The Kinks have paid tribute to their one-time keyboardist Ian Gibbons, who died suddenly last Thursday at 67.
Ray Davies:“To simply say Ian will be missed would be an understatement. My first thoughts are for his family and loved ones.
“When he auditioned for the band, he only played a few chords before I knew he was the right guy to have on keyboards, 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!
“He was also was a brilliant accordion player and apparently, a bit of a childhood prodigy on that instrument. In the studio, he would willingly try out the most random musical idea I would throw at him. On the road, he could always be guaranteed to give a smile of encouragement from his side of the stage and buy a round in the bar after the show so we could have a party in Ian’s noisy room. Being in a band is like being in a family and today it is as though we have lost family member.
“Right now I’m thinking of his smile, his cheeky chappie sense of humor and generous grin that made you feel it was ok, even though there was an eight hour bus ride ahead after a long show and the air conditioning has broken down. Though, somehow we’d get over the discomfort, reach the next venue and go onstage, fresh again. I DON’T KNOW HOW TO FINISH THIS, PERHAPS I DON’T WANT TO."
Dave Davies:“Apart from being a great professional, Ian always had a positive attitude to being on the road and recording. In the many years he worked with The Kinks, he added great color and dimension to The Kinks’ music and he was a good friend. I’ll miss him greatly. Lots of love to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Mick Avory: "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 [in the Kast Off Kinks, a band of former Kinks members]. It’s so sad he had to go so quickly before anyone could say goodbye.”
Gibbons joined The Kinks in 1979 and played on many of their hits in the '80s, including “Come Dancing,” “Destroyer,” "Do It Again" and “Don’t Forget to Dance.”
Also paying tribute was Ian Hunter, in whose band Gibbond also played. He says, "Wow – I don’t believe it – Gibbo passed – only 67...
"Not only a great keyboard player, but great fun on the road as well. Never forget him and Cuddles doing the ventriloquist act – after hours.
"How sad is this. Our very best to his family."