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French DJ and producer Kavinsky, best known for his hit song “Nightcall” from the 2011 film “Drive”, has died at the age of 50. He was found dead at his home in Paris on Tuesday, July 28.
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The musician, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, was a key figure in France’s electronic music scene and helped shape the French Touch movement alongside acts such as Daft Punk and Justice.
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Kavinsky gained global recognition after “Nightcall” was featured in Nicolas Winding Refn’s “Drive”, starring Ryan Gosling. The song later received renewed attention after his performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony.
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Tributes have poured in from French officials and fans, with President Emmanuel Macron and Culture Minister Catherine Pégard praising Kavinsky’s impact on music and French culture.
July 29, (THEWILL) — French DJ and producer, Kavinsky, best known for his hit song “Nightcall” from the 2011 film “Drive”, died at the age of 50.
French media reported that the musician, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, was found dead at his home in Paris on Tuesday evening, July 28.
The Paris Prosecutor’s Office said an investigation has been opened to determine the cause of death. First responders found no suspicious elements at the scene.
French newspaper, Le Figaro, reported that Kavinsky had complained of severe headaches in the days before his death and may have suffered a stroke.
Born in Paris on July 31, 1975, Kavinsky became one of the leading names in France’s electronic music scene. He was part of the French Touch movement, a genre that also included artists such as Daft Punk and Justice.
Kavinsky achieved international fame with his 2010 single “Nightcall”, which was used as the opening song for Nicolas Winding Refn’s 2011 crime drama “Drive”, starring Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan.
The track, produced with Daft Punk’s Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, became one of the defining songs of the 1980s-inspired electronic music movement and introduced Kavinsky’s signature sound to a global audience.
His music career was built around the fictional character of Kavinsky, inspired by 1980s movies, video games and car culture. He released two studio albums, “OutRun” in 2013 and “Reborn” in 2022.
Kavinsky also made a recent appearance at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he performed “Nightcall” alongside French singer Angèle and band Phoenix as part of a celebration of French electronic music.
Following news of his death, French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the DJ, calling him “a source of French pride forever.”
French Culture Minister, Catherine Pégard, also honoured Kavinsky, saying his music would continue to connect generations and audiences around the world.
At the time of his death, Kavinsky was scheduled to perform at events in France, Mexico and Los Angeles in the coming months.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
