Supertramp in “Crime Of The Century” live: the film of the historic 1975 concert is out

A gem for Supertramp fans. The restored film of their 1975 live show at London's Hammersmith Odeon is out, in which the English band performed the entire album "Crime Of The Century" live.

After "Supertramp" (1970) and "Indelibly Stamped" (1971), "Crime Of The Century" (1974) marked the decisive turning point for Supertramp. The album took the band to the top of the international charts, while the single "Dreamer" turned into a global hit. Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson's songwriting had already shown a progressive sensibility, at times close to the Pink Floyd of the Harvest era, but filtered through an ironic, melodic taste that clearly set them apart from their contemporaries. A trait that, in some ways, also recalled the oblique elegance of Steely Dan. This identity was further enhanced by the work of producer Ken Scott, who had already worked with the Beatles and David Bowie, and who was able to blend the sophistication of prog-rock with a more accessible, pop-oriented structure. Alongside the album's release, the band put together an ambitious 45-date tour that culminated in the sold-out show at the Hammersmith Odeon on March 9, 1975.

That evening, Supertramp performed "Crime Of The Century" in full, then still firmly at the top of the charts, pairing it with four songs destined for the follow-up "Crisis? What Crisis?": "Sister Moonshine", "Just A Normal Day", "Another Man's Woman" and "Lady".

Among the most memorable moments of the concert was the performance of “You’re Adorable (The Alphabet Song)”, greeted with a long ovation from the crowd. By that point the band was finally claiming the status it deserved as a worldwide pop-rock phenomenon.

The concert film, directed by Derek Burbridge — who would go on to make videos for Gary Numan, The Police and Ac/Dc — has been restored from the original 16mm negatives and remixed in Dolby Atmos. The audio had already surfaced on the vinyl edition released in 2014 for the 40th anniversary of "Crime Of The Century", but the film itself had never been officially released on VHS, DVD or Blu-ray until now.

The live film documents Supertramp at a pivotal point in their career, shortly before conquering the American market, which would lead to "Breakfast In America". What emerges is the portrait of a band at the height of its powers: brilliant on stage, precise in its arrangements, and able to turn musical sophistication and melodic immediacy into a show of rare balance.

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