Gilson Lavis

Gilson Lavis, the precise, hard-swinging drummer who powered Squeeze's classic records and later anchored Jools Holland's Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, died November 5, 2025, at his home in Lincolnshire, England. He was 74.

Born David Leslie Gilson Lavis on June 27, 1951, Lavis joined Squeeze in 1976, helping define the band's crisp, melodic bite on albums from their 1978 debut through "Play" in 1991. His snare-tight timekeeping underpinned hits such as "Cool for Cats," "Up the Junction," "Tempted," "Black Coffee in Bed," and "Hourglass."

After Squeeze, he became the rhythmic engine for Holland's big band, appearing on television projects and recordings for decades. Lavis retired from performing after a final Royal Albert Hall show on November 30, 2024.

Beyond drums, Lavis built a parallel career as a portrait artist, exhibiting works that captured musicians and cultural figures in stark black-and-white. He showcased pieces online and in galleries.

In statements on social media, bandmates remembered Lavis as a friend and, as Squeeze keyboardist Paul Carrack put it, a "supremely talented drummer." Squeeze rhythm guitarist Chris Difford said, "His playing was the deep thread that kept our verses and choruses firmly on the tapestry of our Squeeze journey," while lead guitarist Glenn Tilbrook noted, "He absolutely propelled us like rocket fuel."

He is survived by his wife and son. Further details on survivors and services were not immediately announced.

Lavis spoke openly about his sobriety journey and gave time to others in recovery, while finding peace in drawing and painting between shows. His legacy marries two crafts: the metronomic groove that lifted songs to radio and the visual portraits that fixed musicians in line and shade.

By Legacy News Staff

(Image: Richard Ecclestone/Redferns)