Saturday, September 6, 2025, the death of the co -founder of Rick Davies, at the age of 81, was announced by the other members of the group. “The Supertramp Partnership is deeply saddened to announce the death of Rick Davies following a long illness. Rick died at his home in Long Island (United States) on September 6. We had the privilege of knowing him and playing with him for more than fifty years” Can we read on the official press release.
More than 70 million records sold
Born in 1944 in Swindon, England, Rick Davies, his real name Richard Davies, Cofonde Supertramp in 1969. He will compose several titles that will mark the history of rock, from “Goodbye Stranger” has “Bloody Well Right“.
With more than 70 million records sold, Rick Davies has become an essential figure on the music scene.
The group greets “His warmth, his resilience and his dedication to his wife Sue, with whom he shared more than fifty years of life”. Before adding: “He was the most emblematic songs and pianist of Supertramp, marking the history of rock. His soul voice and incomparable touch to Wurlitzer marked the sound of the group “.
The singer and songwriter is dead “After fighting a multiple myeloma for more than ten years “specifies the group in a message published on the night of Sunday to Monday on Facebook.
What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myelome, also called Kahler’s disease, is bone marrow cancer.
“”It is cancer of a specific blood cell, plasmocyte, which has the particularity of being located in the bone marrow“Detail for us Professor Steven Le Gouill, professor of hematology and director of the Curie Institute, in a previous article.
These cells play an essential role in immunity: they produce antibodies. They also keep in mind the antigens encountered during life.
In France, myelome affects 5,500 new people each year. The disease mainly affects people over the age of 70. But “3 % of cases concern people under 40“Specifies the specialist.
In some cases, the disease remains asymptomatic for a long time and is only discovered at the turn of a blood test. When it manifests itself, it is often by bone weakening, fractures, intense fatigue, weight loss or repeated infections.
“”As plasmocyte is located in the bone marrow, cellular abnormalities will in particular result in bone lesions “ explains Professor Le Gouill. The anarchic multiplication of plasma cells prevents normal production of red blood cells, resulting in anemia, pain, even renal damage.
Treatments in constant progress
The diagnosis of myelome is based on complete examinations: blood tests, imaging, but also myelogram (bone marrow samples). “”It is essential to have a complete diagnosis in order to classify myeloma and establish the cartography of the disease“Underlines Professor Le Gouill.
Management varies according to age, state of health and aggressiveness of the disease. It can range from simple surveillance to heavy treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies or stem cell transplant. New options, such as CAR-T cells or immunomodulators, have significantly improved life expectancy.
In France, the Association of Multiple Myelome patients (AF3M) supports patients and their loved ones. While supporting research to better understand and treat this rare disease.