Key Highlights
- Gilson Lavis, a long-time drummer for the band Squeeze, passed away on 5 November 2025 at the age of 74.
- Lavis played an integral role in supporting Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra during BBC Two new year celebrations.
- After leaving Squeeze in 1982 due to alcoholism, Lavis later reformed with the band and had a successful career with Jools Holland.
- A renowned artist and mentor, Lavis contributed significantly to AA fellowships through his work with Alcoholics Anonymous.
Obituary: Gilson Lavis – The Drummer Who Lifted Squeeze’s Game
David Leslie Gilson Lavis, the drummer who transformed from a wild man to a respected artist and mentor within the music industry, passed away on 5 November 2025. His legacy in British music is one of both innovation and redemption.
A Life in Music: From Wild Man to Engine Room
David Gilson Lavis was born in Bedford in 1951. He started drumming at school, initially for the purpose of impressing girls. His raw talent led him to join a Scottish rock band where he began drinking heavily and ran away after a violent incident involving darts and knives. Moving to London and Germany, Lavis became a house musician before rejoining Squeeze in 1976.
According to Jools Holland, “Gilson joined us when we were already established, but it was he who lifted our game.” His powerful drumming and unique rhythm, which he claimed fit the lyrics of songs, contributed significantly to their hits such as “Cool for Cats” and “Up the Junction,” both reaching No. 2 in the charts.
Recovery and Redemption: A Sober Life with Jools Holland
After leaving Squeeze in 1982 due to alcoholism, Lavis worked as a taxi driver before reuniting with them for a brief period in 1986. This reunion led to more records and tours. In 1985, he joined Jools Holland on his documentary “Walking to New Orleans,” marking the beginning of their long-lasting collaboration.
Holland praised Lavis’s contributions: “He was one of the few drummers who ever looked at the lyrics sheet; he wanted his rhythm to fit the words.” Through this work with Holland, Lavis gained global fame and played a significant role in several BBC Two new year celebrations. His talent extended beyond drums as he took up painting later in life, creating black-and-white portraits of musicians.
A Life Fulfilled: Mentorship and Recovery
After retiring from music in 2024, Lavis moved to Lincolnshire where he restored a derelict cottage. He married Nicky Holland, Jools’ PA, and together they had a son named Gilson. As a recovered alcoholic, Lavis dedicated himself to helping others through the Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship. “Wherever we played around the world, he would hold meetings with people who had hard stories,” said Holland.
Despite his tumultuous past, Lavis found peace and serenity in art late in life: “I find a peace and serenity in art that I have never known before.” His dedication to recovery and his artistic pursuits underscored the journey from wild man to reformed artist. Gilson Lavis leaves behind not only a rich musical legacy but also an enduring message of hope for those struggling with addiction.
