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Soft Machine Bassist Hugh Hopper Dies at 64

Hugh Hopper, bassist for prog-rock pioneers Soft Machine, passed away last Sunday in Kent, England after a battle with leukemia. He was 64.

Hopper was influential in melding different styles of playing, most notably in what would become known as fusion jazz and progressive rock. Initially, he started out as the road manager for Soft Machine before being recruited for full time duties for the band before leaving in 1973. The band was instrumental in launching the "Canterbury scene," a group of acts from Canterbury, Kent, England. Soft Machine alums Robert Wyatt and Kevin Ayers have recently seen a rise in interest in their careers, but Hopper consistently remained under the radar.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Cuneiform Records owner Steven Feigenbaum, who released Hopper's solo efforts, described his abilities as uniquely distinct: "He wasn't the most chops-aholic guy. But if you heard three notes, you knew it was either him or someone imitating him."

Hopper remained active in his later years, touring with former Soft Machine players under the moniker Soft Works and as part of Brainville, a trio consisting of Soft Machine guitarist Daevid Allen and drummer Chris Cutler. He was diagnosed in June 2008 with Leukemia and underwent chemotherapy. He is survived by two daughters and his wife, Christine, who he married just two days before his death.

Dearly Departed Musicians

    Jay Bennett, May 24: The multi-instrumentalist and former member of Wilco passed away in his sleep in May 2009 of unknown causes. He was 45 years old.

    Patrick Ford, Redferns / Getty Images

    Dolla, May 18: The Atlanta-based rapper, whose real name is Roderick Anthony Burton II, was gunned down outside a Los Angeles mall. Burton's publicist told reporters he was waiting at a valet stand after a shopping trip when a gunman shot him. The The 'Make a Toast' star was 21.

    Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

    Stephen Bruton, May 9: The guitarist and songwriter, who worked with the likes of Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt and Willie Nelson, died from complications of throat cancer in May 2009. He was 60.

    Ebet Roberts/Redferns , Getty Images

    Ean Evans, May 6: The Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist died in May 2009 after what the band called "a valiant battle with an aggressive form of cancer."

    Rusty Russell , Getty Images

    Vern Gosdin, April 29: The country hit-maker, best known for songs like 'I Can Tell By the Way You Dance (You're Gonna Love Me Tonight)' and 'I'm Still Crazy,' died in Nashville from complications due to a stroke.

    Chuck Krall / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

    Rev. Timothy Wright, April 23:The two-time Grammy-nominated gospel singer died following a July car crash that took the lives of his wife and his grandson.

    Mark Q. Murray, AP

    David "Pop" Winans, April 9: The gospel music patriarch -- BeBe and CeCe are his kids -- was twice nominated for Grammys, in 1989 for his album with wife Delores, pictured, and again in 1999 for a solo album. He died at a Nashville hospice, seven months after suffering a heart attack and stroke.

    Arnold Turner, WireImage / Getty Images

    Bud Shank, April 2: The alto saxophonist and flutist died at age 82. He was most famous for his work with acts like the Mamas and the Papas and his flute work can be heard on their song 'California Dreamin'.'

    GAB Archive / Redferns / Getty Images

    Hal Durham, March 29: He was a fixture on the Grand Ole Opry stage, working at the famed country music institution for 32 years. He was 77.

    Donnie Beauchamp, Gaylord Entertainment / AP

    Dan Seals, March 25: The singer, who scored a number of pop and country hits, died at 61 of leukemia. Seals was half of the pop duo, England Dan and John Ford Coley, best known for the ballad, 'I'd Really Love to See You Tonight.'

    Beth Gwinn, Retna

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dnivek013

i was very sad at reading of the death of Hugh a superb bass player who will be sadly missed

July 20 2009 at 3:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
the stoneman

Not only was Hugh a great bass player, but he also wrote some great songs: "A Certain Kind", "Dedicated to You But You Weren't Listening", & "Facelift", to name just a few. His work on Soft Machine's second album ("Volume 2") through their sixth album (the double-LP "Six") was very innovative and was also some of the best music the 1970's produced ("Third" is one of the best albums of the 1970s). In a time of computerized beats and little imagination, the work of Hugh and the Soft Machine is like a breath of fresh air. Rest in peace, Hugh, and thanks for all the great music over the years.

June 12 2009 at 2:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Brian Donaldson

Soft Machine weren't my favorite band from the 70's but it is a loss losing this guy. They still beat the pants off any of today's so-called "musicians." RIP.

June 12 2009 at 2:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply