John Gosling, Formerly The Kinks’ Keyboardist, Dies At 75
John Gosling, who played keyboards with legendary UK rock act, The Kinks, during the 1970s, has died at the age of 75.
Brothers Ray and Dave Davies formed the Kinks in 1963, with Gosling joining the band full-time in 1970 as the band’s keyboard player.
The Kinks announced the musician’s death in a statement posted to their social media page, which read: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of John Gosling. We are sending our condolences to John’s wife and family.”
Lead vocalist Ray Davies paid tribute to his friend and former bandmate and said: “Condolences to his wife, Theresa, and family. Rest in peace dearest John.”
The band’s lead guitarist, Dave Davies, also offered his condolences, saying: “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 Mick Avory added, ““Today we lost a dear friend and colleague, John Gosling, he was a great musician and had a fantastic sense of humour – which made him a popular member of the band, he leaves us with some happy memories. God bless him.”
Born in Devon in 1948, Gosling’s audition for The Kinks was the recording session for band’s classic hit Lola, which went to No 2 in the UK singles chart in 1970.
He would go on to play keyboard and provide backing vocals on the Kinks’ acclaimed eighth album, Lola Versus Powerman And The Moneygoround, and he played on the band’s next seven albums before eventually departing the group in 1978, following the release of the album, Misfits. He was replaced by Gordon Edwards and then Ian Gibbons.
In 1994, Gosling became a founding member of the band the Kast Off Kinks, which includes former band members Avory, Jim Rodford and John Dalton. Gosling stayed in the band until his retirement in 2008.