Gilson Lavis obit

Squeeze Drummer Gilson Lavis Has Died

He was 74 

He was not on the list.

Gilson Lavis, the portrait artist and musician best known for his time as the drummer for Squeeze, has died. He was 74.

The news was confirmed by Lavis's longtime collaborator and bandmate Jools Holland, who revealed on social media that the drummer died last night (November 5) at his home in Lincolnshire. No cause of death has been reported at this time.

"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," Holland wrote.

Squeeze formed in London in 1974, coming to prominence during the new wave heyday of the late '70s. Lavis replaced founding drummer Paul Gunn in 1976, and played with the band through until its first dissolution in 1982, as well as being aboard for much of Squeeze's second incarnation between 1985 and 1992.

The band broke up again in 1999, ahead of reforming again in 2007. Despite Lavis not returning to the group after his 1992 departure, he continued to collaborate with Holland as the drummer for Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. He retired from drumming just last year.

Born in Bedfordshire, Lavis built up substantial touring experience before joining Squeeze, having previously hit the road with Dolly Parton, Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis. As a portrait artist, he painted numerous musicians, including Bob Dylan, Louis Armstrong, Jimi Hendrix, Lily Allen and Smokey Robinson.

Lavis was later the drummer for Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, with former Squeeze bandmate Jools Holland, before retiring from drumming towards the end of 2024.