LEVEL 42 guitarist Rowland Gould has died aged 64, it was announced today.
Frontman Mark King paid tribute to the musician, who was a founding member of the hit British pop group, saying he would “suffer no more pain now”.
It is understood Rowland, nicknamed Boon, was found by police at his Dorset home this week.
In a tribute, Mark King wrote: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to tell you of the passing of our dear friend and brother Boon Gould.
“Dorset Police confirmed that he was found dead at his home on Tuesday morning.
“You are at peace now Boon, no more pain mate. Thank you for everything. Mark x”
Gould, 64, formed the Level 42 with his brother Phil, who was the band’s drummer, King and keyboard player Mike Lindup in 1979.
Among his writing credits is the band’s most successful single Lessons in Love, which reached number three in the UK charts in 1986.
His younger brother Phil, 62, paid tribute to him, saying: “My heart is beyond broken.”
The Gould brothers and King grew up on the Isle of Wight, playing in bands together from a young age.
Gould, nicknamed Boon as a child by an uncle, played the guitar and saxophone in the band until 1987, when he left due to health issues.
The musician suffered from nervous exhaustion, leading to him having panic attacks on stage while performing with the group.
After spending time away from the limelight in a monastery, he went on to release two solo albums and wrote songs for his friend King, before reuniting with his old band mates for a brief period in 2004.
In October 2012, he once more returned to the stage with Level 42 in Bristol.
Devastated Level 42 fans have paid tribute to Gould.
Roberto Carrasco said: “Boon was often in the background, such a great musician and especially talented in writing brilliant lyrics. “Thank you for all the beautiful music and lyrics with your spirit in there over all those years.”
Christoph Lammertz said: “Thank you for your very valuable contribution to the fantastic music of my favourite band. Rest in Peace Boon.”
And Amal Morgan added: “He was one of the greatest lead guitarists I’ve ever seen and it’s a huge loss to Level 42. Thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.”
