Gilson Lavis, drummer for Squeeze and Jools Holland, passes away aged 74

Gilson Lavis, long-time drummer for Squeeze and Jools Holland’s Rhythm And Blues Orchestra, has passed away at the age of 74.

Announcing Lavis’ death on social media, Holland wrote, “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,” he concluded, “I send our love and sympathy to Nikki and Gilson, his dear wife and son.”

 

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Lavis played with Squeeze during the band’s most popular and successful period, joining in 1976 before the band had released any music, and remaining part of the lineup until 1992.

He was the drummer for the band on their recordings from their 1977 debut EP, Packet of Three, through the 1991 studio album Play.

Lavis later joined Holland’s big band, Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, with whom he played until his retirement from music in late 2024.

He also contributed to recordings from a wide array of legendary musicians, including Van Morrison, Ray Davies, and Graham Parker to name a few.

Lavis is survived by his wife Nikki and his son Gilson.