Rick Davies dies of multiple myeloma, a white blood cell cancer; its causes, symptoms and likely treatment

Rick Davies, founding member of the Grammy-nominated rock band Supertramp, died of cancer at his Long Island home on September 5. The 81-year-old musician had been battling multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, since his 2015 diagnosis.

Davies spent his final days with his wife Sue at their residence, according to a statement released on Supertramp's social media pages confirming the cancer death.

Cancer diagnosis forced tour cancellation in 2015

Davies was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015, a cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. The cancer diagnosis forced Supertramp to cancel a planned 25-date European tour, marking a significant turning point in the band's performing career.

What is multiple myeloma and what are its causes

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that typically affects older adults, with the disease causing abnormal plasma cells to accumulate in bone marrow and interfere with normal blood cell production.

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The disease found through blood and urine tests, first takes place in the kidneys, and shows thick blood. The first phase, with one tumor, is called plasmacytoma, and multiple tumors are termed multiple myeloma, the disease Davies succumbed to.

Cure for the disease?

The disease is normally considered as incurable, with the latest treatment, known as CAR-T cell therapy included in treatment regiments. Remission is common-case cancer treatment, with steroids, stem cell therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Band statement confirms cancer death

Supertramp confirmed Davies' cancer death through an official statement addressing his passing after the prolonged battle with the disease.

"Rick passed away at his home on Long Island on September 5th. We had the privilege of knowing him, and playing with him for over fifty years. We offer our sincere condolences to Sue Davies," the band's statement said.

Supertramp legacy despite cancer battle

Davies co-founded Supertramp in 1970 with singer-songwriter Roger Hodgson before being joined by Dougie Thomson, Bob Siebenberg, and John Helliwell for a decade-long stint from 1973 to 1983. The band achieved worldwide success despite Davies' later cancer struggles.

The group produced hits including "Give a Little Bit," "Breakfast in America," "The Logical Song," and "Take the Long Way Home." Supertramp received four Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year for "Breakfast in America" in 1980.

Early life before cancer diagnosis

Davies was born in 1944 in Swindon, England, and began playing drums and keyboard as a young boy. He performed in multiple bands before forming Supertramp, decades before his cancer diagnosis would impact his later career.

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The band released their final album, "Slow Motion," in 2002, more than a decade before Davies' multiple myeloma diagnosis changed the trajectory of his musical activities.

Cancer impact on music career

The multiple myeloma diagnosis in 2015 effectively ended Davies' active touring career with Supertramp. The cancer forced the band to abandon their planned European tour, highlighting how the disease affected not only Davies personally but also the band's professional commitments.

Davies' cancer battle lasted nearly a decade from diagnosis until his death, during which time he continued to reside at his Long Island home with his wife Sue, who remained by his side throughout his fight against the blood cancer.