Rare Glimpses: Jools Holland, Son George, and Life at Cooling Castle

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Touring with a 20-piece big band is notoriously demanding. Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra regularly performs between 40 and 60 dates annually, traveling extensively across the UK, mainland Europe, and international festivals. From early summer outdoor appearances, such as his headlining slot at Marlow's Pub in the Park in May 2026, to winter theater tours, Holland's professional schedule requires immense physical stamina.

Sustaining that pace while remaining an attentive father required rigid self-discipline. Rather than lingering in tour hotels or participating in late-night celebrations after performances, Holland frequently drove late into the night across motorways to sleep in Kent. Returning home meant breakfast with the children before school runs, maintaining normalcy amid a lifestyle that easily destabilizes families.

The passage of time has made those domestic anchors even more vital. The loss of Holland's longtime rhythm section partner and original Squeeze drummer Gilson Lavis, who passed away in November 2025 at age 74, marked the end of an era for the band. Lavis and Holland shared stages for nearly half a century. Facing the inevitable losses that accompany a five-decade music career, Holland has increasingly leaned into the security and continuity of his immediate family, with George, Rosie, and Mabel serving as his emotional foundation.