John Gosling, a keyboardist for The Kinks, died on Friday. He was 75.
Members of the legendary British rock group paid tribute to the piano player on social media following his death.
“We’re deeply saddened by the news of the passing of John Gosling. We’re sending our condolences to John’s wife and family,” the band wrote alongside a black-and-white video of Gosling.
Ray Davies, a founding member of the group, shared, “Condolences to his wife Theresa and family. Rest in Peace dearest John.”
Lead guitarist Dave Davies wrote, “I’m dismayed deeply upset by John Gosling’s passing. He has been a friend and essential contributor to the Kinks music during his time with us. Deepest sympathies to his wife and family. I’ll hold deep affection and love for him in my heart at all times. Great musician and an awesome man.”
Mick Avory, the band’s longtime drummer, shared online, “Today we lost an expensive friend and colleague, he was an awesome musician and had a incredible sense of humour… which made him popular member of the band, he leaves us with some comfortable memories. God Bless him….”
Gosling was classically trained as an organist and a pianist.
He joined the band in 1970, and his audition was the recording session for “Lola.”
He performed on 10 albums throughout eight years with the influential rock group, including “Muswell Hillbillies” and “Everybody’s in Show-Biz.”
Gosling left The Kinks in 1978 and later became a founding member of the Kast Off Kinks in 1994.
Gosling, who was referred to as “John the Baptist,” performed with Avory, Jim Rodford and John Dalton until his retirement in 2008.
In an interview shared on Kast off Kinks, Gosling was asked how he thought his life would develop had he not joined The Kinks within the ’70s.
Gosling responded, “No idea- but music would have at all times occupied a significant a part of it I’m sure. Or I might need just change into a unicorn exterminator.”
