John Gosling, former keyboardist with the Kinks from 1970 through 1978, has died at the age of 75. The band confirmed the news on their social media pages, writing: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of John Gosling. We are sending our condolences to John’s wife and family.”
“Condolences to his wife Theresa and family. Rest in peace dearest John,” the Kinks frontman Ray Davies said in the statement. Guitarist Dave Davies 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.”
Former drummer Mick Avory added: “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.”
Gosling joined the Kinks in 1970, having had his audition during the recording session for ‘Lola’, which became a No. 2 hit in the UK. “We put down several backing tracks but Ray’s guide vocals gave little indication as to what the songs were about,” Gosling recalled in a 2009 interview. “I think we did versions of ‘Powerman’, ‘This Time Tomorrow’ and ‘A Long Way From Home,’ as well as ‘Lola,’ of course. “They seemed such an easy-going bunch of blokes! Dave handed me a beer from a crate in the middle of the room when I walked in and there was no starry behavior. I remember feeling completely at home – almost as if I’d always been there.”
Gosling appeared on 10 of the band’s albums, including Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One, 1972’s Everybody’s In Show-Biz, and 1977’s Sleepwalker. Gordon Edwards took over from Gosling on keyboards before Ian Gibbons joined in 1979.
In 1994, Gosling formed a group called the Kast Off Kinks, which featured four former band members, including Gosling, drummer Mick Avory, and bassists Jim Rodford and John Dalton. He played with the band until his retirement in 2008.
We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of John Gosling. We are sending our condolences to John's wife and family. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/eFl5n6MQfB
— The Kinks (@TheKinks) August 4, 2023
