Soft Machine Singer Dies

Tributes have been paid to Kevin Ayers who’s died at the age of 68.

Ayers formed Soft Machine with Robert Wyatt in 1966. Named after a William Burroughs novel, the band were part of the so called ‘Canterbury scene’ alongside bands such as Caravan and Gong. They quickly became a key part of the psychedelic movement, toured with Jimi Hendrix and became a firm favourite at London’s UFO Club.

In 1969, Ayers released his first solo album, ‘Joy of A Toy’ and went on to make 16 more during his career, collaborating with Brian Eno, Syd Barrett, Nico and John Cale to name but a few.

Kevin Ayers was born in Herne Bay, Kent and lived in Malaysia as a child. He spent time in Ibiza in later years and eventually settled in the South of France, where he died.