Rowland ‘Boon’ Gould of Level 42 has died, the band have confirmed.
The news was broken was by the band’s bassist on Twitter this morning (Wednesday May 1), when Mark King wrote of his sadness at the 64-year-old former guitarist and founding member’s passing.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to tell you of the passing of our dear friend and brother Boon Gould,” wrote King. “Dorset Police confirmed that he was found dead at his home on Tuesday morning.”
He added: “You are at peace now Boon, no more pain mate. Thank you for everything. Mark x.”
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" pic.twitter.com/adyjdCKSNe— Mark King (@markking) May 1, 2019
Gould was a founding member of the band in 1979 along with his brother Phil and and Mark King. He left the band in 1987, but continued to write lyrics for them and made a special on-stage appearance with the band in 2012. He released two solo album ‘Tin Man’ and ‘Love Kills Overtime’, with the latter under the name ‘Zen Gangsters’.
Earlier today, Phil Gould tweeted: “My heart is beyond broken. RIP Roland Charles ‘Boon’ Gould, my brother, 1955-2019.”
My heart is beyond broken. RIP Roland Charles ‘Boon’ Gould, my brother, 1955-2019
— Phil Gould (@bongosaloon) May 1, 2019
Level 42 released 11 studio albums together, and enjoyed chart success with singles including ‘Lessons In Love’, ‘Running In The Family’, ‘The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)’, ‘Something About You’, ‘To Be With You Again’, ‘It’s Over’ and ‘Heaven In My Hands’.
He earned his nickname ‘Boon’ as a child when an uncle commented that his apparent inability to cry was a ‘real boon for the family’.
Boon’s cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
Fans have paid tribute to the star on social media following the announcement of his death. “Remembering Boon Gould as a humble but very cool dude, amazing guitarist,” wrote one. “I’m lost for words.”
Another added: “His contributions to music and especially Level 42 will always be remembered. A rare talent.”
See those and more reactions below.
Devastating. My love and condolences to yourselves. Remembering Boon Gould as a humble but very cool dude, amazing guitarist. I’m lost for words #level42 pic.twitter.com/HSLwSd9ZnJ
— Bilal Tabassum (@Bilal_Tabassum) May 1, 2019
Boon Gould has passed away. His contributions to music and especially Level 42 will always be remembered. A rare talent…
— Red Phyve (@redphyve) May 1, 2019
So sad to hear about #Boongould 's passing. #level42 has always been in my heart since the 80's. So many memories, watching their videos and listening to their songs again and again. I send my condolences to his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/d5391Yyip4
— Shirley B (@shirleylucie) May 1, 2019
God speed Boon Gould pic.twitter.com/En0YwBI4OQ
— Kevin Dean (@kevindeanuk) May 1, 2019
Sad news… great band
RIP Boon Gould ❤ pic.twitter.com/zLH1yAJ3xf— Sam Stanley (@stanners74_ss) May 1, 2019
RIP Boon Gould Another part of my clubbing youth disappears. Sympathy to all his family. #Level42 #Boon pic.twitter.com/bxuWKSV3nz
— Pete Cheeseman (@lotusunbeam) May 1, 2019
Is it possible to be so sad on the passing of someone whom you have never met? #BoonGould This man and his simple guitar playing, had such a profound effect on my youth, his lyrics, his simplicity. I have tears. RIP Boon.
— Daren (@mungochump) May 1, 2019
RIP #BoonGould. He was a founding member of #Level42 and wrote or co-wrote many of their biggest hits. A great loss to the music world. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
— CobblerBob (@The_Back_Issues) May 1, 2019
My soundtrack on the journey home. One of the best groups of the 80s & one of my favourites growing up. RIP #BoonGould #Level42 @markking @MikeLindup @bongosaloon pic.twitter.com/jKZPYB3xl0
— Simon James (@SimonJamesDJ) May 1, 2019
This is a developing story. More to follow.