The Kinks keyboardist John Gosling dies aged 75 as bandmate Ray Davies leads moving tribute
The Kinks keyboardist John Gosling has passed away at the age of 75 and the band are “deeply saddened” by the news.
In a statement posted on the band’s official social media pages, they wrote: “We are deeply saddened by the news of John Gosling’s passing. We extend our condolences to John’s wife and family.”
Singer Ray Davies said: “My condolences to his wife Theresa and family. Rest in peace dear John.’ Ray’s younger brother Dave Davies added: ‘I am deeply shocked by the passing of John Gosling.
“He has been a friend and major contributor to Kinks music during his time with us. Deepest sympathy to his wife and family. I will always hold deep affection and love for him in my heart. Great musician and a great man.’
Drummer Mick Avory also paid tribute to the late musician, saying: ‘Today we lost a dear friend and colleague, he was a great musician and had a fantastic sense of humour…’
Heartbreaking: The Kinks keyboardist John Gosling has died aged 75, and the band are ‘deeply saddened’ by the news
Legend: John played keyboard with his Kinks bandmates between 1970 and 1978, appeared on 10 albums and contributed to the demo of their smash hit, Lola
In a statement posted on the band’s official social media pages, they wrote: “We are deeply saddened by the news of John Gosling’s passing. We extend our condolences to John’s wife and family.”
What made him a popular member of the band, he leaves us with fond memories. God bless him.’
Drummer Mick Avory also paid tribute to Gosling after his death saying, “Today we lost a dear friend and colleague, he was a great musician and had a fantastic sense of humour…which made him a popular member of the band . us with some great memories. God bless him.’
Fans were devastated by the sad news, with one penning on Twitter: ‘RIP Kinks keyboardist John Gosling, a brilliant musician and a very kind man’
Another fan wrote: ‘Very sad news about the death of John Gosling, keyboard player of The Kinks, in the 1970s.
‘As a young lad growing up in Berkhamsted, I often met him, when he ran the music shop in Lower Kings Road! A kind and gentle man! Played some of the records he played on. REST IN PEACE’
John played keyboard with his Kinks bandmates between 1970 and 1978, appeared on 10 albums and contributed to the demo of their smash hit Lola.
He was later replaced by Pretty Things’ Gordon Edwards before retiring from music in 2008.
The Kinks were formed in 1964 in Muswell Hill, North London by Ray and brother Dave Davies.
They became one of the most influential rock bands of all time and have sold over 50 million records worldwide.
In 1990, the four original members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Popular: They became one of the most influential rock bands of all time and have sold over 50 million records worldwide
Split: The band broke up in 1996 due to creative tension between Ray and Dave and their declining commercial success
Fans were devastated by the sad news, with one penning on Twitter: ‘RIP Kinks keyboardist John Gosling, a brilliant musician and a very kind man’
The band broke up in 1996 due to creative tension between Ray and Dave and their declining commercial success.
In 2014, a musical celebrating their music hit the West End. The show is called Sunny Afternoon, after another of the group’s songs.
In 2018, Ray revealed that the group, which broke up in 1996, is getting back together.
He explained, “We talked about it because I’ve got all these songs I’ve written, then the band – not split up, we broke up – and I think it’s an opportune time to do it.”