French electro-pop musician Kavinsky has been hailed as an “inspiration to many” following his death aged 50.
The music producer and DJ, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, was best known for his 2010 track Nightcall, which was used in neo-noir crime movie Drive, starring Ryan Gosling.
He was found dead at his Paris home on Tuesday, it has been reported, and authorities said an investigation has been opened into the cause of his death.
Tributes from The Weeknd and French officials
Tributes have poured in for the musician, with Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd among those paying their respects.
The Starboy singer, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, shared a picture of Kavinsky on X and wrote: “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.”
President of France Emmanuel Macron also joined in the tributes with a post on Facebook, describing Kavinsky as “a source of French pride forever”.
The minister of culture of France, Catherine Pegard, added on X: “With the sudden passing of Kavinsky, France has lost one of its most unique voices.”
Ms Pegard also referenced his appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony and said the “whole world was moved” by his track Nightcall – which he performed alongside Belgian singer Angele. The song soared in streams after his performance, and broke the record for the most Shazam searches in a single day, according to the music-identification app.
“Both danceable and nostalgic, his music will continue to transcend generations and borders,” she added.
Emmanuel Gregoire, the mayor of Paris, expressed his “deep sadness” with a lengthy message in French as he joined the mourners on X.
He said: “A child of Paris, he carried the colours of the French electronic scene high across the world, establishing a unique musical universe imbued with both nostalgia and modernity. In this moment of mourning, my thoughts go to his family, his loved ones, and all those who found themselves in his music.”
Career and legacy
Kavinsky was born in Seine-Saint-Denis in France, and had a career as an actor before launching his music career in the early 2000s.
He released two studio albums across his successful music career, which saw him tour with artists including French duo Daft Punk, US rockers The Rapture, and fellow electronic artists Justice and SebastiAn.
Kavinsky, who was best known as his red-eyed zombie DJ alter ego, shot to fame after the release of his futuristic synth-wave track Nightcall – and he is also known for songs such as Odd Look and Roadgame.
