Mike Ratledge 1943-2025

[rostasi]

I was thinking about him again yesterday. It actually was a result of listening to a different band than Soft Machine. I have the Nucleus BBC sessions (with musicians who joined Soft Machine) loaded up in my car and've been enjoying that lately, and I was thinking about how much it sounded like SM mixed with Miles' electric 70s era. Anyway, he was a major part of my life growing up. Always, the recluse. Sometimes showing up for special projects, but, unfortunately, rarely.

"He was the backbone of Soft Machine."

[mjzee]

Very sad.  I loved Soft Machine, all their Columbia albums.  He had a great nasty sound on organ.  R.I.P.

[Roger Farbey]

He was voted top organist for four years (1971-1974) in the Melody Maker Jazz Polls British Section. During part of that period Soft Machine were voted top small group (toppling Nucleus for that position) and Soft Machine Six top album. But Mike Ratledge was a true innovator and his compositions, especially on Third, are timeless classics. RIP Mike.

[B. Clugston]

Sad news. His compositions for Soft Machine were really interesting. Along with Garth Hudson, that's two great Lowrey organists to pass away this year.

[felser]

RIP, loved his work with Soft Machine, long-time favorites.  Had/have all their albums on which he participated.  He also seemed to have his head screwed on tight from what I could tell reading their biography.  And the look with the shades was iconic.

[Guy Berger]

RIP.  I love his “ugly beauty” Coltrane-influenced approach to the organ

[felser]

1 hour ago, felser said:

RIP, loved his work with Soft Machine, long-time favorites.  Had/have all their albums on which he participated.  He also seemed to have his head screwed on tight from what I could tell reading their biography.  And the look with the shades was iconic.

[clifford_thornton]

RIP. Very sad to hear this; the Softs were really something else. Robert Wyatt is the only surviving original member, though I understand he’s in pretty rough shape these days.