In brief
French electronic musician Kavinsky, best known for the track "Nightcall" that opened the 2011 film Drive, has been found dead at his Paris home at age 50. The death came after a sudden cardiac event, officials say, amid reports that he had been complaining of headaches for several days. Kavinsky’s work, particularly the synth‑wave hit that was replayed at the Paris 2024 Olympic closing ceremony, has had a lasting impact on global pop culture, earning the song the most Shazamed requests in a single day. French President Emmanuel Macron noted that the artist was a lasting source of French pride, while Culture Minister Catherine Pégard mourned the loss of a unique voice. The investigation now seeks to determine the exact cause of death.
French DJ and electro‑house musician Kavinsky has been found dead at his home in Paris aged 50.
The artist, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, became famous for the 2010 track “Nightcall,” the opening soundtrack of the 2011 neo‑noir film Drive starring Ryan Gosling.
After his performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic closing ceremony, “Nightcall” became the song most Shazamed in a single day in the app’s history.
President Emmanuel Macron posted on Facebook that Kavinsky was “a source of French pride forever.”
Culture Minister Catherine Pégard noted on X that France had lost “one of its most unique voices” and praised the track for moving people worldwide.
Officials said Kavinsky was found dead at his Paris home, with no suspicious items. A preliminary investigation points to a possible stroke after he had complained of headaches.
The self‑taught pianist started his career in the early 2000s, opening for French electro pioneers Daft Punk, and was part of the second wave of “French Touch” artists alongside Justice and Sébastien.
“Nightcall” was produced with Daft Punk’s Guy‑Manuel de Homem‑Christo, mixed by Sébastien, and sung by Brazilian singer Lovefoxxx. It was later covered by London Grammar in 2013 and performed by Angèle during the 2024 Olympics.
Kavinsky also collaborated with The Weeknd on a version of “OutRun.”
