Supertramp Tour: Yes, Reunion: Probably Not
It would be difficult to believe that there are anything but hard feelings between Supertramp co-founders Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that Davies is the one harboring the hard feelings, and because of that, a genuine Supertramp reunion does not appear to be in the cards.
Not long ago, rumors began surfacing that a Supertramp reunion was in the works. It took a while, but the real story came out when it was announced recently that Supertramp would indeed be touring, but did not invite co-founder Roger Hodgson and original bassist Dougie Thompson.
Hodgson and Davies agreed that Davies could continue to use the name Supertramp when they went their separate ways, but what bothers Hodgson is the news that Davies and his band mates are calling their tour a “40th Anniversary Tour.”
Hodgson’s management company stated that calling their tour the “40th Anniversary Tour” is “misleading” and “disrespectful of Roger.” Since both Hodgson and Davies co-founded the group four decades ago, it seems as if it may be a bit frustrating for Hodgson to be excluded.
From a fan perspective, it’s disappointing that the group does not plan to reunite with a lineup that is as close to the original as possible, especially when the group’s co-founder is alive and well, and still working. In fact, Hodgson has been touring on his own, and performing a lot of Supertramp material as he has been for years. Unlike the situation with Yes and Jon Anderson, Hodgson would likely be up to the task of a full-blown Supertramp tour.
It appears, from words originating on both sides, that the rift between Hodgson and Davies is more real than Hodgson admitted back in the early 80’s when he left the group. Although he said at the time that he was leaving in order to spend more time with his family, rumors persisted that he and Davies had a falling out after Davies’ wife Sue began managing the band.
Although Hodgson is committed to his solo tour, he sounded as if he was willing to join the rest of the group for “a few special concerts” when his schedule permitted, but Davies and his wife apparently want nothing to do with Hodgson. A statement from the pair indicates that they have no intention of allowing him to be a part of the tour and that only Hodgson would stand to benefit from it.
Hodgson still seems open to the idea of performing with his old band despite the negative response from Davies. “He wishes that Rick and Sue for the fans’ sake would be cooperative for even a few special concerts,” according to a statement from his management.
Unless Davies and his wife have a change of heart, it does not appear that a genuine Supertramp reunion will be happening. Fans will likely be divided on whether or not Supertramp without Hodgson is worth seeing live, and it’s probably safe to say that even those who are willing to accept the current incarnation of Supertramp as it is, would probably prefer to see Hodgson welcomed back into the group – if only for a few select performances.
Read more on this story at Undercover.
As a fan I can’t stand another Supertramp tour without Roger Hodgson in the lineup. I know Rick hasn’t toured since 2002 so maybe he just needs some money because it isn’t about us fans. It looks like Rick is just trying to capitalize off of the name Supertramp. Supertramp is suppose to play the hits from the last 40 years but most of the hits were written and performed by Roger Hodgson. Come on Rick don’t be a cover band do your own songs and be honest with us fans. Personally Rick can keep the name, Roger is the signature voice of Supertramp and I prefer to go to Roger’s concerts and experience the songs by the artist who wrote them.
Thanks for the post!
Guilherme Rosa
These are 35 concerts foreseen for the European tour, which in addition to visiting Spain will happen for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, France, Italy, Belgium, Holland, England and Ireland:
* On September 2 in Halle (Germany)
* On September 4 in Moenchengladbach (Germany)
* On September 5 in Friburgo (Germany)
* On September 7 in Verona (Italy)
* On September 8 in Vienna (Austria)
* On September 11 in Corunna (Spain)
* On September 12 in Lisbon (Portugal)
* On September 14 in Oporto (Portugal)
* On September 15 in Madrid (Spain)
* On September 17 in Bilbao (Spain)
* On September 18 in Barcelona (Spain)
* On September 20 in Munich (Germany)
* On September 22 in Nuremberg (Germany)
* On September 23 in Mannheim (Germany)
* On September 24 in Erfurt (Germany)
* On September 26 in Hamburg (Germany)
* On September 27 in Berlin (Germany)
* On September 29 in Hannover (Germany)
* On September 30 in Leipzig (Germany)
* On October 1 in Frankfurt (Germany)
* On October 3 in Cologne (Germany)
* On October 4 in Arnhem (Holland)
* On October 6 in London (England)
* On October 8 in Dublin (Ireland)
* On October 11 in Antwerp (Belgium)
* On October 12 in Nantes (France)
* On October 14 in Clermont-Ferrand (France)
* On October 15 in Geneva (Switzerland)
* On October 16 in Lyons (France)
* On October 18 in Paris (France)
* On October 20 in Toulouse (France)
* On October 21 in Toulon (France)
* On October 23 in Turin (Italy)
* On October 24 in Stuttgart (Germany)
* On October 25 in Zurich (Switzerland)
After the tour along Europe, the group might confront a new series of concerts in Canada and the United States at the end of 2010 or beginning of 2011.
What is it with Rick Davies? Give us a break will ya fella,fed up of your half baked supertramp tours without Roger Hodgson.He was a major part of the band and he’s being treated very badly indeed.Supertramp need Hodgson weather you like to admit it or not,he wrote most of the hits ffs.
