29 July 2026
The artist had reportedly suffered headaches for several days before his death, according to Le Figaro
French electronic artist Kavinsky, best known for the global success of his 2010 single ‘Nightcall’, has died at the age of 50.
Police confirmed that the DJ and producer, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, was found dead at his home in Paris on 28 July. Authorities said an inquiry has been opened to determine the cause and circumstances of his death after first responders found no suspicious elements at the scene.
Although Kavinsky had already established himself within France's electronic music scene, it was ‘Nightcall’ that propelled him onto the international stage. The track featured prominently in the soundtrack to Nicolas Winding Refn's neon-hued 2011 action-drama Drive, becoming inseparable from the film's cult status and introducing his cinematic blend of synthwave, electro and French house to a global audience.
Sources cited by Le Figaro claimed Belorgey had experienced headaches for several days before his death and reportedly believed he may have suffered a stroke. Police have not publicly commented on those claims.
Inspired by the French house movement of the early 2000s, Kavinsky developed a distinctive retro-futurist sound that drew equally from vintage film scores and electronic music. Across his career, he collaborated with artists including Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo of Daft Punk and The Weeknd, while 'Nightcall' went on to chart across Europe and earn a place in Billboard's Top 100.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
