream progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
; they would enjoy greater critical, and commercial success when they incorporated more conventional and radio-friendly elements into their work in the mid-1970s, going on to sell more than 60 million albums. They reached their peak of commercial success with 1979's Breakfast in America
Breakfast in America
Breakfast in America was seen as a departure for the band, with its pop sound deviating from the progressive rock stylings that defined their earlier work...
, which has sold more than 20 million copies.
Supertramp enjoyed multiple major hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including "Dreamer
Dreamer (Supertramp song)
"Dreamer" is a hit single from Supertramp's 1974 album Crime of the Century. It peaked at Number 13 on the UK singles chart in February 1975. In 1980, it appeared on their live album Paris...
", "Bloody Well Right
Bloody Well Right
"Bloody Well Right" is a song by the progressive rock band Supertramp from their 1974 album Crime of the Century. Released in April 1975, it failed to chart in the United Kingdom but became their breakthrough hit in the United States, peaking at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100...
", "Give a Little Bit
Give A Little Bit
"Give a Little Bit" is the opening song on Supertramp's 1977 album Even in the Quietest Moments.... The song was released as a single that same year and became an international hit for the band, peaking at number 15 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart...
", "The Logical Song
The Logical Song
"The Logical Song" is a hit single on Supertramp's 1979 album Breakfast in America, sung by band member Roger Hodgson. It is the band's biggest chart hit in both the United States and their native United Kingdom, and is among their most widely recognized radio hits.-Composition and Lyrics:"The...
", "Breakfast in America
Breakfast in America (song)
"Breakfast in America" is the title track from Supertramp's 1979 album Breakfast in America. The song was a minor hit on the singles charts in the US but is a staple of classic rock radio. The song's lyrics tell about a person who has never been to America...
", "Goodbye Stranger
Goodbye Stranger
"Goodbye Stranger" is a song by Supertramp, which first appeared on their 1979 album Breakfast in America.The main "body" of the song is backed by a simple Wurlitzer electric piano melody; the arrangement intensifies as the song progresses. This is eventually joined by intermittent electric guitar...
", "Take the Long Way Home
Take the Long Way Home
"Take the Long Way Home" is the fourth single and sixth track of Supertramp's 1979 album Breakfast in America. It reached number 10 on the U.S. charts. The song was used during the climax and closing credits to the final episode of the first series of Ashes to Ashes...
", "It's Raining Again
It's Raining Again
-Chart performance:The song debuted at #31 on 30 October 1982 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the highest debut on that chart for all of 1982, and peaked at #11...
" and "Cannonball
Cannonball (Supertramp song)
"Cannonball" is the opening track from Supertramp's 1985 album Brother Where You Bound. It was written and sung by keyboardist Rick Davies entirely in the chord of G...
". The band attained significant popularity in the United States, Canada, most of Europe, South Africa, Australia, and Brazil. Since Hodgson's departure in 1983, founder Rick Davies
Rick Davies
Rick Davies is an English musician, best known as the founder and keyboardist of progressive rock band Supertramp...
has led the band by himself.
1969–72: Early years
In 1969 Stanley 'Sam' August Miesegaes, a Dutch millionaire, gave his acquaintance Rick Davies a "genuine opportunity" to form his own band, with Miesegaes' financial backing. Davies assembled Supertramp with Roger HodgsonRoger Hodgson
Charles Roger Pomfret Hodgson is a British musician and songwriter, best known as the former co-frontman, and founding member, of progressive rock band Supertramp....
(bass and vocals), Richard Palmer
Richard Palmer-James
Richard Jeffrey Charles Palmer-James was lyricist for the progressive rock group King Crimson in the early 1970s....
(guitars), and Keith Baker
Keith Baker (musician)
Keith Baker is a drummer. He played for Bakerloo, but left the group following the release of its only album. Baker became a member of Uriah Heep prior to their second album Salisbury, replacing Nigel Olsson when he joined Elton John as a drummer...
(percussion) after placing an advertisement in the weekly music newspaper, Melody Maker
Melody Maker
Melody Maker, published in the United Kingdom, was, according to its publisher IPC Media, the world's oldest weekly music newspaper. It was founded in 1926 as a magazine targeted at musicians; in 2000 it was merged into "long-standing rival" New Musical Express.-1950s–1960s:Originally the Melody...
