Gilson Lavis Drummer for Squeeze Dies at 74

Tributes have been paid to Gilson Lavis, who performed with artists such as Dolly Parton and BB King.

sarah

Nov 7, 2025 - 23:03

Gilson Lavis Drummer for Squeeze Dies at 74

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

His long-time bandmate Holland paid tribute to his "dear friend" on social media on Thursday, and fellow musicians KT Tunstall, Curtis Stigers and Gregory Porter also paid their respects.

Holland also sent his "love and sympathy" to Lavis' wife Nikki and son Gilson, and highlighted Lavis' work in supporting the "AA Fellowship".

According to Holland, Lavis died on Wednesday.

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

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

His work was exhibited in London and New York. Squeeze in Pictures

In 2015, he told Lincolnshire Life magazine: "The motivation to be a pop star or to be rich has gone now, so I just enjoy seeing people enjoying the show, but yes, I do love my art.

"I still give it my all at every show – to do any less would be cheating myself and the audience, but I really do find peace when I'm painting."

'Beautiful human being, heartwarming 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 beautiful human being and a heartwarming performer".

Born in Bedford in 1951, Lavis rose to fame in the 1970s and joined Squeeze in 1976.

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

While touring with Squeeze, Lavis struggled with alcohol addiction, but later overcame it and helped others through Alcoholics Anonymous.

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