French DJ and electropop musician Kavinsky dies aged 50
French DJ and electro-house musician Kavinsky, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, has died at age 50 in Paris. He was widely known for his cult hit 'Nightcall,' featured in the movie *Drive*, and for his red-eyed zombie DJ alter ego. His passing prompted tributes from French President Emmanuel Macron and Culture Minister Catherine Pégard.
Why it matters
The passing of Kavinsky marks the loss of an influential artist in the French electronic music scene, whose work transcended film and major events like the Paris Olympics, leaving a significant cultural legacy. His death highlights the impact of artists on global culture and the synthwave genre.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Kavinsky, pictured at the Paris 2024 Olympics, was the red-eyed zombie DJ alter ego of Vincent Belorgey
French DJ and electro-house pop musician Kavinsky has been found dead at his home in Paris aged 50.
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 synthwave hit became the most Shazamed song in a single day of the music identifying app's history.
President of France Emmanuel Macron led the tributes to the late DJ, posting on Facebook , external that Kavinsky was "a source of French pride forever".
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