French DJ Kavinsky dies at age 50

French DJ and electro‑house musician Kavinsky has been found dead at his home in Paris aged 50.

Kavinsky, pictured at the Paris 2024 Olympics, was the red‑eyed zombie DJ alter‑ego of Vincent Belorgey.

The star, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, enjoyed a slow‑burning cult hit with his 2010 track “Nightcall,” which soundtracked the opening credits to the stylish neo‑noir crime movie Drive, starring Ryan Gosling.

After being performed at the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony, the modern synth‑wave hit became the most Shazamed song in a single day of the music‑identifying app’s history.

President of France Emmanuel Macron led tributes to the late DJ, posting on Facebook that Kavinsky was “a source of French pride forever.”

Culture Minister Catherine Pégard added on X: “With the sudden passing of Kavinsky, France has lost one of its most unique voices.” She continued, “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.”

The Paris prosecutor’s office said the DJ had been found dead at his home in the French capital. Reuters and French media outlets reported.

The BBC has contacted the DJ’s representatives for confirmation.

French newspaper Le Figaro reported Kavinsky had been complaining of headaches for several days, and authorities think he may have had a stroke.

No suspicious items were discovered at the scene by the first responders, and Paris prosecutors have opened an investigation to determine the cause of death.

Self‑taught pianist Belorgey, who was born in Seine‑Saint‑Denis – just outside of Paris – launched his career in the early 2000s, opening for French electro pioneers Daft Punk.

Kavinsky—his red‑eyed zombie DJ alter‑ego—was part of the second wave of influential “French Touch” artists including the likes of Justice and Sebastien.

Nightcall was produced with Daft Punk’s Guy‑Manuel de Homem‑Christo, mixed by Sebastien and sung by Brazilian singer Lovefoxxx.

At Paris 2024, Belgian singer Angèle performed a memorable version of the track alongside Kavinsky and French band Phoenix.