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Kevin Ayers Obituary
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.
GREGORY KATZ, Associated Press
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
79 Entries
Harry Simpson
February 19, 2018
Godspeed Kevin, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
gerald clarke
September 8, 2017
He has been an endlessly valuable part of the journey
Gerry Clarke
eileen marsh
June 3, 2015
I miss you still...
How you can show support
Dean Prescott
July 29, 2014
Very Sad. We still have his music. I'd like to say "Thank you Very Much" to Kevin.
RLO
February 7, 2014
Just found out this week! I am very sorry for the family's (and our) loss. Have loved and played his music since the early 70s when I was a kid. I still sing "Girl On A Swing" to my little Lily girl when I push her in the spring. Thank you for your bright light.
Carla Lindquist
December 31, 2013
This is a bit late after the fact, but I would just like to say to his family how much I love his music and never tire of hearing his beautiful deep, rich voice. I first heard him in Japan in 1975 when a friend of mine introduced me to his music. May his spirit be at peace and thank you Kevin for the beauty you brought into the world.
Maud
December 26, 2013
Il y'a longtemps que je vis avec tes chansons solaires et ta musique si émouvante merci je continuerai de me réveiller avec toi merveilleux troubadour
JW
November 4, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in the words written at (Jeremiah 29:11,12)
R. Pettigrew
October 28, 2013
With deepest condolences. (Psalms 83:18)
August 12, 2013
To The Ayers Family,
May you find peace and comfort from the Greatest Hearer of prayers as described in the 65th Psalms, verse 2.
July 26, 2013
kevin and family...I am the daughter of Wes Brunson and knew Soft Machine long ago. I was deeply saddened to hear of Kevin untimely passing. My thoughts are with you -Deby
Nina de Aguerre
July 9, 2013
Kevin, you are very much missed!
Jude
June 9, 2013
Would like to light Two candles. Kevin and Ollie....
Juliyen Bouknight
June 9, 2013
Your songs and ditties eased my life for over 40 years and still; Kevin Ayers, you are the smile. Hugs and Kisses, Jude
david allen
May 9, 2013
Dear Kevin,
your music moved many to the thousands,
it will be played for years more and again, long may you shine with your lyrics lifestyle and music, millions are glad that you said no to maggie blair & tony thatcher,
much love
David Allen
sue torlage
May 3, 2013
Kevin, you are an unforgettable part of my life, your voice, your songs, rest in peace beautiful man
Christian Austin
April 19, 2013
Kevin, The news of your death saddened me. I played a tribute at last week's open mic night in Hay-on-Wye ("Day By Day" and "Didn't Feel Lonely...") and after the gig THREE guys approached me and said they'd spent time with you in Daja - that surely couldn't happen anywhere other than Happy Hippie Hay-on-Wye!!
I'll be listening to your songs and playing them on guitar until I come n join you and Ollie and Lol, I reckon.
Thank you very much!!
Bob McArdle
April 7, 2013
A fan since Bananamour.
No one could write a melody like Kevin Ayers, no one could use so few words to convey so much, no one of his generation was so English, no one influenced me more. Well, maybe David Bowie, but Kevin definitely came second! :-)
It's a shame that Kevin only ever seems to be seen as an important figure in the beginnings of psychedelia, but he is far more than that. Every album of Kevins has many memorable tracks on it. Every single one.
kevin led the life..... make enough money to live the life you want, and then work only when money is needed. And he managed it!
The track of Kevins that sums him up for me is "Am i Really Marcel?".
Will miss you Kevin. And Thank You.
Neil O'Mallan
April 2, 2013
A singer songwriter like no other. Thank you, for all your odd ditties Mr. Ayers. That's the end of the message. Thank you very much. By-bye, by-bye, by-byyyyyyyy.
Sahananda
March 31, 2013
Kevin's music brought me much happiness over the years. Sad that he's gone.
Julia
March 28, 2013
I have been a fan since my teens, your music, your voice, there was no one else quite like you. Although you have gone, you will never be forgotten, and your unique sound will live on and influence future musicians forever. Julia.
