John Gosling, former Kinks keyboard player, had died at age 75.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Key points:
- John Gosling was part of the famous English rock band between 1970 and 1978
- He contributed to The Kinks' smash hit Lola in his first year with the band
- The Kinks' members shared their tributes in an Instagram post
Gosling was part of the famous English rock band between 1970 and 1978, appearing on ten albums and contributing to smash hit Lola.
Lola was released in his first year with the band and was No.1 in New Zealand, Belgium and Netherlands.
The song charted as No.2 in the UK and No.4 in Australia and most recently, ranked No.386 on the 2021 Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list.
During the recording of the song, Gosling played on the baby grand piano, which is known to produce less volume and have sharper overtones than a grand piano.
The Kinks have sold 50 million records worldwide. Other top hits from the band includes You Really Got Me, Sunny Afternoon, Waterloo Sunset and All Day and All of the Night.
Gosling also played on Apeman — the follow-up single to Lola — which was a top-10 hit in Australia, the UK and New Zealand in 1971.
Life after The Kinks
Gordon Edwards of Pretty Things replaced Gosling on keyboards after he left the band.
It was a brief stint before Ian Gibbons took over and remained with The Kinks until they disbanded in 1997.
In 1994, Gosling founded the Kast Off Kinks which included former band members from The Kinks such as John Dalton and Jim Rodford.
He remained in the band until his retirement in 2008.
Band members took their tributes online
The Kinks announced Gosling's death on the band's official social media accounts.
"We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of John Gosling. We are sending our condolences to John's wife and family," they wrote in an Instagram post.
The post also included messages from the different members of the band.
Lead vocalist and songwriter Ray Davies kept his tribute simple and thoughtful. He wrote:
"Condolences to his wife Theresa and family. Rest in Peace dearest John."
Whereas his brother Dave Davies, who is also the band's lead guitarist and backing vocalist took the opportunity to pour his heart out. He wrote:
"I'm dismayed deeply upset by John Gosling's passing. He has been a friend and important contributor to the Kinks music during his time with us. Deepest sympathies to his wife and family. I will hold deep affection and love for him in my heart always. Great musician and a great man."
Drummer and percussionist Mick Avory adored Gosling's talent and humour and was sure to make it known. He wrote:
"Today we lost a dear friend and colleague, he was a great musician and had a fantastic sense of humour… which made him popular member of the band, he leaves us with some happy memories. God Bless him…."