. Since none of the other band members were willing, Palmer penned all their lyrics. The group initially dubbed themselves "Daddy". Baker was almost immediately replaced by former stage actor Robert Millar, and the band changed names to "Supertramp", a name inspired by The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp
The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp
The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp is an autobiography published in 1908 by the Welsh poet and writer William Henry Davies...
by William Henry Davies.
Supertramp were one of the first groups to be signed to the UK branch of A&M Records
A&M Records
A&M Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that operates under the mantle of its Interscope-Geffen-A&M division.-Beginnings:...
and their first album, Supertramp
Supertramp (album)
Supertramp is the self-titled debut album by progressive rock band Supertramp, released in July 1970 . It has sometimes been published under the title Now and Then...
, was released on 14 July 1970 in the UK and Canada only (it would not be issued in the US until late 1977). Stylistically, the album was fairly typical of progressive rock of the era, and Supertramp's sound bore obvious similarity to their British prog rock predecessor Cressida
Cressida (progressive rock band)
Cressida were a British progressive rock band, best known for their mellow, symphonic sound. Originally known as Charge, they were active from 1968 and 1970, and recorded two albums for Vertigo.-Career:...
. The album did not attract a large audience and few critics paid it any attention. Dave Winthrop (flute
Flute
The flute is a musical instrument of the woodwind family. Unlike woodwind instruments with reeds, a flute is an aerophone or reedless wind instrument that produces its sound from the flow of air across an opening...
and saxophone
Saxophone
The saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846...
) joined the group after the release of the first record and soon after Supertramp was able to earn a slot on the bill of the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival
Isle of Wight Festival 1970
The 1970 Isle of Wight Festival was held between 26 and 31 August 1970 at East Afton Farm an area on the western side of the Isle of Wight. It was the last of three consecutive music festivals to take place on the island between 1968 and 1970 and widely acknowledged as the largest musical event of...
. The membership continued to change as six months after the album's release, Palmer left the band feeling that he wasn't suited for its musical direction, followed shortly afterwards by Millar, who had suffered a nervous breakdown following a disastrous tour of Norway.
For the next album, Indelibly Stamped, released in June 1971 (in both the UK and US), Frank Farrell
Frank Farrell (musician)
Frank Farrell was a British rock bassist, vocalist and songwriter born in Birmingham, England. Over a professional career that spanned thirty years he is best known as the bassist of British rock band Supertramp and for his musical association with Leo Sayer...
(bass) and Kevin Currie (percussion) replaced Millar and Palmer, while Roger Hodgson switched to guitar. From this album forward, Hodgson and Davies were no longer able to use a lyricist, and Davies served as a second lead singer. Sales failed to improve, and the record sold even less than their debut. In the aftermath, all members gradually quit except Hodgson and Davies and Miesegaes withdrew his financial support in 1972.
1973–78: Initial success and commercial breakthrough
A search for new members brought aboard Dougie Thomson
Dougie Thomson
Douglas Campbell "Dougie" Thomson is a Scottish musician, born in Glasgow and raised in the Rutherglen area of the city. He is best known as the former bass guitarist of progressive rock band Supertramp.-Career:...
(bass), who had done stand-in gigs with the band for almost a year before auditions resumed. In 1973, auditions restarted and introduced Bob Siebenberg
Bob Siebenberg
Bob Siebenberg, also known as Bob C. Benberg, is an American musician, best known as a member of British progressive rock band Supertramp, playing drums and percussion...
(drums & percussion) and John Helliwell
John Helliwell
John Helliwell is an English musician and the saxophonist and occasional keyboardist and woodwind player for the rock band Supertramp...
(saxophone
Saxophone
The saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846...
, other woodwinds
Woodwind instrument
A woodwind instrument is a musical instrument which produces sound when the player blows air against a sharp edge or through a reed, causing the air within its resonator to vibrate...
, occasional keyboards, backing vocals), completing the line-up. Hodgson would also begin playing keyboards (particularly the Wurlitzer electric piano
Wurlitzer electric piano
Wurlitzer 200A|250px|thumbThe Wurlitzer electric piano was one of a series of electromechanical stringless pianos manufactured and marketed by the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company, Corinth, Mississippi, U.S. and Tonawanda, New York...
