Kevin Ayers of psychedelic band Soft Machine dies at 68

It was confirmed that Kevin Ayers died in his sleep at his home in Montolieu, France

14:27 21 February 2013

Kevin Ayers, the talented musician from the 60’s, and the founding member of psychedelic band Soft Machine, has died at the age of 68. Bernard MacMahon, who is the director of his last UK label, confirmed the sad news.

He also revealed that Kevin died in his sleep at his home in Montolieu, France.

Mr. MacMahon added: "He was the moving embodiment of that sixties ideal of creativity, freedom of speech and free love.” He described Kevin as a “character.”

He continued: "You wouldn't forget him if you'd met him. He was father of the underground."

Ayers and Soft Machine toured the USA with Jimi Hendrix in the late 1960’s. However, he decided to leave the band after releasing their first album.

Ayers then released his first solo album entitled 'Joy of a Toy' under Harvest EMI. He released another 15 albums and headlined the Free Hyde Park concert in 1974.

Kevin is survived by two daughters and his sister Kate.