Supertramp Reunion Tour Condemned by Former Frontman Roger Hodgson
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Written by Nigel Sachdev
News that Supertramp co-founder Rick Davies has reformed his iconic 70s band for a 40th Anniversary "70-10 TOUR" has been condemned by former frontman Roger Hodgson - who had been snubbed by Davies.
The band that helped define a generation of progressive music, and penned both critically acclaimed and globally successful anthems such as ‘The Logical Song’, ‘Breakfast in America’, ‘Dreamer’ and ‘Give a Little Bit’, all written by original founder Roger Hodgson, return on 6th October 2010 at The 02 Arena in London.
The statement read: "We've been told that they are billing the tour as the 40th Anniversary tour of the band and we just find this very surprising, misleading and disrespectful of Roger since he is the only other member that was a part of Supertramp when he and Rick founded the band together 40 years ago."
"It would seem that you would want to invite the other co-founder and the bass player of the classic line up for the 40th anniversary of the band. So, we're really hoping it doesn't create any confusion in the marketplace or mislead anyone."
Hodgson also added that he had offered to work with Davies again for some shows on the reunion tour, but this was rejected by Davies' agent.
"Roger thought he could join Supertramp for a few special concerts when he doesn't have any scheduled shows... but (Davies' agent) told us adamantly that would 'never happen'."
A spokeperson for Hodgson told Stereoboard.com, "Many people do not realize that although Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies shared writer credit on the songs they recorded together with Supertramp, they actually wrote separately (much like Lennon and McCartney) after the 2nd album which was released in 1970."
It continued, "So for every album from 1974 onwards (starting with Crime of the Century) the songs were composed completely separately. Rick did not actually help to write 'The Logical Song' or 'Dreamer' or 'Breakfast in America' or 'Give a Little Bit'... or any of the songs that Roger sings. Rick only wrote the songs he sings. Roger wrote the songs he sings."
Joining Supertramp’s co-founder, lead singer and keyboardist, Rick Davies, for the reunion tour are legendary Supertramp members John Anthony Helliwell and Bob Siebenberg, while veterans of past Supertramp tours, Jesse Siebenberg, Cliff Hugo, Carl Verheyen and Lee Thornburg will round out the line-up.
Rick Davies, along with set and lighting designer, Michael Brian Duncan, is developing a new stage production that will provide the audience with a total Supertramp experience, a delight for both the eyes and ears. Rehearsals are currently underway in New York and during the two hour plus show the band will perform a plethora of classics from their forty year history.
Meanwhile Roger Hodgson is on his own world tour, having just performed in New Zealand & Australia, Hodgson brings his solo shows to Europe next month for tours in France and Germany.
Tickets for Supertramp (minus Hodgson!) at O2 Arena on October 6th are onsale this Friday (April 23rd) from 9.00am.
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