Jonathan Mantle
March 27, 2013
WHATEVER SHE BRINGS WE SING and BANARAMA were inspired one-offs - and you paid the price of being an artist. I played your music both as a student and as a player - STRANGER IN BLUE SUEDE SHOES was a show-starter/stopper. Saw you live, Wish I had met you.Jonathan (London).
Fazulito Reet
March 22, 2013
Oh, what a loss! It begins with a blessing, but it ends with a curse, making life easy, by making it worse... You can turn to your partner and say, "how does it seem?" She'll turn to you and say, "Get out of my dream!"
Banana Nirvana Mañana Semper Dada
- RIP, Kevin, and thank you for everything...
from Fazulito Reet - LIBERTINAGE Dadazine -
College of Pataphysics - Los Feliz Chapter to the
World
J. Kerlin
March 15, 2013
I was deeply saddened by your passing. I remember the first time I heard "The Confessions Of Doctor Dream...". You have left us a treasure trove of great music which will never be forgotten. That wonderful voice will live on forever.
Sleep well my friend...
steele
March 13, 2013
May the God who gives comfort to all comfort you in this time of such great sorrow. 2 Cornt. 1:4
Nick ULLMANN
March 5, 2013
I enjoy listening yo your music like you enjoyed making it - good times had by all ....
Aaron Thomason
March 1, 2013
He was and still is Amazing, a Mystic Goldmine of Talent yet not as appreciated as he should be.
February 28, 2013
Considered you as a friend for so many years, only through the songs you made. Gave me much joy. Thank you Kevin. You will be with me till the end of my days
Terry Tugwell
February 27, 2013
Thank you Kevin for your music and words which meant so much to me in my formative years-Oh what a beautiful owl you are !
Billy Bummer
February 26, 2013
Loved your music from when you toured Cleveland with Hendrix.
pete mancini
February 26, 2013
I just listened to all of your records most i have had for forty years. Just great. Also glad to see another kevin ayers fan here in sparks. Cheers margret
Gary W.
February 25, 2013
This is a sad discovery in the obituaries to find one of my favorite songwriters is no longer with us. 'May I?' continue to be a 'Stranger in Blue Suede Shoes', 'Shouting in a Bucket of Blues', with a 'Song From Bottom of a Well', trying to 'Stop This Train'!!!
'I Didn't Feel Lonely Till I Thought of You'!!! Thanks for the music! Kevin will live on forever through his songs!
Tony Brenner
February 25, 2013
Kevin,
I loved your music. This is a very sad time for all of us that were lucky enough to listen to and enjoy your music. I'll never forget the time I first heard Stranger in Blue Suede Shoes. What a fabulous song! My deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family. RIP Kevin.
That's the end of the message. Thank you very much.
February 25, 2013
Sorry for the loss comfort to family and friends. Eccl.9:5.
February 25, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
February 25, 2013
My sympathy to the family of Kevin Ayers. Please look to God for help during this difficult time. Ps. 34:17
February 24, 2013
Kevin Ayers Family,
May the joy you shared with Kevin bring a smile to your face over the months to come. Cherish each of them.
DB NJ
ocke de boer
February 24, 2013
kevin ayers has been one of mine first inspirations. Especialy the Album; Confesions of docter dream. The song Why are we sleeping has been so true and important for me. A great guy he was. For me he was a genius. Ocke de Boer
Mary Smith
February 24, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Ayers family. God cares (1 Pe. 5:7) for you and will guide you in your sorrow.
S.Griggs
February 24, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
M Scott
February 24, 2013
May You And Your Family Find Comfort During This Time Of Sorrow. Psalm 68:20
Jeffrey Billings
February 23, 2013
To the family of Kevin Ayers,
the bible holds out a wonderful hope for all of those
Who have fallen asleep in death. In the the book of John the 5th chapter verse 28 and 29 Jesus said that all those that were dead would hear his voice and come back to life! With the prospect of living forever the way God had intended for all of his earthly children to do. I truly hope that this can bring a measure of comfort to you and your family.
anna hendon
February 23, 2013
I'm sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family
February 23, 2013
May the god of comfort be a source of strength for your famiy at this dificult time. 2Corn 1:3, 4.
