Mike Ratledge Founding Member Of Soft Machine Passed Away At 81
via Aymeric Leroy / Youtube
Mike Ratledge, the legendary keyboardist and founding member of Soft Machine, has passed away at the age of 81.
The sad news was shared by John Etheridge, Soft Machine’s current guitarist, in a heartfelt Facebook post. Etheridge wrote (per Louder):
“Incredibly sad news that my great friend and Soft Machine legend passed away two hours ago after a brief illness.
“Mike was the backbone of Soft Machine in the early years and a man with an absolutely incisive mind — a marvelous composer and keyboardist. A real Renaissance man — so talented, cultured, charming — and a wonderful companion. We used to meet every few weeks for over 40 years — a treat for me. What a loss to all of us and his sisters and wonderful girlfriend Elena, who were with him at the end.”
A Life in Music
Born in Maidstone, Kent in 1943, Mike Ratledge had a strong foundation in classical music. His passion for jazz developed later, leading him to perform with the Daevid Allen Trio as a pianist. Ratledge was also highly academic, earning degrees in Psychology and Philosophy from University College before fully diving into his music career.
His big break came when friends invited him to join their new band, Soft Machine, alongside Robert Wyatt, Daevid Allen, Larry Nowlin, and Kevin Ayers. Over the years, the band’s lineup changed, but Ratledge remained a core member until 1976.
Ratledge’s Music Legacy Lives On
During his time with Soft Machine, Ratledge contributed to nine albums and performed alongside legends like Jimi Hendrix and future Police guitarist Andy Summers. His unique sound helped shape progressive rock and jazz fusion, influencing countless musicians.
Beyond Soft Machine, Ratledge also played on Syd Barrett’s 1970 album The Madcap Laughs and worked with Mike Oldfield. Later in his career, he focused on composing music for film, television, and theater, further showcasing his incredible versatility. Ratledge’s undeniable impact on music and his contributions to the industry will surely be remembered for generations to come.
