He was 81 years old.
A real renaissance man so talented, cultured, charming and wonderful companion.
We used to meet every few weeks for over 40 years a treat for me.
Mike Ratledge of progressive rock group Soft Machine performs on stage, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1969 .Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns
That year, Soft Machine opened for the Jimi Hendrix Experience for the legendary groups North America tour.
The band also opened for Pink Floyd.
