Squeeze drummer Gilson Lavis dies aged 74

Tributes have been paid to Gilson Lavis who performed alongside the likes of Dolly Parton and BB King

Drummer Gilson Lavis has died at his home in Lincolnshire at the age of 74.

Lavis rose to fame in the 1970s as drummer in rock band Squeeze, before performing with the Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra until last year.

Long-time bandmate Holland paid tribute to his "dear friend" on social media on Thursday, with tributes also paid from musicians KT Tunstall, Curtis Stigers and Gregory Porter.

Holland also sent his "love and sympathy" to Lavis' wife Nikki and son Gilson, while highlighting Lavis' work supporting the "AA fellowship" - a reference to his involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous.

Lavis was a member of the group Squeeze for two incarnations during the 1970s and 80s

Lavis died on Wednesday, according to Holland.

Lavis lived in Pinchbeck, near Spalding, with his wife and son, where he wrote and recorded music in his home studio.

As well as a musician, he was known for his artwork, painting and sketching portraits of many of the artists he performed with, including Eric Clapton and Amy Winehouse.

His work was displayed in London and New York.

Squeeze In Pictures

In 2015, he told Lincolnshire Life magazine: "The motivation of being a pop star or even being rich has gone, so 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."

'Beautiful man, soulful performer'

On Instagram, singer-songwriter KT Tunstall described Lavis as "lovely" and said: "I'm so glad I got to share a stage with his greatness."

Jazz singer-songwriter Gregory Porter said he was a "a beautiful man and soulful performer".

Born in Bedford in 1951, Lavis rose to prominence during the 1970s, joining Squeeze in 1976.

Some of the band's notable hits include Cool for Cats, Up the Junction and Labelled with Love.

Lavis struggled with alcoholism during his time touring with Squeeze, but later found sobriety and went on to support others through Alcoholics Anonymous.

The drummer continued to work with Holland until retiring from music in 2024.

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