Bloody Well Right

Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew is spinning the killer track "Bloody Well Right" by Supertramp from their 1974 album Crime of the Century, and we’ve got some wild trivia to share. This song, a B-side to the single "Dreamer," unexpectedly became Supertramp’s breakthrough hit in the U.S., climbing to number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100. American listeners flipped for its jazzy electric piano intro and biting lyrics, preferring it over the A-side. Rick Davies, who wrote and sang the track, deliberately tied it to the album’s opening song "School" with the line, “So you think your schooling is phoney,” sparking debates about whether Crime of the Century is a concept album. While Davies and co-writer Roger Hodgson never confirmed a strict narrative, fans on platforms like Reddit have speculated it’s a rock opera critiquing society, with one user suggesting the song mocks complainers who are part of the very “machine” they criticize. Another cool tidbit: some Brits in 1975 reportedly found the word “bloody” offensive, which might explain why it didn’t chart in the UK despite its U.S. success.

Digging deeper, “Bloody Well Right” showcases the creative tension between Davies and Hodgson, whose differing songwriting styles defined Supertramp’s sound. In a 1979 Melody Maker interview, Hodgson admitted they rarely connected verbally, but their musical bond was undeniable. Davies’ pragmatic, sardonic edge in this track contrasts with Hodgson’s more spiritual tunes like “Dreamer.” Fans on X still rave about the song’s pristine production, with posts calling Crime of the Century a prog-rock masterpiece that hooked them as kids. One Reddit user shared how their dad introduced them to the album in 2000, sparking a lifelong love for prog rock. The song’s infectious energy even caught the eye of Midnight Special archivists, who celebrated its addition to their collection in 2023, despite poking fun at the era’s cheesy special effects.

Now, let’s rewind to how Supertramp got rolling. Formed in London in 1969, the band started as Daddy before renaming themselves in 1970. Rick Davies, a keyboardist who’d played with Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan, was the driving force. After his band The Joint fizzled, a Dutch millionaire named Stanley “Sam” Miesegaes bankrolled Davies’ vision for a new group. Davies placed an ad in a UK music paper, recruiting Roger Hodgson on bass and vocals, Richard Palmer on guitars, and Keith Baker on percussion. Their self-titled debut in 1970, released under A&M Records, flopped commercially but showed promise, even landing them a spot at the Isle of Wight Festival. After two albums tanked and Miesegaes pulled funding in 1972, Davies and Hodgson rebuilt with a new lineup, including drummer Bob Siebenberg, bassist Dougie Thomson, and saxophonist John Helliwell. This “classic” lineup hit gold with Crime of the Century in 1974, blending prog rock’s ambition with pop hooks.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Supertramp’s legacy online. Check out their official website at supertramp.com for tour updates and merch. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for throwback photos and news. On X, they share fan memories and clips, like a recent post about their 1977 Live in London show featuring “Bloody Well Right.” Fans also gather at sites like ProgArchives to dissect their discography. For a tribute experience, the German cover band Century’s Crime brings Supertramp’s classics to life, and their Facebook page is buzzing with concert clips. Join the Supertramp Fan Club on Facebook to connect with fellow freaks swapping stories and rare vinyl finds. Keep it groovy, Zoo Crew out!