A South Holland drummer who played with the band Squeeze and Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra has died.
Gilson Lavis died aged 74 at his Pinchbeck home last Wednesday (November 5).
Jools Holland made the announcement on social media.
He said: “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.”
He will also be much missed in his home area and was a supporter of and visitor to Uptown Vinyl Records, in Baytree Garden Centre, run by Alan Barnsdale.
“I had been on holiday and just got back and called Nikki on Thursday morning about something else entirely, not knowing what had happened.
“Gilson was a real gentleman and would always turn out to support any Macmillan events we ran to help the charity,” said Alan.
The drummer was also an artist and often painted the musicians he worked with – everyone from Paul Simon to Ringo Starr were in the collection.
“He was a great supporter of our shop and helped promote our new venture some ten years ago,” added Alan.
Gilson joined Squeeze in 1976 and played with them on all their albums until the mid 90s, including on hits such as Cool For Cats and Up The Junction.
Before that he had toured as a session drummer with Chuck Berry, Dolly Parton and Jerry Lee Lewis.
He drummed with fellow former Squeeze member Jools Holland until late last year when he announced his retirement from professional music.
