An iconic drummer who performed in the band Squeeze and with Jools Holland’s band has died. Gilson Lavis died at the age of 74. The news of his death was announced by his musician pal Jools, 67, who paid tribute to him on social media.
Lavis rose to fame in the 1970s as the drummer in the hit rock band Squeeze, known for hits such as Cool for Cats, Up the Junction and Labelled with Love. He joined the band after seeing an advert in the paper.
The band then split in the 1980s, before reforming in 1985 and eventually splitting once again in 1999. Squeeze then sensationally got back together again in 2007 and toured across the UK and US, later releasing two albums, Cradle to the Grave in 2015 and The Knowledge in 2017. He later joined Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra before retiring from drumming last year.
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Jules Annan / BACKGRID)
Musician Jools shared the sad news on his Instagram page as he posted a photo of himself alongside Gilson. Jools penned in the caption: “I’m very sad to report that Gilson Lavis my dear friend and long-standing drummer passed away at his home in Lincolnshire last night.
“On behalf of my Orchestra, Squeeze, the many musicians who have worked with and befriended Gilson over the years and all the people he has supported through the AA fellowship, I send our love and sympathy to Nikki and Gilson, his dear wife and son.”
Meanwhile tributes from fans poured in on social media. One wrote: “RIP Gilson and thanks for the music”. Another added: “His contributions to music made my life more worth living. No one can top that. You did well, Gilson.”
And a third said: “Oh so sad to hear. Rest in Peace, Gilson. Thank you for the wonderful music you gave the world.”
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Redferns)
Lavis was also a keen artist, having discovered his passion while on the road. Last year, Gilson revealed how he had been trying to retire from music, but struggled to do so.
He told LincsOnline: “I was trying to retire and trying to get out of the business and thought I would live in the country and give some drum lessons.
“The phone went and it was Jools who said he’s got a gig – and I said I’d rather not.
“But I played a charity gig in London, then another and another one and it gradually grew into the Rhythm and Blues Orchestra – and I am still doing it.”
Gilson met his wife Nikki, who founded the Pinchbeck Tappers, while she was working as a PA for Jools Holland.
The drummer leaves behind his wife Nikki and their son, also named Gilson.
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Source: Mirror
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