Ok… I’m here to interject a little bit to this conversation.
First off, yes, Rick does need to stop being a DINK! The persistant rumors of Roger being fed up with Sue as the bands manager and whatknot may or may not have been true, but what is clear is that for the last 6 or so years, he has been actively trying to get back together with the band. None of this is his fault, and honestly, Rick’s gotta not think that Roger only wants to get back for HIS own glory.
Second, I’m a little fed up with people, not just on this site, but all over the internet, saying that any Supertramp tour without Roger should not happen, he wrote most of the hits, blah, blah, blah. PHOOOEY!!! Roger has not been a part of the band since 1983, Rick carried on with Dougie, John, and Bob for two more studio and one live album until 1988. Then the late 90’s reunion/album, and again in 2002. So, this is nothing new.
Now, on to the fact that Roger is the only “voice” of Supertramp, or only person that gives the band any creedance is just flat wrong. Aside from the debut in 70 (Where it was a compleately different line up except him and Davies), both Davies and Hodgson shared vocals equally on EVERY album between Indelibly Stamped from 1971 (again, the 2nd “new” line up, and even a 3rd vocalist Dave Winthrop!) and 1982’s …Famous Last Words…
Just look at the track-lists and go through it… they are almost evenly distributed. Ok, Roger had more “hits”… whatever. It’s not like when you think of Supertramp you don’t think of “Bloody Well Right” or “Goodbye Stranger”. Without Rick, you would never have had the introduction of the Wurlitzer to the band’s sound scheme, or that classic harmonica at the beginning of “Take the Long Way Home”.
The current version that is going to be touring is the same version touring since 1997… with the exception of Mark Hart who is back working with Crowded House. Despite the negative repuation that he was given as a “Roger Replacement”, he did add to the band that other piano and high voice that is needed to complete the sound.
So, after such a long winded post, I beg of you… don’t just disregard this version of the band. It’s not that classic 1979 Paris album version of the band with Scott Paige helping John with clarinet during “Fools Overture”, and it’s unfortunetly not that band that did the awesome “Old grey whistle test” tv show performing Dreamer. (Youtube it) It’s the version of the band since 1997… listen to the great double live album “It Was The Best of Times” from 1999 for a sample. While they are all 13 years older, I can only hope the band sounds somewhat similar to this….
YET, I STILL PRAY FOR A ROGER AND RICK REUNION SHOW!!! PPPPPPPPPPPLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Exellent post Andy and i agree on most of what you said,I love Rick Davies’s music too and always will do,he was a major part of the songwriting team.I saw supertramp on tour in 1997 without Hodgson so i know what i’m talking about when it comes to post Hodgson shows.I’ve also seen Roger Hodgson solo,they were fantastic shows i have to say.
I think the big difference this time around for us fans is the fact that Hodgson has for the first time in a long time been open to playing again with supertramp again,and the fact that it is indeed supertramps 40th anniverary this year.Its like ,yes,at last, Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies and the others giving us long time fans what we crave,a full supertramp reunion tour.Alas Rick Davies doesn’t want that at all, and that is what has upset us fans this time around.
Things have changed though,Roger Hodgson wanted to get back with his old pal only to be overlooked along with long time bass player Dougie Thompson.So we’re going to get half of supertramp on tour yet again,i agree Rick is just as big a part of supertramp as Roger was but as i experienced in Paris in 1997 at a supertramp show,Roger Hodgson is sorely missed in this great old band.
Being 23… I really, really, really CRAVE a true reunion, but have unfortunately resided to the fact that I don’t see it happening. 🙁
I’m really kind of curious what Dougie’s take on this is. I haven’t been given any solid confirmation if Dougie was ever even invited to play on this tour. I know he left in 88′ because he was angry with Rick breaking the rule that they would not play any of Roger’s songs (among just getting tire of 15 years on the road), and declined to rejoin in 1997 with Rick’s reassembling of the band. I’m not sure about now though… has he even picked up a bass in 25 years? He’s out there producing and probably pretty busy with his own projects. Just curious.
One other thing… they HAVE to get another member up there… is it just going to be a touring musician? I’m not sure, but you’ve got to have a person to fill the piano void left by Hodgson/Hart.
– Andy
Andy,
This one (the voice) will be Jesse Benberg, son of Bob the drummer. On last tour in 2002 he did “Give A Little Bit” (I think you can find it in Youtube) and I can tell you: it was much better listen to hin than Mark Hart one’s.
The “breaking of the rules” was not “the” reason for Dougie’s departs after the 1988 tour.
And I agree with Carl about your comment, excellent!
Personally, this is heartbreaking to me. I have been a Supertramp fan for a long time and have truly wanted to see the five “Golden Years” artists perform together, even if is was just for one show.
As the tour is timely with it being the 40th anniversary of this group, to promote it as a “Reunion” and not ask the original founding member to join you for some shows is false advertising. Plus, Roger and Rick have written their music separately since “Indelibly Stamped”. On parting, it was agreed that they would not sing each other’s songs. Roger has kept his part of the agreement Rick has not, for the majority of Supertramps hit songs are Rogers. Which he uses to promote the current tour Roger is not participating in…….
