Supertramp’s Roger Hodgson to play to the gallery in Chandler

Thanks to digital readouts on today’s car radios, the question of “who does that song,” when a familiar song comes on the radio, can usually be answered by a quick glance to the radio control panel. Rather than guess at who performed “The Logical Song,” or “Take the Long Way Home,” one quick look and you now know it was Supertramp. But the question of whose unique voice you heard singing those songs still remained unanswered. A visit to the Wild Horse Pass Casino’s Ovations LIVE! Showroom on Friday, April 25, 2014 at 8 p.m., will give you the answer, as legendary singer/ songwriter, Roger Hodgson, formerly of Supertramp, and his band, will perform those songs and more.
 

If you’ve listened to classic rock radio at all, or if you listened to any music in 1979, you’ve heard a song by Supertramp. The band, whose name was derived from an autobiography, “The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp,” was formed in 1969 in London, England, when Hodgson, fresh off working with a session keyboard player named Reg Dwight (aka Elton John) was introduced to keyboardist/songwriter, Rick Davies.
 

Although most Supertramp songs are credited to the songwriting team of Davies and Hodgson, like Lennon and McCartney, each composer wrote separately, despite the joint writer’s credit. Lead vocals on Supertramp’s songs were given to the individual writer of the song.
 

Supertramp was hardly an overnight success. It wasn't until 1974, with the release of Hodgson’s composition, “Dreamer,” from the band's "Crime of the Century:" album, before Supertramp had a top selling single. It took two years later, with the Hodgson penned song, “Give A Little Bit," before the group had a top twenty United States hit.
 

But with Supertramp’s 1979 album, “Breakfast in America,” Supertramp became international stars. The album was the fifth best-selling album of 1979 and has sold over 20 million copies. With three top 15 hits including, Hodgson’s “The Logical Song,” and “Take the Long Way Home,” “Breakfast in America” marked the zenith of Supertramp’s popularity.
 

Thirty five years later, Hodgson is ready to embark on his 2014 Breakfast Around the World tour with the Chandler, Arizona stop being the opening show of the tour. With performances currently scheduled for the 2014 Breakfast Around the World tour in only three North American cities, Chandler, four sold out nights in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and at Ribfest in Naperville, Illinois, the Chandler show marks a rare opportunity for audiences to catch this unique talent.
 

Two years ago at his Chandler, Arizona concert, Hodgson remarked he was a performer who you “know his voice and songs but not his name.” Until digital car radio readouts add another line for lead singer, that still may remain a problem. But if you were or are a fan of Supertramp, then Roger Hodgson Tickets for the April 25 show still remain and are available through the Wild Horse Pass Casino website. Remaining ticket prices range from $35.00 to $55.00 plus any additional taxes or fees. Discounts are available for active Gila River Player’s Club Members. All tickets holders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.