Gilbert was initially drummer for English punk band Dead to the World. By June 1990 he was working at the University of London Union (ULU) alongside Ricky Gervais, who was also managing the then unknown and unsigned Suede.
Gilbert began his career as a drummer with British punk band Dead to the World. A year later, in June 1990, he took on a role at the University of London Union (ULU), where he worked alongside Ricky Gervais, who was helping to launch the Suede.