Message received from Leonardo Pavkovis, who runs the Moonjune Records label and might be of interest to some:

Hello Soft Machine and Mike Ratledge fans.
Leonardo here from MoonJune here in New York, the romantic Soft Warrior.
I would like to create MIKE RATLEDGE tribute website and collect petitions from all Soft Machine/Mike Ratledge fans worldwide. If You like the idea, I need You to write the nicest and the most passionate letter You ever made, addressed to Mikle Ratledge and mail to my attention. Better and more authentic if mailed, rather than e-mailed. I have asked John Etheridge to take me to Mike Ratledge for a drink, and I might bring Elton Dean with me, and spend a great evening. Etheridge and Ratledge are still very close friends, and all what I have asked the wonderful guy John Etheridge, and also an amazing guitar player, to introduce me to Ratledge. And I will handle those letters to him in person.
I have plans to produce a live record + DVD from the SOFT MACHINE LEGACY tour in Japan sometimes between November and February (ETHERIDGE, DEAN, HOPPER, MARSHALL) and really, would like to have Ratledge. probably this is a utopia, but I count on the fact that every 60 years old gentleman likes to receive love letters from his fans. The music never was Ratledge’s priority, and many are considering Ratledge as a Genius Happened To Be A Musician. Then, see what You can do and test Your literary talent. All letters will be published on the future Ratledge’s website to be called, Aymeric Leroy permitting, What’s Rattlin’. Spread the news, tell about this to your friends, and if somehow we have the positive result, every participant in this unusual petition will receive as a gift the live record/DVD of this potential gathering. possibly signed by all band members. The life is short and unpredictable, and only one, and it’s worth trying. Your help will be more than appreciated. I will be also collecting testimonies from Ratledge’s colleagues and other well known musicians around the globe.
Thanks
LEONARDO PAVKOVIC
NOA NOA MUSIC / MOONJUNE
32 UNION SQUARE EAST #206
NEW YORK, NY 10003 – USA
<[email protected]>