The drummer Gilson Lavis, who was behind the kit for Squeeze between 1977 and 1992, has died at the age of 74.
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The stickman played on the band's best-known hits, which include "Tempted", "Black Coffee in Bed", and "Goodbye Girl".
Jools Holland, who worked with Lavis in Squeeze and in the keyboardist's own Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, paid tribute to his bandmate in a statement he posted on his social media accounts.
"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," he wrote. "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."
Gilson Lavis Played With Legends Like Dolly Parton
Born in Bedford, England, on June 27, 1951, Lavis toured with rock legends like Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis. He even performed with Dolly Parton before teaming up with Squeeze in 1976.
"In the old days, he was the big, aggressive loudie," Holland described to MOJO in 1996. "He's a very loud drummer - he doesn't hit them hard, he just has a natural power and aggression."
His gift for arranging is most evident on "Goodbye Girl". The song features bottles, tins, and other unusual items.
Lavis Found Life Beyond Drumming
Lavis' time with the new wave band ended in 1992 when he was fired, supposedly because of his alcoholism. However, Holland asked him a short time later to join him for some shows.
"I didn't want to go at first, I didn't know if I could be in the music business and stay sober," Lavis shared with Lincolnshire Life in 2015. "Still, off we went doing charity work and little arts clubs, and I never really wanted to do it full-time, but I have trouble saying no to people, and then one day we suddenly had a bass player and a guitarist as well."
The drummer also began painting portraits of other musicians, including Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, and the Rolling Stones. He showcased them in several exhibitions, and it provided him with a creative outlet in his later years. He officially retired from drumming in 2024.
"The motivation of being a pop star or even being rich has gone, so now it's seeing people enjoy themselves at shows, but yes, I really enjoy my art," he said. "I still put my all into every show — doing less than that and you are cheating yourself and the audience — but when I'm painting I'm truly at peace."