) in the band in addition to guitar. Finally, the Davies/Hodgson songwriting partnership was dissolved; though all of Supertramp's songs would continue to be officially credited as "written by Rick Davies and Rodger Hodgson", most if not all of them were written by Davies or Hodgson individually.
Supertramp needed a hit record to continue working, and finally got one with Crime of the Century. Released in September 1974, it began the group's run of critical and commercial successes, hitting number 1 in Britain and Canada. An ambitious progressive rock concept album, many of its songs were heavily orchestrated and sometimes even featured Davies and Hodgson singing in dialogue, such as on the 1975 top 10 single "Dreamer
Dreamer (Supertramp song)
"Dreamer" is a hit single from Supertramp's 1974 album Crime of the Century. It peaked at Number 13 on the UK singles chart in February 1975. In 1980, it appeared on their live album Paris...
". Its B-side, "Bloody Well Right
Bloody Well Right
"Bloody Well Right" is a song by the progressive rock band Supertramp from their 1974 album Crime of the Century. Released in April 1975, it failed to chart in the United Kingdom but became their breakthrough hit in the United States, peaking at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100...
", hit the US Top 40 in May 1975, peaking at no. 35, and would be their only hit in the country for more than two years. Siebenberg would later comment that he thought the band hit its artistic peak on this album, though their greatest commercial success would come later.
The band continued with Crisis? What Crisis?
Crisis? What Crisis?
Crisis? What Crisis? is the fourth album by progressive rock band Supertramp, released in 1975. It was recorded in Los Angeles – Supertramp's first album to be recorded in the United States of America....
released in November 1975, which broke both the UK Top Twenty and the USA Top Fifty without even one hit single behind it. The following album, Even in the Quietest Moments
Even in the Quietest Moments
Even in the Quietest Moments... is the fifth album by progressive rock band Supertramp, released in April 1977.The album was recorded mainly at Caribou Ranch Studios in Colorado with overdubs, vocals and mixing completed at The Record Plant in Los Angeles and was Supertramp's first album to use...
, released in April 1977, spawned a hit single with "Give a Little Bit
Give A Little Bit
"Give a Little Bit" is the opening song on Supertramp's 1977 album Even in the Quietest Moments.... The song was released as a single that same year and became an international hit for the band, peaking at number 15 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart...
" (no. 15 U.S., no. 29 U.K.). During this period, the band eventually relocated to the United States.
1979-88: Superstars
The band's switch to a more pop-oriented approach peaked with their most popular album, Breakfast in AmericaBreakfast in America
Breakfast in America was seen as a departure for the band, with its pop sound deviating from the progressive rock stylings that defined their earlier work...
, released in March 1979, which reached number 3 in the UK and number 1 in the United States and Canada and spawned four successful singles: "The Logical Song
The Logical Song
"The Logical Song" is a hit single on Supertramp's 1979 album Breakfast in America, sung by band member Roger Hodgson. It is the band's biggest chart hit in both the United States and their native United Kingdom, and is among their most widely recognized radio hits.-Composition and Lyrics:"The...
" (no. 6 U.S., no. 7 U.K.), "Take the Long Way Home
Take the Long Way Home
"Take the Long Way Home" is the fourth single and sixth track of Supertramp's 1979 album Breakfast in America. It reached number 10 on the U.S. charts. The song was used during the climax and closing credits to the final episode of the first series of Ashes to Ashes...
" (no. 10 U.S.), "Breakfast in America
Breakfast in America (song)
"Breakfast in America" is the title track from Supertramp's 1979 album Breakfast in America. The song was a minor hit on the singles charts in the US but is a staple of classic rock radio. The song's lyrics tell about a person who has never been to America...
" (no. 9 U.K.), and "Goodbye Stranger
Goodbye Stranger
"Goodbye Stranger" is a song by Supertramp, which first appeared on their 1979 album Breakfast in America.The main "body" of the song is backed by a simple Wurlitzer electric piano melody; the arrangement intensifies as the song progresses. This is eventually joined by intermittent electric guitar...
