Kavinsky, the French producer and DJ born Vincent Belorgey, has died at his home in Paris of a suspected stroke, according to reports from French media outlets. The Paris prosecutors’ office has confirmed that an investigation is underway, noting that there were no suspicious elements found at the scene. Belorgey, who was 50 years old, had reportedly been suffering from headaches in the days leading up to his passing.
Belorgey first emerged in the early 2000s, notably opening for Daft Punk. He gained widespread recognition by adopting a unique, fictional persona: the red-eyed, undead electronic producer known as Kavinsky, a character who had supposedly died in a Ferrari crash before returning to the world of music. He became a key figure in the blog house movement and later rose to prominence as a central voice in the second wave of French touch.
His career reached a global zenith when his track “Nightcall,” featuring vocals by Lovefoxxx of CSS and production assistance from Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo of Daft Punk, became the defining sound of the 2011 thriller Drive. The track’s enduring legacy was cemented further when Kavinsky performed it alongside Phoenix and Angèle at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Following the success of Drive, Kavinsky released his debut studio album, Outrun, in 2013. The record masterfully synthesized ’80s neon aesthetics, vintage synthesizers, and car culture, perfectly aligning with his established alter-ego. After a hiatus from the music industry, he returned in 2022 with the album Reborn.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe. French President Emmanuel Macron honored the artist on social media, describing him as “a source of pride for France forever.” The Weeknd, who collaborated with Kavinsky on the track “Odd Look,” also shared his condolences, stating, “So heartbreaking to hear the news. An inspiration to so many, including myself. I will continue to honor your name and your music. Rest easy Kavinsky.”