Deepest Sympathy, Sue, Concord, NC
mike faunce
February 23, 2013
Was lucky enough to see Soft Machine open for Jimi Hendrix Experience Twice in Houston in 68'... What a Great Band...!!!!
Ed
February 23, 2013
Kevin is resting peacefully. You will be together in paradise on earth. Psalms 37:29
Jill
February 23, 2013
My deepest sympathies. May the "God of all comfort," help to ease the pain of your grief during this time.(1 Cor 1:3,4)
Cynthia
February 23, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
ann mitzel
February 23, 2013
Rip Kevin may God bless your family at this time of sorrow.
Daniel Vanneste
February 22, 2013
You have the best excuse for why are we sleeping.
ann
February 22, 2013
Kevin you will be missed. Now you may be at peace. With the angel. And God
February 22, 2013
Thank you Kevin for providing music that was wonderful and interesting. Your music was the magnet in the album racks and a legacy for sure.
RIP
Tom O'Dowd
Chicago
Wilbert
February 22, 2013
Farewell Again Kevin, thank you for your wonderful music, your special voice and the start of the Soft Machine and all the rest. And don't forget: blue goes into green mostly unseen, blue becomes green. I hope these colours will stay with you always!
margaret northam
February 22, 2013
Thank you for living the life you did :) Music was more interesting because of you Kevin. Rest well friend ---Margaret
M.L. Butts
February 22, 2013
Stranger In Blue Suede Shoes...Thank You Very Much...RIP!
Kevin Albin
February 22, 2013
In Bubbles Electric
In Silence and Stillness
We Will Awaken......
no eggsplanation
Shuna Le Moine
February 22, 2013
I adored your wonderful whimsical songs dear Kevin; your deliciously seductive voice, You.
Rest in peace or have a load of fun. Thank you for what you shared. xx
Kiki D
February 22, 2013
Thanks for your music Kevin, I LOVE it.
Ed L
February 22, 2013
Kevin's "Song for Insane Times" always resonated. He had the knack for seeing through the times and I was comforted by that during the roaring 70's. I wish him peace.
Pamela Hamburg
February 22, 2013
RIP
February 22, 2013
Met kevin in the netherlands aroud 1970 and had (chinese) dinner with him and his group. Nice person, I am touched by his disease. Pieter Jan Nat
Robert Scifo
February 22, 2013
Rock On!
G. Freeman
February 22, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John D
February 22, 2013
Blessed be his memory. Listening to Soft Machine LP's in early 1970's was an awesome experience rich in imagery.
The Moore's
February 22, 2013
I am so sorry to read about your lost. God promises a time when he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore .the former things have passed away. I hope this bring you comfort.
February 22, 2013
Rest in peace.
Michel Champagne
February 22, 2013
Requiescat in pace
or, perhaps more appropriately,
"Let's go to my château,
we could have a good time
Drinking lots of sky wine."
Thanks for all of the music and memories.
Mary E Marcus
February 22, 2013
What a reunion when you meet up again with Ollie Halsall! RIP, Kevin, and thank you for your contribution. My most sincere sympathy to the family.
Bob Ross
February 22, 2013
"Thank you very mush"
michelle plakas-kaiser
February 22, 2013
rip
February 21, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
Richard Beck
February 21, 2013
My condolences. I saw Soft Machine at the Main Point in Bryn Mawr in 1974. It was an awakening.
February 21, 2013
May we all wait patiently for the new world were there will be no more sickness, old age and death.
Rob Turner
February 21, 2013
Kevin you were a gifted songwriter, a source of inspiration to me and you were ever true to yourself. Your witty wonderful thoughtful music will live on. Goodbye my friend.
Farewell
David J Bhaltazhar Esq
February 21, 2013
It's time to rest.
STEVE PELTON
February 21, 2013
FOR 40 YEARS YOU PROVIDED THE SOUNDTRACK TO MY LIFE. NOW...THE SILENCE IS DEAFENING
Greg Peters
February 21, 2013
Thanks for the awesome music. Sleep well.
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