Mike Ratledge, Soft Machine Co-Founder and Keyboardist, Dies at 81

The influential musician, known for blending jazz and psychedelic rock, passed away after a brief illness, as confirmed by guitarist John Etheridge.

Mike Ratledge, co-founder and keyboardist of the progressive rock band Soft Machine, died on February 5 at the age of 81 after a brief illness.
Ratledge was a central figure in Soft Machine, contributing to their first nine albums and shaping their signature blend of jazz fusion and psychedelic rock.
The band gained prominence in the 1960s, performing alongside acts like Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, and their 1970 album, 'Third,' is considered a prog-rock classic.
Beyond Soft Machine, Ratledge collaborated with artists like Syd Barrett and Kevin Ayers, and worked on film soundtracks and other musical projects.
Tributes from fans and fellow musicians hailed Ratledge as a visionary composer, talented keyboardist, and a key figure in the Canterbury music scene.