So sad, so sad. If you experience just one of Rogers performances you will be hooked. His soft spoken, candid, humble presences puts you at ease and than he starts to sing. His voice sounds better than ever!…..I only wish a few of the concerts would be with his former group, who looses….the fans.
Davies hasn’t done anything in terms of music since 2002, and to be perfectly honest I did not think he would be capable anymore as he is 65. Roger’s concerts are ok, but the songs are not the same with just a piano and a clarinet. I’ve often said, if Supertramp cannot reunite then he should atleast get a backing band to lift his music.
Now I learn that Davies is up for touring again, it is so desperately sad that they cannot settle their differences and reform because this is their last chance. I want the just the 1974-1980 line up, no other musicians. I love Supertramp and I want their magic again!!! (BTW I’m 17)
I think the thing that gets me the most when I read things like Roger is performing a lot of Supertramp material. Roger is performing his original compositions that became the hits of Supertramp. That clear delineation feels important if you are an artist, a writer, the creator or a piece of art. Like if you are a painter but you take a Van Gough painting and call it your own. It’s just not right. So the point is that Rick shouldn’t play Roger’s music if he is not going to invite Roger to play with the band and he shouldn’t call it a reunion tour if it is not the original band and he should not use images of the original band to advertise his tour and give the impression that Roger is part of it nor should he be advertising that they will be playing Roger’s songs because he made an agreement that he would get the Supertramp name and Roger would get his songs. It’s about integrity and being a man of your word.
Maybe we could hope and pray that John Heliwell, Dougie Thompson, and Bob Siebenberg tour with Roger 😉 😉
One could only hope….
That’s an interesting twist. It would be really exciting to hear them play together again and I know that Roger has toured with a full band, does orchestra shows as well as solo with he and Aaron. Still it really is the songs and the artist who wrote them that brings the excitement for me. Roger is a true artist and that is reflected in how much his songs speak for so many of us from a generation that wanted freedom from the constructs of the world to live from the inside out. That is the message that comes across to the audience when Roger plays. Rick and Supertramp cannot deliver that to those of us who appreciate a true artist and his work like Roger is.
It’s sad to hear Rick is not really interested in ST fans other then as meal tickets. Going to a Roger concert, i feel Roger sincerely cares about giving to his fans- his heart, his talent, his fine performance. When i leave a Roger show i feel like i have received more then just a wonderful evening listening to a talented musician. I feel uplifted, nostalgic, younger. I’m not going to see ST tour, not only because Roger won’t be at the shows, but because I thought ST’s message through their music was about “giving a little bit” and now i realize that all along it was Roger’s message only, and it was never shared by the rest of the band, which the current day ST makes this all too obvious.
why doesn’t Rick just play his own songs if he is going to tour? He has a really long list of his own songs. i heard he doesn’t even like Roger’s songs, that was one of the issues between them, and now he doesn’t invite Hodgson to tour and plays his songs without him. where is there integrity in that?
Come on Rick and Roger….. ?!?!?!
Life is too damn short to let your petty diffferences come between what is obviously an incredibly good combination – Rick and Roger together as Supertramp. The combination of the two of you is much better than each of you individually.
I was the one sitting in the front row of the balcony at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on that summer night in 1977 watching you perform and being totally blown away at what was probably the best concert I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen plenty over the years.
Please just do what is right and perform together again. Remember what brought you together in the first place.
It’s all about the music. Do it and enjoy it.
Believe me when I say it’s worth it.
Okay, I’ll put my .02 in. There is obviously still a rift between Roger and Rick, and I can understand that. Sometimes time heals those sorts of things and sometimes it does not. For those saying, get over it, imagine having to go out on tour with an ex-wife or girlfriend with whom, your relationship ended really badly. It isn’t that easy. Never say never, but you can’t just think of this like two schoolmates getting back together after years apart.
In terms of credit. C’mon… the reason why we would love to see them both back playing together is that the sum of their parts is better than them alone. It’s always that way. They sound great together and they play great together. I love both of their influences – and Roger may have written the songs that get more radio air play, but Rick’s songs like Rudy are just outstanding, and some of my favorites they did.
I hope that these guys make amends and get together and tour again, but if not, I will see them separately and enjoy the experience while I still can. All I can say is that a Supertramp tour without Roger isn’t half as good as one without him, but it is infinitely better than no Supertramp tour at all. Right?
Jim – Los Angeles
Supertramp without Hodgson is like bread without butter. His vocals were key to the Supertramps success. The radio advert for the Supertramp concerts in Ireland has clips from about 6 songs all with Roger Hodgson as vocalist. This is very misleading / unfair considering that he won’t be singing at any of the concerts. Even more so considering that it appears he is barred from participating. A bit of a joke.
We love you Rodger . Don,t look back keep on track………
The “rift” between Roger and Rick started when Rick demanded that his wife manage the band. It created a lot of problems so Roger left. As long as she manages the band there will never be a Supertramp with Roger.