The Kinks Keyboardist Ian Gibbons Passes Away

Ian Gibbons, keyboardist of legendary UK group The Kinks, is confirmed to have passed away at the age of 67.

As NME reports, Gibbons, who was a member of the band from 1979-1996, passed at his home on Thursday (1 August). 

The Kinks members each shared their own statement on Gibbons' death in a post shared online today. 

"To simply say Ian will be missed would be an understatement. My first thoughts are for his family and loved ones," Ray Davies' statement reads.

"When he auditioned for the band, he only played a few chords before I knew he was the right guy to have on keyboard, he seemed to know the right voicing to musically slot in between the other members of the band. And with the Kinks, that took some doing!"

It continued, "Being in a band is like being in a family and today it is as though we have lost family member".

Dave Davies added, "In the many years he worked with The Kinks, he added great colour and dimension to The Kinks' music and he was a good friend.

"I'll miss him greatly."

Meanwhile, drummer Mick Avory noted his work with Gibbons in another band, The Kast Off Kinks.

“I’ve known and worked with Ian for 40 years and I shall always remember him as a good friend and great musician. I will miss him so much especially as we were still working together," Avory said.
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"It’s so sad he had to go so quickly before anyone could say goodbye.” 

Read the full tribute piece here.

The news comes just weeks after Ray and Dave Davies announced they are working on new The Kinks music together.