French DJ Kavinsky dies aged 50 as The Weeknd, David Guetta and Emmanuel Macron lead tributes
Tributes are pouring in after the sudden death of a globally renowned musician whose biggest hit became one of the defining songs of a generation.
French electronic music pioneer Kavinsky has died at the age of 50, prompting an outpouring of tributes from artists, politicians and fans around the world.
The musician, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, was best known for his cult hit Nightcall, the haunting electro track that gained global fame after featuring in the 2011 film Drive, starring Ryan Gosling.
The song experienced a massive resurgence after Kavinsky performed it during the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, becoming the most Shazamed song in a single day in the app’s history.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed the DJ was found dead at his home in the French capital.
French media reported authorities believe he may have suffered a stroke after complaining of headaches in the days leading up to his death, although the exact cause remains under investigation. Prosecutors said no suspicious circumstances were identified at the scene.
Tributes quickly flooded social media, with Canadian superstar The Weeknd remembering the producer as one of his biggest influences.
“So heartbreaking to hear the news.
“An inspiration to so many, including myself.
“I will continue to honour your name and your music. Rest easy, Kavinsky.”
French DJ David Guetta also paid tribute, describing Kavinsky as “a true icon of French electronic music”.
“Thank you for creating a sound that was entirely your own and for leaving us with music that will continue to inspire,” he added.
“Thank you for your kindness and simplicity.”
French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the producer as “a source of French pride forever”, while Culture Minister Catherine Pégard said the country had lost “one of its most unique voices”.
“From the film Drive to the Paris Olympics, the whole world was moved by Nightcall. Both danceable and nostalgic, his music will continue to transcend generations and borders.”
Born in Seine-Saint-Denis on the outskirts of Paris, Belorgey launched his music career in the early 2000s and became one of the defining figures of France’s celebrated electronic music scene alongside acts such as Justice and SebastiAn.
His signature persona, Kavinsky, was inspired by 1980s cinema and video games — a mysterious zombie-like driver who perfectly matched the retro synthwave sound that became his trademark.
In a 2008 interview, Belorgey explained why he created the alter ego.
“Showing my own face holds absolutely no interest for me,” he said.
“I’d much rather make music and tell a story, because for me music is linked to images.”
His influence extended well beyond dance music, with Nightcall becoming one of the defining songs of modern cinema and earning a new generation of fans more than a decade after its original release. Following his death, many described his music as timeless, ensuring his legacy will continue long after his final performance.
