Level 42 guitarist Boon Gould has died, aged 64

1 May 2019, 14:57

Rowland 'Boon' Gould was one of the founding members of Level 42, and wrote some of the band's biggest hits including 'Lessons in Love'.

Guitarist Rowland Gould, nicknamed Boon, was discovered by police at his home in Dorset earlier this week.

Level 42 frontman Mark King confirmed the sad news on Twitter, saying his friend would suffer "no more pain" now.

The 64-year-old formed Level 42 with his brother Phil, the band's drummer, King and keyboard player Mike Lindup in 1979.

King confirmed today (May 1) that his friend and bandmate had died, saying: "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."

His younger brother Phil added: "My heart is beyond broken."

Level 42 - Lessons In Love (Official Music Video)

The Gould brothers and Mark King grew up on the Isle of Wight, and played in bands together from an early age.

Gould was nicknamed Boon as a child by one of his uncles, and continued playing the guitar and saxophone in the band until 1987, when he left due to health issues. He had suffered from nervous exhaustion, leaving him with panic attacks on stage.

After some time in a monastery, he later released two solo albums, and wrote songs Mark King, before reuniting with the band in 2004. In 2012, he returned with Level 42 in Bristol.