French DJ Kavinsky, 50, dies after Paris death

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

Born Vincent Belorgey, he first attracted attention with the 2010 track Nightcall, which found a new audience after being used in the 2011 film Drive starring Ryan Gosling. The song made history during the Paris 2024 Olympic closing ceremony, becoming the most Shazamed track in a single day.

President Emmanuel Macron posted on Facebook that Kavinsky was “a source of French pride forever,” while Culture Minister Catherine Pégard wrote on X: “With the sudden passing of Kavinsky, France has lost one of its most unique voices. 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 he was found dead at his home; Reuters and French outlets reported the news. La Figaro noted he had complained of headaches for several days, with authorities suspecting a possible stroke. No suspicious items were found, and a formal inquiry into the cause of death is underway.

Kavinsky, a self‑taught pianist, began his career in the early 2000s, opening for French electro pioneers Daft Punk. His red‑eyed zombie alter‑ego was part of the second wave of influential French Touch artists, alongside Justice and Sebastian. The track Nightcall was produced with Guy‑Manuel de Homem‑Christo, mixed by Sebastian, and sung by Brazilian vocalist Lovefoxxx. It later gained wider attention after a 2013 cover by London Grammar.

At Paris 2024, Belgian singer Angèle performed a version of Nightcall with Kavinsky and French band Phoenix. Kavinsky also collaborated with Canadian singer The Weeknd on a rendition of OutRun, the title track of his 2013 album.