Gilson Lavis: 1951-2025

So, we say goodbye to one of the more distinctive British drummers of the last 50 years, with the news that Gilson Lavis has died today, aged 74.

He is perhaps best known for his work through the late 70s and 80s with Squeeze, before moving across to be at the back of fellow Squeeze alumnus Jools Holland's Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

He was actually born David Leslie Gilson Lavis, in Bedfordshire, back in 1951. He was already an accomplished and well seasoned drummer before he joined Squeeze, having toured with the likes of Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and Dolly Parton.

But he was apparently working in a brickyard when he saw an advert in the Melody Maker for a drummer for the band Squeeze. That was 1976, replacing original drummer Paul Gunn. He would play on every release from debut EP Packet Of Three, through to 1991s Play, before departing in 1992.

Lavis (2nd from right) with Squeeze Photo: Getty Images

He played regularly with former Squeeze keyboard player Jools Holland in his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, a mainstay of the BBC's New Year's celebrations (the Hootenanny) until he announced his retirement just a few months ago.

Squeeze: Another Nail In My Heart (official music video)

He also built up a reputation as a portrait artist, exhibiting several times in London and south east England, painting famous musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Louis Armstrong.

Jools Holland announced his passing this morning (Thursday 6th), saying;

“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.”

Another former Squeeze bandmate Paul Carrack said, "Very sad to hear we’ve lost another good bloke today. Gilson Lavis drummer with Squeeze and later with Jools Holland for many years. Gil was my roommate when I joined Squeeze in 1980 (?)My initiation was a 6 week tour of US with Squeeze and Elvis and The Attractions sharing the same bus !Absolute powerhouse drummer and a scary ball of fire back in those crazy days. Mellowed in later years and took up painting and drawing. You made your mark Gil. Rest in peace. Love PC"