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.
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).
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised more people haven't commented - I know there are plenty of Squeeze fans who read Burning Wood! R.I.P. Mr. Lavis. I will play some Squeeze tonight in your honor.
ReplyDeleteMarc
So sorry to hear of Mr. Lavis' passing. I have always found his playing to be tasteful and always in the service of whatever song he was playing. Rest well, GL. You shall be missed by many.
ReplyDeleteDrummers can make the difference between a good and a great band. Definitely one of the core ingredients. And Squeeze was a great band.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to see this. Thinking of his family and friends and all those who appreciated his music. He will be missed.
ReplyDeleteSqueeze does indeed now go into heavy rotation in this house.
ReplyDeletea gut puch to Squeeze fans .......nailed it describing his indelible contributions to the Squeeze sound......
ReplyDeleteI'm thoroughly saddened by the news. It's refreshing to read your praise and cite him as a major influence. I don't think I've ever heard another drummer namedrop him before. I can definitely hear his influence in your playing.
ReplyDeleteHorrible news.
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ReplyDeleteSo sad - these are one gut punch after another. Thanks for pointing out the similarities to Ringo - spot on.
ReplyDeleteHe was very much a Ringo type drummer. Nothing flashy but always serving the song with inventive patterns. There are a lot of drummers I like listening to but there are also drummers I like to watch. He was one of them. Whenever I saw squeeze in concert, I'd keep my eye on Gilson as much as I did on Glenn or Chris. The last time I saw him was on Jools Holland's show and I found him just as watchable as ever. I feel really sad about this one as I always thought he was one of the good guys and tremendously under appreciated.
ReplyDeleteDamn.
ReplyDeleteHe and Pete Thomas are favorites of mine for the exact reasons you wrote. Great feel, can play various styles you fit whater the song needs, and, yes, musical rather than showy or distracting.
Sad news. Great, great drummer and very large larger than life personality. Saw him with Squeeze in Manchester in '79 and with Jools Holland in Swansea sometime in the 90s. Awesome behind his kit. He'll be remembered.
ReplyDeleteRIP. He was also the house band drummer for Joolz Holland...bunch of great videos on YT.
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