This is a 1974 image of British musician Kevin Ayers, made available by Max Films Limited on Thursday Feb. 21, 2013. Kevin Ayers, an influential singer-songwriter who co-founded the band Soft Machine, has died in France, his record label said Thursday. He was 68. 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. (AP Photo/Lo-Max Records)
February 21, 2013 - 9:17 AM
LONDON - Kevin Ayer's record label says the influential Soft Machine founder has died in France. He was 68.
Jack McLean, assistant to the managing director of Lo-Max Records, said Thursday that Ayer's 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," said McLean. "He hadn't been ill, but he lived a rock 'n' roll lifestyle and everything that comes with that."
Ayers and Robert Wyatt formed the Soft Machine in 1966, taking the name from a William Burroughs novel.
He also had a lengthy solo career and made many collaborative records.
The record company said Ayers is survived by three daughters and a sister.
News from © The Associated Press, 2013