" (no. 15 U.S., no. 57 U.K.).
The run of successes was capped with 1980's Paris
Paris (Supertramp album)
Paris is a live album by progressive rock band Supertramp, released in 1980 . The album was recorded on Supertramp's Breakfast in America tour in November 1979 in Paris, France at the Pavillon de Paris, a venue which was once a slaughterhouse...
, a 2-LP live album, in which the band stated their goal of improving on the studio versions of their songs. It included nearly every song from Crime of the Century. Initially, it was supposed to be a show recorded in Quebec City, Canada, but A&M vetoed the idea for a "more mainstream city". The live version of "Dreamer" was released as a single in the U.S., where it reached no. 15, even though the studio version had failed to even chart there.
In 1982, the band released ...Famous Last Words...
...Famous Last Words...
...Famous Last Words..., the eighth album by progressive rock band Supertramp, was released in October 1982.The album was the studio follow-up to 1979's Breakfast in America and was the last with guitarist/vocalist/keyboardist Roger Hodgson, who left the group so that he could spend more time with...
, which contained the hits "It's Raining Again
It's Raining Again
-Chart performance:The song debuted at #31 on 30 October 1982 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the highest debut on that chart for all of 1982, and peaked at #11...
" and "My Kind of Lady
My Kind of Lady
"My Kind of Lady" was the second single from Supertramp's 1982 album …Famous Last Words…. The song was written by Rick Davies and was a mid-tempo love ballad. The song peaked at #31 on the U.S. charts. The song was sung by Davies, with backing vocals done by the rest of the band. The echo-treated...
". A worldwide tour followed in 1983. After the tour, Hodgson left the band. In an interview, he stated that the reason was to spend time with his two small children. Hodgson moved his family from the Los Angeles area to the mountains of northern California where he built a home and studio and focused on his family and spiritual life, but would occasionally produce solo albums. Hodgson has stated that there were never any real personal or professional problems between him and Davies, as some people thought.
The Davies-led Supertramp soldiered on to continued success, releasing Brother Where You Bound
Brother Where You Bound
Brother Where You Bound is the ninth album by progressive rock band Supertramp, released in 1985 . It was their first album after original member Roger Hodgson left the band, leaving Richard Davies to handle the songwriting and singing on his own...
in 1985. This included the Top 30 hit single "Cannonball
Cannonball (Supertramp song)
"Cannonball" is the opening track from Supertramp's 1985 album Brother Where You Bound. It was written and sung by keyboardist Rick Davies entirely in the chord of G...
", along with the title track, a 16-minute exposition on Cold War
Cold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
themes highlighted by guitar solos from Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
's David Gilmour
David Gilmour
David Jon Gilmour, CBE, D.M. is an English rock musician and multi-instrumentalist who is best known as the guitarist, one of the lead singers and main songwriters in the progressive rock band Pink Floyd. In addition to his work with Pink Floyd, Gilmour has worked as a producer for a variety of...
. The album reached no. 20 in the UK charts and no. 21 in the US charts. 1987's
1987 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1987.See also:Record labels established in 1987-January-February:*January 3 – Aretha Franklin becomes the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame...
Free as a Bird
Free as a Bird (album)
Allmusic's brief retrospective review dismissed the album as "a colorless and tuneless collection of prog rock meandering".-Track listing:All songs written by Rick Davies, except where noted.Lead vocals by Rick Davies, except where noted.#"It's Alright" – 5:01...
experimented in heavily synthesized music, such as "I'm Beggin' You
I'm Beggin' You
"I'm Beggin' You" is a 1987 single by British progressive rock band Supertramp and one of two entries into the dance charts by Supertramp. "I'm Beggin' You" reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play for one week, early in 1988...
", which reached number 1 on the US dance charts. The stylistic change was generally not well-received, however, and the album itself reached only no. 93 in the UK and 101 in the USA, breaking a streak of seven consecutive top 100 efforts on the American charts. After 1988's tour, Dougie Thomson left the band over a disagreement with Davies about the use of Hodgson-penned songs during live performances and the group fragmented.
