Mike Ratway Passes Away
Mike Ratway, one of the founders of Soft Machine, died at the age of 81.
The news about his death was shared by the John Eterij-guitarist group in the British psycho-rocker-group in a post on February 5. In his update, Eterij explained that his death was linked to a recent illness.
“The incredibly sad news that my great friend and legend of a soft car died two hours ago after a short illness,” he wrote (through Louder). “Mike was the foundation of Soft Machine in its early years and a man with an exceptionally sharp mind – an extraordinary composer and keyboard player.
“A true Renaissance man, so talented, cultured, charming – and a wonderful companion. We met every few weeks for more than 40 years – a pleasure for me. What a loss for all of us, his sisters, and his wonderful girlfriend Elena, who were with him at the end.”
His Musical Journey
Ratledge was born in Kent in 1943 and started his musical career in his teenage years when he joined Daevid Allen’s group (according to Stereogum). Additionally, he honed his skills in piano and clarinet while earning a degree in psychology and philosophy at Oxford University College.
He formed Soft Machine with Allen, Robert Wyatt, and Kevin Ayers in 1966, remaining the longest-standing member as the lineup changed over the years. He left the group in 1976.
The band gained recognition for its psycho-pop, progressive sound, and a fusion of jazz influences.
“Today we have lost a legend in the progressive rock community, Soft Machine’s Mike Ratledge,” read one of many tributes on social media. “He was the glue that held this group together, introducing jazz fusion and bebop into the realm of prog rock and transforming the band into a powerhouse.” Another fan described him as “a composer, a visionary on the keyboard, and always maintain a cool presence.” See the tributes to Mike Ratledge below.
Rip Mike Ratledge pic.twitter.com/dbxjnfbrjk
– Burning Sarai (@burningshedNews) February 5, 2025
Today we have lost a legend in the progressive rock community, Soft Machine’s Mike Ratledge. He was the glue that held this group together. Introducing jazz fusion and bebop into the realm of prog rock and turning this group into a powerhouse. Now he is reunited with … pic.twitter.com/usmczmppet
– Lord Brian Urso, leading guitarist Gideons Mob (@Themobrules73) February 6, 2025
Mike Ratledge Rip Soft Machine, founder, composer, a visionary on the keyboard, and always a cool presence.
– Rob Adams (@rabjourno) February 6, 2025
Rip Mike Ratledge. pic.twitter.com/ixe9eaa5iu
– Carlos Torrekhon (@Turk154) February 6, 2025
Rip Mike, this weekend I listened to the first Soft Machine albums.
Here January 1967, when they and Pink Floyd were club groups (Ufo Club, The Speakesy, and The Middle Earth Club) pic.twitter.com/bbs9gwhems
– Voodoo Chile in the Wonder of Wonders 🇪🇸🇲🇽 (@voodoochileinwo) February 5, 2025
For the first time, I heard Mr. Mike Ratledge in the “seven” by the British group “Soft Machine.”
When my elder heard that I liked the early Pink Floyd, she handed me “seven” and said: “This!”
I was amazed at the blurry organ that could be heard here!
“Amazing.”
This was my first impression.– てへぺろう (@darkdroneghost) February 6, 2025
In addition to his work with Soft Machine, Ratledge also ventured into composing and producing, contributing to various television and theater projects.
He also collaborated with composer Karl Jenkins for the album “Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary” and continued to work with him in the subsequent years.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/soft-machine-co-founder-mike-ratledge-has-died-aged-81-3835497?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=soft-machine-co-founder-mike-ratledge-has-died-aged-81
