Obituary
From Jools Holland’s Facebook:
“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.”
Very sad news. Will think of him every time I hear that lovely intro to ‘Up the Junction’
Yes sad news, but Up the Junction has no intro surely?
@dai Starts with a drum kick?
Of course, I am an idiot (sometimes). Was thinking of Pulling Mussels …
Old, that’s a blow. Lovely fella, based on a chat I had with him in the ice cream queue at a panto in Brum, a decade plus ago. I thanked him for the enjoyment he had given me, back in the 80s. He smiled, and did the “whoosh” movement, over his head, citing his lack of any remembrance of said days, courtesy demon alcohol.
Oh no! I read something just the other day about his retiring. I’m so sorry to hear this he was absolutely wonderful.
I’m no expert, but he seemed to be an excellent drummer who managed to play with a lot of great muscians. The drumming on Squeeze records was always on point – interesting without without wanting to be the centre of attention. And he had a helluva cool name.
I loved his playing, and his vibe as Jools Holland’s right hand man in later years. The Squeeze album Frank (largely forgotten) was tracked almost entirely live. Gilson is on top form on that one.
Once appeared on telly naked, his assets obscured by a drum kit.
Of all the tributes, that clip from Filthy Rich and Catflap probably won’t make the 9 oclock news