1996–2009: Later years
In 1996 Davies re-formed Supertramp with Helliwell, Siebenberg and Hart. The result was Some Things Never ChangeSome Things Never Change
Some Things Never Change is the eleventh album by progressive rock band Supertramp, released in 1997 . It represented a deliberate return to the band's earlier sound , using more organic recording techniques than on their previous studio album.The song "Live to Love You" features both the 'tackled'...
, an album that echoed the earlier Supertramp sound, released in March 1997. It reached no. 74 in the UK. In 1999 Supertramp released the live It Was the Best of Times
It Was the Best of Times
It Was the Best of Times is a live album by Supertramp. The title makes use of the opening line from A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.Recorded in London at the Royal Albert Hall during the It's About Time tour in September 1997...
, followed by Slow Motion in 2002 and a worldwide tour, after which the band went inactive once again. Another attempt to bring Hodgson back into the band failed in 2005.
In 2008 it was announced that Supertramp's music would be featured in the film adaptation of Irvine Welsh's
Irvine Welsh
Irvine Welsh is a contemporary Scottish novelist, best known for his novel Trainspotting. His work is characterised by raw Scottish dialect, and brutal depiction of the realities of Edinburgh life...
best-selling novel Ecstasy: Three Tales of Chemical Romance
Ecstasy: Three Tales of Chemical Romance
Ecstasy: Three Tales of Chemical Romance is a collection of three novellas by Irvine Welsh.-Lorraine Goes To Livingston:After suffering a stroke, Rebecca Navarro, a best-selling romance novelist, discovers the truth about her corrupt, pornography-loving husband...
. In 2009 Hodgson said he could not see a Supertramp reunion ever happening: "We've looked at it and talked it over...I would never say never but Rick [Davies] has pretty much retired right now and I'm in the prime of my life. The reaction I am getting from fans is 'please don’t reunite'."
2010–present: Re-formation
On 21 April 2010 it was announced that Supertramp would give 35 concerts in late 2010. Dates were announced for concerts in Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, Italy, France and other European countries. This tour called "70-10" was to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the group's first release. Roger Hodgson, who was not included in this tour, embarked on a solo 2010 tour to Australia, New Zealand, South America, Europe, Canada, and the US.In 2011 both Hodgson and Supertramp continued to tour separately. When asked whether Roger Hodgson might appear on some of the 2011 dates Davies replied, “I know there are some fans out there who would like that to happen. There was a time when I had hoped for that too. But the recent past makes that impossible. In order to play a great show for our fans, you need harmony, both musically and personally. Unfortunately that doesn’t exist between us anymore and I would rather not destroy memories of more harmonious times between all of us.”
Members
Current members
- Rick DaviesRick DaviesRick Davies is an English musician, best known as the founder and keyboardist of progressive rock band Supertramp...
– vocals, keyboards, harmonica, composition, melodicaMelodicaThe melodica, also known as the "blow-organ" or "key-flute", is a free-reed instrument similar to the melodeon and harmonica. It has a musical keyboard on top, and is played by blowing air through a mouthpiece that fits into a hole in the side of the instrument. Pressing a key opens a hole,...
(1970–1988, 1996–2002, 2010-present) - John Helliwell – woodwinds, keyboards, backing vocals (1973–1988, 1996–2002, 2010-present)
- Bob Siebenberg – drums, percussion (1973–1988, 1996–2002, 2010-present)
Past members
- Roger HodgsonRoger HodgsonCharles Roger Pomfret Hodgson is a British musician and songwriter, best known as the former co-frontman, and founding member, of progressive rock band Supertramp....
– vocals, guitars, keyboards, bass, composition (1970–1983) - Richard Palmer-JamesRichard Palmer-JamesRichard Jeffrey Charles Palmer-James was lyricist for the progressive rock group King Crimson in the early 1970s....
– guitars, vocals, balalaikaBalalaikaThe balalaika is a stringed musical instrument popular in Russia, with a characteristic triangular body and three strings.The balalaika family of instruments includes instruments of various sizes, from the highest-pitched to the lowest, the prima balalaika, secunda balalaika, alto balalaika, bass...
