Supertramp Forever!
Supertramp fans rejoice! The band is on tour again! More on that in a moment, but first, let’s look at some of the most beautifully produced progressive pop music of the 70’s!
Supertramp was formed in 1970, with main band members Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson – and the band was known for their innovative and intelligently produced music – written primarily by Davies and Hodgen – and it is their relationship that molded and ultimately broke up the band.
Supertramp burst onto the scene with their brilliant “Crime Of The Century” featuring the hits “Dreamer” and “Bloody Well Right”, performed here by Supertramp in 2011 with Rick Davies singing lead vocal on the song he wrote:
The band continued to release albums throughout the 70’s, with a sound that mixed progressive rock with catchy, intelligent pop – and moody, introspective ballads…
“Even In The Quietest Moments”
This album only had one hit single, but the album is full of great songs that speak of alienation and loneliness…softer and less playful than some of their music, it includes the single “Give A Little Bit”, and of course, the title track, written by co-founder Roger Hodgson, who performs it here solo – an absolutely beautiful song:
By that time the band was successful, but no one saw what was on the horizon – an album full of hit singles AND great album tracks – Supertramp’s masterpiece:
Time For Some “Breakfast In America!”
“Breakfast in America” was released in 1979, and shot to the top of the US music charts! The album had four hit singles, including “The Logical Song”, “Goodbye Stranger”, “Take the Long Way Home”, and “Breakfast in America”.
The first song to capture the world’s attention was “The Logical Song”, with its witty lyrics and offbeat sound – here is songwriter Roger Hodgson performing it:
Roger Hodgson wrote this hit when he was still in his teens, before he even met Rick Davies and co-founded Supertramp. Roger won the Ivor Novello Award from The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters for “The Logical Song”.
“Take a look at my girlfriend, she’s the only one I’ve got!”
In 1979, the group embarked on a 10-month, 120 city concert tour that required 52 tons of gear, 10 miles of cable, $5 million worth of equipment and a 40 man crew – all to support the monster hit that was “Breakfast In America”!
Here is Hodgson’s live version of the song, with a funny little intro:
The youtube video included this quote:
“It’s consistently one of the most popular songs in the set and it just seems to ignite a wave of joy in the audience when they hear the first chords. Never could I have imagined when I wrote this song at age 19 that it would be gaining in popularity, if that is even possible, over 40 years later. It’s the playful, fun, jubilant quality that people love to hear and sing along to.” – Roger Hodgson
Unfortunately, even with this massive success, Hodgson and Davies weren’t getting along, and the band had only one more major hit, just as the era of MTV began.
The band’s next album was their last with both Hodgson and Davies, the hit “Famous Last Words”, which included this smash hit:
“It’s Raining Again”!
It’s MTV time, so the band released a video to support the song:
Hodgson left Supertramp after this album, and the two have never performed together since.
“Supertramp Forever”!
Now, news is out that Davies is taking the band back out onto the road!
Rick Davies has reformed the band to perform a European tour – no word on whether there will be new music released as well – but it can never really be “Supertramp” for one big reason!
No Roger Hodgson!
Unfortunately, Hodgson won’t be with the band. When asked whether Hodgson might appear at any Supertramp concerts, 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.”
So, listen to these classic albums and remember a happier time!
“Eagles” Soar!
Another one of the greatest 70’s bands of all time are also back on the road again – as the eagles perform a “history of the eagles” show that includes an estranged former member of the band!
I reviewed the show and posted some clips, which you can see by clicking here:
https://johnrieber.com/2013/09/21/history-of-the-eagles-amazing-concert-old-friends-return/
Finally, Jackson Browne wrote the first big eagles hit, “Take It Easy”. This amazing singer/songwriter has a GREAT new CD out…
Read all about “Standing In The Breach” and see his performance on David Letterman by clicking here:
https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/21/never-running-on-empty-brilliant-new-jackson-browne-music/
Leave a comment and let me know your favorite “Breakfast In America” song!
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