It's not as if I have a body of work that will live on long after I am gone, but if you have been a fan of Squeeze from day one as I have, and also had the pleasure (or displeasure) of playing in a band with me as your drummer, you must have noticed that I had stolen just as much from Gilson Lavis as I did from Ringo Starr.
As one of my friends and band members just pointed out, Gilson Lavis was a "melodic drummer."
Yes, Squeeze had two of the best songwriters in all of music in Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford, but it wouldn't be hyperbole to say, so much of that band's most memorable songs had a lot to do with what Gilson Lavis played behind them.
He was unique. He played, like Ringo and I hope like I do, for the song.
Check out "Slap & Tickle," or "I Think I'm Go Go," or those quick snare rolls and accents in "If I Didn't Love You," which I shamelessly stole and used in just about every song I've played on.
Gilson Lavis was not just another drummer. He served above and beyond his duty in one of the greatest pop bands in music history.
This is sad news for Squeeze fans and for drummers, and especially for one of his biggest fans, me.
1 comment:
My sympathies. Take pleasure in the music and knowing you've praised his work while he was living, not just when he died (though that would be fine -- any time is a good time to celebrate something or someone you love).
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