Former The Kinks Keyboardist John Gosling Passes Away Aged 75

Former The Kinks keyboardist, John Gosling, who played on ten of the band’s albums from 1970 until his departure in 1978, has passed away at 75. The cause of death is currently unknown.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of John Gosling,” the band wrote in a social media statement. “We are sending our condolences to John's wife and family.” You can find the band members’ tributes below.

The Kinks disbanded in 1996. After his departure in 1978, Gosling was replaced by Pretty Things’ Gordon Edwards, and he ended up forming his own band, the Kast Off Kinks, which included other former members of The Kinks, like bassists and backing vocalists John Dalton and Jim Rodford. Gosling played in the Kast Off Kinks until his retirement in 2008.

The albums Gosling played on during his time with The Kinks included 1970’s Lola Versus Powerman And The Moneygoround, Part One, 1975’s Schoolboys In Disgrace and 1978’s Misfits, amongst seven other albums in a highly creative period for the band.

Lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Ray Davies said about Gosling’s passing in a statement, “Condolences to his wife Theresa and family. Rest in Peace dearest John.” His younger brother and lead guitarist, Dave Davies, added, “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 concluded, “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.”

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

The Kinks teased a possible reunion with Avory in 2018 after discussing the potential reformation in numerous interviews between 2018 and 2021. By March 2023, however, Avory said he didn’t think the reunion was possible.

In an AllMusic interview, Avory cited differences between the Davies brothers holding back a reunion. “I don't think it's possible now – one thing, health-wise,” he began. “And I don't think we could ever work it out because Dave wanted to do it one way, and Ray wanted to do it the other – which was quite normal thinking for them.

“Ray thought [of] doing it as an 'evolution tour' – you have different people who came into the band and what songs they recorded on and what songs affected them. I thought that would be more interesting. But I think Dave just wanted 'a band' – not particularly with me in it. Just reform something like they had when I left – just a band with him and Ray in it, really.”