Former Squeeze drummer Gilson Lavis, who played with the English rock band during the height of its fame in the late 1970s, has died. He was 74.
Lavis’ death was announced by his former bandmate, Squeeze keyboardist Jools Holland, on social media Thursday.
“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,” Holland wrote in an Instagram post. “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.”
Fellow musicians and loved ones expressed their condolences in the comments section of Holland’s post.
“Oh Jools. What deeply sad news,” Scottish singer KT Tunstall wrote. “Lovely Gilson. I’m so glad I got to share a stage with his greatness, and so glad he spent his life being brilliant at what he loved, and having lots of fun with you.”
“This is sad news indeed,” jazz singer Curtis Stigers commented. “I have been a fan since I was a teenager. Gilson Lavis played on some of my favorite recordings of all time with a sweet groove and a deep pocket. Rest in peace.”
Lavis was born on June 27, 1951, in Bedford, England, according to his biography. The drummer sharpened his skills by touring with the likes of Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and Dolly Parton before joining Squeeze in 1976, Ultimate Classic Rock reported. The drummer recorded nine studio albums with the group and performed on multiple hits such as “Cool for Cats,” ”Up the Junction” and “Tempted.“
Later in life, Lavis found a passion for painting unusual portraits of music legends and performers including Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones.
“My portraits feature artists and performers I have had the joy of working with and have been of inspiration to me,” Lavis said of his artwork. “My art is a painted biography of my musical life, one I can never hope to finish, but what a joy it is to engage in.”
Lavis eventually joined up with Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra before retiring from at the end of 2024.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
