French DJ Kavinsky found dead at 50 in Paris

Jul 29, 2026

French electronic musician Kavinsky, born Vincent Belorgey, has been found dead in Paris at age 50. An investigation is underway, though a stroke is suspected. Kavinsky was famed for his 2010 track "Nightcall," which gained global recognition from the film *Drive* and became the most Shazamed song in a day after his 2024 Olympics performance. President Emmanuel Macron called him "a source of French pride forever."

Kavinsky death details

▪The Paris prosecutor's office opened an investigation to determine the cause of death.
▪First responders found "no suspicious elements" at the scene of Vincent Belorgey's death.
▪Vincent Belorgey had reportedly been complaining of headaches in the days before his death.
▪French DJ Kavinsky, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, was found dead at his home in Paris at age 50.
▪A police source indicated a stroke was the suspected cause of death.

Nightcall in Drive film

▪After a performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony, "Nightcall" became the most Shazamed song in a single day.
▪Kavinsky performed "Nightcall" at the 2024 Olympics with the band Phoenix and Belgian singer Angèle.
▪Kavinsky's 2010 track "Nightcall" gained global fame after being featured in the 2011 film Drive, starring Ryan Gosling.
▪"Nightcall" was co-produced with Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo of Daft Punk and featured vocals by Brazilian singer Lovefoxxx.

Music career discography

▪Kavinsky released five EPs and two albums on the Record Makers label, including his 2022 album "Reborn".
▪Kavinsky's debut album, "Outrun," reached No. 2 in the French album charts.
▪Kavinsky was considered part of the second wave of "French Touch" electronic artists, along with Justice and Sebastian.
▪A self-taught pianist, Vincent Belorgey began his music career in the early 2000s, opening for the French duo Daft Punk.

1980s aesthetic influences

▪In a 2013 interview, Kavinsky explained his influences came from the 1980s because he was "from the 80s".
▪The Kavinsky character's concept was detailed in his debut album, "Outrun."
▪Kavinsky's sound and fashion were heavily influenced by 1980s cinematic synths.
▪Kavinsky's musical persona was a red-eyed zombie who crashed a Ferrari Testarossa in the 1980s and returned as a DJ in the 2000s.

Tributes from officials

▪French culture minister Catherine Pégard said Kavinsky's music will "continue to resonate across generations and borders."
▪French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Kavinsky, calling him "a source of French pride forever".