Kavinsky, French DJ and Synthwave Icon, Dies at 50

French DJ and electro‑house 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 hit with his 2010 track Nightcall, which soundtracked the opening credits to the 2011 stylish neo‑noir crime movie Drive starring Ryan Gosling.

Following its performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony, the modern synthwave cult classic became the most Shazamed song in a single day in the history of the music‑identifying app.

French President Emmanuel Macron led the tributes, posting on Facebook that Kavinsky was "a source of French pride forever".

Cultural Minister Catherine Pégard added on X: "With the sudden passing of Kavinsky, France has lost one of its most unique voices." She noted that from Drive to the Paris Olympics, Nightcall moved the world and that his music will continue to transcend generations and borders.

The Paris prosecutor's office said Kavinsky had been found dead at his home, with early reports suggesting a possible stroke after weeks of headaches. No suspicious items were discovered at the scene and investigators are looking into the cause of death.

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

Kavinsky, the red‑eyed zombie DJ alter ego, is part of the second wave of influential French Touch artists, including Justice and Sebastien.

Nightcall was produced with Daft Punk’s Guy‑Manuel de Homem‑Christo, mixed by Sebastien, and sung by Brazilian singer Lovefoxxx. The track was later covered by London Grammar in 2013, widening its global reach.

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

The late DJ also collaborated with Canadian singer The Weeknd on a version of OutRun, the title track from his 2013 debut album.