David Leslie Gilson Lavis, a multifaceted English artist, was born on June 27, 1951. As a drummer, he rose to fame in the 1970s and 80s with the iconic band Squeeze, and currently performs with Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, a venture he will conclude at the end of 2024.
Prior to joining Squeeze, Lavis had already amassed a significant amount of experience, having toured with renowned artists such as Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Dolly Parton. His journey began when he noticed an advertisement in Melody Maker, leading him to join Squeeze.
Now, Lavis embarks on tours across the United Kingdom alongside his long-term musical partner, Jools Holland. Together, they made an appearance in the 1994 film There's No Business... starring Raw Sex and The Oblivion Boys, albeit uncredited.
Beyond his musical talents, Lavis is also a skilled portrait artist, having showcased his work in London and the surrounding home counties. His subjects have included an array of musicians, such as Lily Allen, Paloma Faith, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Louis Armstrong, Lulu, and Smokey Robinson.
