Beloved ’80s Musician Dies at 74—Fans and Friends Share Heartfelt Tributes

A former member of a popular ’80s band has died, according to one of his former bandmates. Gilson Lavis, who played with Squeeze in the early days of their success, has died at the age of 74.

Jools Holland, another former band member, shared the news of Lavis’ death in an Instagram post on November 6. “I’m very sad to report that Gilson Lavis my dear friend and long-standing drummer passed away in his home in Lincolnshire last night,” Holland wrote.

He shared a handful of photos showing him with Lavis over the years.

Holland’s caption continued, “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.”

Squeeze fans and fellow musicians flooded the comment section of the Instagram post with condolences.

“Oh I am so very sorry Jools. This is sad news indeed. I have been a fan since I was a teenager. Gilson Lavis played on some of my favorite recordings of all time with a sweet groove and a deep pocket,” one comment read.

“A beautiful man and soulful performer,” another person wrote.

“Always such a gentleman every time I spoke to him. Rest in peace dear Gilson,” read someone else’s comment.

KT Tunstall commented, “Oh Jools. What deeply sad news. Lovely Gilson. I’m so glad I got to share a stage with his greatness, and so glad he spent his life being brilliant at what he loved, and having lots of fun with you.”

Lavis performed for decades before retiring in 2024. After playing with Squeeze, he played with Holland’s group Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. Before joining Squeeze, he played for legends such as Dolly Parton,Jerry Lee Lewis, and Chuck Berry.

He also embraced painting portraits, having done works of fellow celebrities such as Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Smokey Robinson, Lily Allen, and Louis Armstrong.

This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.