(1970–1971) - Bob Millar – percussion, harmonica (1970–1971)
- Dave Winthrop – woodwinds, vocals (1970–1973)
- Kevin Currie – percussion (1971–1973)
- Frank FarrellFrank Farrell (musician)Frank Farrell was a British rock bassist, vocalist and songwriter born in Birmingham, England. Over a professional career that spanned thirty years he is best known as the bassist of British rock band Supertramp and for his musical association with Leo Sayer...
– bass, keyboards, backing vocals (1971–1972) - Dougie Thomson – bass (1972–1988)
- Mark HartMark HartMark Hart , is a multi-instrumentalist best known for his participation as a member of Supertramp and Crowded House....
– vocals, keyboards, guitar (1985–1988, 1996–2002) - Tom Walsh – percussion (1996–1997)
Current touring musicians
- Carl VerheyenCarl Verheyen-History:Verheyen has authored many instructional books, including Improvising Without Scales, as well as Studio City, a collection of articles written for the magazine Guitar for the Practicing Musician from 1996-1999...
– guitars, percussion, backing vocals (1985–1986, 1996–2002, 2010-present) - Cliff HugoCliff HugoCliff Hugo was born in the USA, April 23rd 1951, in Southern California, where he also spent his early days. He plays bass guitar for the art-rock band Supertramp, but also has another joint venture with Supertramp's guitarist Carl Verheyen and plays in his project - Carl Verheyen Band...
– bass (1996–2002, 2010-present) - Lee ThornburgLee ThornburgLee Thornburg is a trumpeter who has played with many artists, and also has been a member of Supertramp and Tower of Power. Thornburg also played with Wayne Cochran and the C.C. Riders in the 1970s.-Biography:...
– trombone, trumpet, keyboards, backing vocals (1996–2002, 2010-present) - Jesse Siebenberg – percussion, vocals (1996–2002) keyboards, guitars, vocals (2010-present)
- Gabe Dixon – keyboards, tambourine, vocals (2010-present)
- Cassie Miller – background vocals (2010-present)
Past touring musicians
- Scott PageScott PageScott Page is a multimedia entrepreneur whose primary recognition is as a musician and as founder of technology firms such as New Media Broadcasting Company .-Awards:Scott Page has received several acknowledgments and awards, primarily for his...
– woodwinds, guitar, percussion, backing vocals (1983–1986) - Fred MandelFred MandelFred Mandel is a keyboard player and guitarist.Mandel became involved in music from an early age. He started playing the piano and age 4 and picked up the guitar aged 8...
– keyboards, guitar, backing vocals (1983) - Marty Walsh – guitars, backing vocals (1984–1988)
- Brad Cole – woodwinds, keyboards (1986–1988)
- Steve ReidSteve Reid (musician)Steve Reid is an American jazz percussionist, best known as a founding member of The Rippingtons.Reid began playing as a session musician in the 1970s, playing on hundreds of recordings. Reid cofounded The Rippingtons in 1987 and also played with Supertramp in 1987-88. In 1993, 1995, and 1997 he...
– percussion (1987–1988)
Discography
- SupertrampSupertramp (album)Supertramp is the self-titled debut album by progressive rock band Supertramp, released in July 1970 . It has sometimes been published under the title Now and Then...
(1970) - Indelibly Stamped (1971)
- Crime of the Century (1974)
- Crisis? What Crisis?Crisis? What Crisis?Crisis? What Crisis? is the fourth album by progressive rock band Supertramp, released in 1975. It was recorded in Los Angeles – Supertramp's first album to be recorded in the United States of America....
(1975) - Even in the Quietest Moments... (1977)
- Breakfast in AmericaBreakfast in AmericaBreakfast in America was seen as a departure for the band, with its pop sound deviating from the progressive rock stylings that defined their earlier work...
(1979) - ParisParis (Supertramp album)Paris is a live album by progressive rock band Supertramp, released in 1980 . The album was recorded on Supertramp's Breakfast in America tour in November 1979 in Paris, France at the Pavillon de Paris, a venue which was once a slaughterhouse...
(1980—live album) - ...Famous Last Words......Famous Last Words......Famous Last Words..., the eighth album by progressive rock band Supertramp, was released in October 1982.The album was the studio follow-up to 1979's Breakfast in America and was the last with guitarist/vocalist/keyboardist Roger Hodgson, who left the group so that he could spend more time with...
