Gilson Lavis, Squeeze’s Classic-Era Drummer, Passes Away at 74

Gilson Lavis, the powerhouse drummer who anchored Squeeze through their golden years and later became an accomplished painter, has died at his home in Lincolnshire. He was 74.

Jools Holland Leads Tributes

Jools Holland, Lavis’s longtime collaborator in both Squeeze and the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, confirmed the news in a heartfelt social media post.

“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,” Holland wrote. “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.”

From Bedford to the Big Time

Born on June 27, 1951, in Bedford, England, Lavis began his musical journey on the road, drumming behind rock ’n’ roll legends such as Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Dolly Parton. His sharp timing and stylish swing caught attention across the circuit — qualities that would soon help define Squeeze’s signature sound.

Joining the band in 1976, Lavis played on every release from the 1977 Packet of Three EP through 1991’s Play. His crisp, characterful drumming powered some of Squeeze’s biggest hits, including “Cool for Cats,” “Up the Junction,” “Tempted,” and “Black Coffee in Bed.”

Struggles and a Second Chance

Lavis’s tenure with Squeeze ended in 1992, a departure he later attributed to his struggles with alcohol. Not long after, Jools Holland extended a lifeline — inviting him to play a few small shows as part of a stripped-down duo project.

“I didn’t want to go at first; I didn’t know if I could be in the music business and stay sober,” Lavis told Lincolnshire Life in 2015. “Still, off we went doing charity work and little arts clubs, and I never really wanted to do it full-time, but I have trouble saying no to people — and then one day we suddenly had a bass player and a guitarist as well.”

That modest beginning would evolve into the celebrated Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, where Lavis became a fixture for decades, admired for his precise technique and impeccable feel.

Brushes and Beats: A Late-Career Reinvention

As Lavis’s touring schedule eased, a new creative outlet emerged — painting. He developed a passion for portraiture, capturing iconic musicians such as Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, and members of the Rolling Stones. His artwork, often displayed in gallery exhibitions, revealed a reflective and expressive side of the drummer rarely seen behind the kit.

“The motivation of being a pop star or even being rich has gone,” he told Lincolnshire Life. “Now it’s seeing people enjoy themselves at shows, but yes, I really enjoy my art. I still put my all into every show — doing less than that and you are cheating yourself and the audience — but when I’m painting I’m truly at peace.”

Lavis officially retired from drumming in 2024, closing out a remarkable career that bridged rhythm, art, and resilience.

A Legacy in Rhythm and Color

From his propulsive grooves on Squeeze’s new wave classics to his soulful brushwork on canvas, Gilson Lavis left an indelible mark on both British music and art. His life was a testament to reinvention — and to finding new ways to create long after the spotlight fades.