Despite some tension that has surfaced among the members of Supertramp over the years, John Helliwell is thrilled that the band’s significant milestone has been revisited with the release of Live in Paris ’79. This new album encapsulates what many consider the pinnacle of Supertramp’s career, offering fans a fresh perspective on their legendary performances.

Helliwell shared during a Zoom conversation from his home in England, “This album has always been a cornerstone of our music journey.” Unlike a simple reissue of the original 1980 concert album Paris, the new release includes recordings from different nights of Supertramp’s shows at the iconic 8,000-seat Pavillion de Paris on December 1-2, capturing the full essence of the concerts. Notably, it features two tracks—”Downstream” and “Child of Vision”—that were absent from the original Paris album, making this a unique offering for fans.

The performances took place towards the conclusion of Supertramp’s world tour, which supported their blockbuster album from 1979, Breakfast In America. This album achieved remarkable success, going four-times platinum and dominating the charts with hits like “The Logical Song,” “Goodbye Stranger,” and “Take the Long Way Home,” which propelled the band to new heights of fame and recognition.

Read More: How Supertramp Transformed the Music Scene with ‘Breakfast in America’

Helliwell reflects on the experience, stating, “I believe this new version is perhaps a bit more polished.” He notes that by this point in their tour, the band was well-rehearsed and performing at their peak. He keeps a framed proof of artist Cindy Marsh’s striking cover illustration from the original Paris album in his office, a reminder of their incredible journey. “We had an amazing time in Paris for about six or seven years; we evolved from playing for a mere handful of people at the Bataclan to performing four nights at the Pavillion de Paris. The crowd was fantastic, lively, and they inspired us, leading to some unforgettable recordings.”

Released on September 26, 1980, the original Paris album followed the massive success of Breakfast in America, which had topped the charts, by achieving a commendable No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and receiving gold certification. This makes it one of only three Supertramp albums to break into the Top 10 in the United States, underscoring the band’s impressive legacy.

Experience Supertramp Live with ‘You Started Laughing’

The Paris performances also marked a significant moment as they represented the last shows featuring Supertramp’s classic lineup, which included the talented singer-keyboardist Rick Davies, singer-guitarist-keyboardist Roger Hodgson, bassist Dougie Thomson, and drummer Bob Siebenberg. Following these shows, the band toured with additional musicians during the promotion of their 1982 album, …Famous Last Words. However, tensions arose, leading to Hodgson’s departure in 1983 due to creative differences, primarily with Davies.

Helliwell elaborates on the situation, explaining, “As Rick and Roger aged, their perspectives began to diverge more significantly.” He adds, “At that time, we thought Roger’s decision to leave was quite irrational. He had the opportunity to pursue his solo endeavors while still contributing to the band. It felt a bit misguided; he just chose to go off and focus on his solo career without considering the repercussions.”

Despite these challenges, Supertramp continued to produce music, releasing four more studio albums before halting activities in 2015 due to Davies’ health issues related to multiple myeloma, which forced the cancellation of a planned tour.

Legal Disputes Have Caused Rifts Among Supertramp Members

In 2018, Helliwell, Thomson, and Siebenberg took legal action against Hodgson and Davies regarding publishing royalties. While Davies reached an out-of-court settlement, Hodgson triumphed in his separate case last year. Helliwell acknowledges that lingering resentment exists regarding these disputes.

“There are noticeable differences between Rick and Roger as songwriters, and now, there’s a divide between the rest of the band and the songwriters, particularly with Roger,” Helliwell explains. “It’s unfortunate because we all contributed to this remarkable legacy. But perhaps that’s just the reality of life.” The complexities of their relationships illustrate the challenges that can arise in long-standing collaborations.

Looking to the future, Helliwell does not anticipate that Supertramp’s archives will reveal many more hidden gems. “We have very little in terms of extra material from our recording sessions. We didn’t create an abundance of additional content,” he remarks. He points out that live recordings, like those included in the reissues of 1974’s Crime of the Century and Breakfast in America, which feature performances from Paris, London, and Miami, are among the most promising material that might still surface.

Davies, now residing on Long Island, has made occasional appearances at gigs, while Helliwell remains the most active member of the Supertramp family. He released his solo album, Ever Open Door, in 2020 and has collaborated with former Pat Metheny Group drummer Paul Wertico and Leslie Mandoki’s Soulmates. Helliwell also leads the Super Big Tramp Band, an 18-piece ensemble, which is set to release a self-titled album in April, featuring instrumental interpretations of classic Supertramp songs.

“I engage in various projects,” Helliwell notes, expressing excitement about upcoming live performances this year. However, at 80 years old, he adds, “I might consider retirement this year. I want to bow out at the peak of my performance abilities. While I feel I haven’t quite reached the decline yet, I want to avoid being in a position where audiences think, ‘Oh, he was great in his prime.’ I’d rather step away while I’m still at the top of my game.”