(1982) - Brother Where You BoundBrother Where You BoundBrother Where You Bound is the ninth album by progressive rock band Supertramp, released in 1985 . It was their first album after original member Roger Hodgson left the band, leaving Richard Davies to handle the songwriting and singing on his own...
(1985) - Free as a BirdFree as a Bird (album)Allmusic's brief retrospective review dismissed the album as "a colorless and tuneless collection of prog rock meandering".-Track listing:All songs written by Rick Davies, except where noted.Lead vocals by Rick Davies, except where noted.#"It's Alright" – 5:01...
(1987) - Some Things Never ChangeSome Things Never ChangeSome Things Never Change is the eleventh album by progressive rock band Supertramp, released in 1997 . It represented a deliberate return to the band's earlier sound , using more organic recording techniques than on their previous studio album.The song "Live to Love You" features both the 'tackled'...
(1997) - It Was the Best of TimesIt Was the Best of TimesIt Was the Best of Times is a live album by Supertramp. The title makes use of the opening line from A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.Recorded in London at the Royal Albert Hall during the It's About Time tour in September 1997...
(1999—live album) - Slow Motion (2002)
Remixes and cover versions
- Bob Esty covered the song "Lord is it Mine" for the 1979 movie Roller BoogieRoller BoogieRoller Boogie is a United Artists film starring Linda Blair and introducing Jim Bray The film also stars Beverly Garland, Mark Goddard, and Kimberly Beck, and is directed by Mark L...
- In 2001, the German power metalPower metalPower metal is a style of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and a...
band At VanceAt VanceAt Vance is a German power metal/Neo-classical metal band. They were formed by vocalist Oliver Hartmann and guitarist Olaf Lenk in 1998.-Biography:...
covered "The Logical Song" on their album Heart Of SteelHeart of SteelThe Heart of Steel is a documentary directed by Angelo J. Guglielmo, Jr. and had its World Premiere at The Tribeca Film Festival in May, 2006...
. - ScooterScooter (band)Scooter are a German hard dance band founded in Hamburg, who have sold over 25 million records and earned over 80 gold and platinum awards. Scooter are considered the most successful single-record German act with 23 top ten hits. The band is currently composed of members H.P. Baxxter, Rick J....
covered "The Logical Song", including use of samples, in their single "Ramp! (The Logical Song)The Logical Song"The Logical Song" is a hit single on Supertramp's 1979 album Breakfast in America, sung by band member Roger Hodgson. It is the band's biggest chart hit in both the United States and their native United Kingdom, and is among their most widely recognized radio hits.-Composition and Lyrics:"The...
". - In 2007 Gym Class HeroesGym Class HeroesGym Class Heroes is an American hip hop rock band from Geneva, New York. They have collaborated with Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump on numerous occasions, notably for providing backing vocals on the song "Cupid's Chokehold." Stump also produced the majority of their album The Quilt.The group formed...
used parts of "Breakfast in America" in their single "Cupid's ChokeholdCupid's ChokeholdCupid's Chokehold is a single performed by Gym Class Heroes, featuring Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy. The song relies heavily on the music, chorus and famous spoken "ba ba da da" line from Supertramp's hit song "Breakfast in America"...
". - In 2007 Laurel CanyonLaurel CanyonLaurel Canyon may refer to:*Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, California, an area in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles*Laurel Canyon Boulevard, a street that connects the San Fernando Valley to Hollywood that passes through Laurel Canyon...
released in a club version titled "Goodbye Stranger (One Night Stand Mix)". - In 2005, the Goo Goo DollsGoo Goo DollsThe Goo Goo Dolls are a Grammy-nominated American rock band formed in 1986 in Buffalo, New York, by vocalist and guitarist John Rzeznik and vocalist and bass guitarist Robby Takac. Since the end of 1994, Mike Malinin has been the band's drummer, a position previously held by George Tutuska...
covered "Give a Little Bit" on their Let Love InLet Love In (Goo Goo Dolls album)Let Love In is the Goo Goo Dolls' eighth studio album. "Better Days", which was released as a single late in 2005, appears on the album, along with a cover of the Supertramp song, "Give a Little Bit".-Track listing:...
album.