Kavinsky, the French DJ behind the Nightcall hit that reached audiences through Drive and the Paris Olympics, has died in Paris, according to officials and media reports. He was found dead at his home in the French capital, and tributes quickly followed for the artist whose music helped define a strand of French electronic sound.
The performer’s real name was Vincent Belorgey. His best-known song, Nightcall, had a slow rise after its 2010 release, but it gained wider recognition when it played over the opening credits of the film Drive, starring Ryan Gosling. After he performed the track at the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony, the song became the most Shazamed track in a single day in the app’s history.
French and international figures from music and public life remembered him as a singular presence. David Guetta called him “a true icon of French electronic music,” while The Weeknd said he was “an inspiration.” President Emmanuel Macron said the artist was “a source of French pride forever.” France’s culture minister, Catherine Pégard, said the country had lost “one of its most unique voices.”
The Paris prosecutor’s office said Kavinsky was found dead at home on Tuesday, Reuters and French media reported. The BBC said it had contacted his representatives for confirmation. Le Figaro reported that he had complained of headaches for several days and that authorities believe he may have suffered a stroke. First responders found no suspicious items at the scene, and prosecutors have opened an investigation to determine the cause of death.
Kavinsky’s rise came from the French electronic scene of the early 2000s. A self-taught pianist, he was born in Seine-Saint-Denis on the outskirts of Paris and began his career by opening for Daft Punk. His red-eyed zombie DJ character became part of the second wave of French Touch acts, alongside names such as Justice and Sebastian. He also worked with Daft Punk’s Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, Sebastian, and Brazilian singer Lovefoxxx on Nightcall, while London Grammar later covered the song in 2013.
