Hugh Hopper Of Soft Machine Fame Dies
Classic Rock is saddened to hear of the death of bassist Hugh Hopper, best known for his work with Soft Machine.
Hopper, a leading light in the legendary Canterbury prog-rock scene, died at the age of 64, it was announced yesterday.
Hopper started out as Soft Machine’s road manager and was a member of the band from 1968-1972. He was later a member of Soft Machine Legacy.
Before Soft Machine Hopper worked with Daevid Allen and Robert Wyatt in the Daevid Allen Trio.
Hopper then helped form the Wilde Flowers – Caravan in all but name – joined by his brother Brian, Wyatt, Kevin Ayers and Richard Sinclair.
According to a tribute on the Jazzwise Magazine website, Hopper made his mark on the history of prog and jazz-influenced psychedelia with his innovative fuzz-bass sound.
After Soft Machine, Hopper worked with a range of groups including the influential Gilgamesh and Isotope.
Hopper had been suffering from leukaemia in recent years. He married his partner Christine on June 5, two days before he died.
This is very sad. He was a major part of what made the soft machine great
To the family and friends of Hugh Hopper, my deepest condolences on your loss. Another titan of the bass has passed. He will b missed. Rick nebfishman@hotmail.com
r.i.p it is sad news even more so since he married two days before