13°c Light rain
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Soft Machine co-founder Ayers dies in France at 68
Kevin Ayers (TIM DUNCAN)
LONDON -- Kevin Ayers, an influential singer-songwriter who co-founded the band Soft Machine, has died in France, his record label said Thursday. He was 68.
Ayers was an important figure in the British psychedelic movement spearheaded by the Beatles in the late 1960s. He did not achieve sustained commercial success, but his work is treasured by musicians and many fans.
Jack McLean, assistant to the managing director of Lo-Max Records in London, said Thursday that Ayers' body had been discovered in his bed at his home in the medieval village Montolieu in the south of France.
"We believe he died Feb. 18 of natural causes and was found two days later," McLean said. "He hadn't been ill, but he lived a rock 'n' roll lifestyle and everything that comes with that."
Ayers, who was raised partly in Malaysia, moved to Canterbury on his return to England and formed Soft Machine in 1966 with drummer and singer Robert Wyatt. They took the name from a novel by beat generation author William Burroughs.
The band was part of the "Canterbury scene" -- a group of bands known for a pastoral approach to music that combined elements of jazz, folk and rock music.
Soft Machine and Pink Floyd both enjoyed wide followings for their imaginative and experimental take on psychedelia. They were also known for their free-form, jazz-influenced live improvisations.
Ayers also had a lengthy solo career and made many collaborative records, working with Syd Barrett, Brian Eno, Nico and others. He released The Unfairground in 2007, ending a lengthy hiatus with an album that was critically acclaimed.
The record company said Ayers is survived by three daughters and a sister.
-- The Associated Press
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 22, 2013 D2
More Music
- Back to Top
- Return to Music
More Music
(1 of 50 articles for this week)
Taylor Swift wins 8 trophies at Billboard Music Awards, Justin Bieber, Miguel, Minaj perform
05/19/2013 10:38 PM 0
Poll
Most Popular Music
- Taylor Swift wins 8 trophies at Billboard Music Awards, Justin Bieber, Miguel, Minaj perform
- Country music goes to pot
- Carrie Underwood throws a mean party at sold-out MTS Centre show
- Paul McCartney is kicking off the North American leg of his "Out There" tour in Orlando
- Dynamic Duo
- Fleetwood Mac fans never stop believing
- Pop Forecast's got problems
- How 23-year-old Candice Glover of South Carolina won the 12th season of 'American Idol'
- Underwood leaves fans blown away
- Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles signs up producer Rick Rubin, goes solo
- Carrie Underwood throws a mean party at sold-out MTS Centre show
- Landslide of love for Fleetwood Mac
- Underwood leaves fans blown away
- Effort afoot in court to sue Canadians for illegal downloads
- Taylor Swift wins 8 trophies at Billboard Music Awards, Justin Bieber, Miguel, Minaj perform
- Paisley tour hitting city in October
- B.C. company buys FAB 94.3, QX 104
- Country music goes to pot
- Fleetwood Mac fans never stop believing
- Paul McCartney is kicking off the North American leg of his "Out There" tour in Orlando
- Carrie Underwood throws a mean party at sold-out MTS Centre show
- Landslide of love for Fleetwood Mac
- Mötley Crüe rocks MTS Centre
- Effort afoot in court to sue Canadians for illegal downloads
- Eagles to land in Winnipeg
- Spider bite blamed for death of guitarist Jeff Hanneman of the heavy metal band Slayer
- Co-founder of BTO found not guilty on sex charges
- Underwood leaves fans blown away
- Winnipeg singer-songwriter celebrating release of second solo album
- McCartney fans snapping up tickets to ride
- Landslide of love for Fleetwood Mac
- Effort afoot in court to sue Canadians for illegal downloads
- Carrie Underwood throws a mean party at sold-out MTS Centre show
- Paisley tour hitting city in October
- Beethoven again enthralls
- B.C. company buys FAB 94.3, QX 104
- Paisley's summer tour warms up MTS in October
- Effort afoot in court to sue Canadians for illegal downloads
- Landslide of love for Fleetwood Mac
- Eagles to land in Winnipeg
- Winnipeg singer-songwriter celebrating release of second solo album
- Cohen makes fans' wait worth their while
- Carrie Underwood throws a mean party at sold-out MTS Centre show
- Review: Cohen still a musical, lyrical force
- Mötley Crüe rocks MTS Centre
- Beethoven again enthralls
- 'Driven' Streisand saluted for film work
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.