One of the founding members of the pop group Level 42, Rowland Charles ‘Boon’ Gould, has died at the age of 64.
Boon was discovered at his home in Dorset on Tuesday morning, Police have confirmed.
Born in Shanklin back in 1955, Boon and went on to become 1 of the 4 founding members of the Isle of Wight’s Level 42. Gould was the guitarist and occasional saxophone player for the group between 1980 and 1987.
25 years passed by but in October 2012 Boon Gould reunited with his band mates in Bristol to make his first public appearance with Level 42 in a quarter of a century.
The nickname ‘Boon’ is said to have used since an early age, as an uncle of his commented to his mother that his apparent inability to cry was a ‘real boon for the family’.
Friend and fellow founding member Mark King has taken to social media this morning to confirm the sad news. In a short statement issued on the official Level 42 Facebook page, Mark has said:
“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.
Article continues below this advertisement “You are at peace now Boon, no more pain mate. Thank you for everything.
“Mark x”
Something about you is one of my all-time favorite songs.
Very sad indeed to hear of the passing of former Level 42 band member and co founder Boon Gould. To loose a lovely man at a very young age is tragic. My thoughts and prayers are with Boon’s family and friends at this time. @bongosaloon @MikeLindup @markking
So very saddened to hear of the loss of Boon, condolences to the immediate family also to the group, and the fans. R.I.P.
R.I.P Sir, you will forever be a part of my life’s sound track.
Such sad news!! RIP Boon xx The music will carry on forever …. thinking of your family, the “level family” will always remember what you contributed and remember you with a smile x