French DJ and producer dies after falling from Paris window
French producer and DJ Philippe “Zdar” Cerboneschi has died after accidentally falling from a building in Paris, his agent has said.
Zdar, 50, who is legendary on the electronic music scene, made up one half of music duo Cassius with fellow producer Hubert Blanc-Francard.
The duo were set to release a new album on Friday.
In the early 90s, Zdar also partnered with Etienne de Crécy to form Motorbass, which released one album, Pansoul.
Philippe Zdar (right) and Hubert Blanc-Francard (left) launched Cassius together
Zdar has also lent his producing talents to other artists throughout the years.
He produced and mixed the critically acclaimed Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix album for French indie-rock band Phoenix in 2009, and more recently worked on the upcoming album, A Bathful of Ecstasy, for Hot Chip.
Other collaborations include Kanye West, Robyn, Franz Ferdinand, The Rapture and Cat Power.
Musicians, DJs and producers led the tributes online to the French touch pioneer on Thursday.
Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos said he was “totally devastated” and was “unable to process” the news.
He later added: “Philippe Zdar was a great inspiration, both as a producer, but particularly as a good man and friend.”
“His taste was impeccable and is heard on everything he worked on.
“I will miss him terribly.”
Shocked by the passing of Philippe Zdar. an incredible career and legacy. His work in the early days with Le Funk Mob and Etienne de Crecy gave French electronic music a gold standard that fulfilled its promise through Cassius, Daft Punk and beyond . RIP to the Motorbass
— Gilles Peterson (@gillespeterson) June 20, 2019
RIP Philippe Zdar, a visionary and tectonic force who shaped the geography of modern dance music. I am so sorry to the many friends who mourn his sudden and terrible loss tonight.
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) June 20, 2019
Meanwhile, Phoenix simply shared a blacked-out post on Instagram.
Calvin Harris paid tribute to “an unbelievably lovely man with an incredible legacy”, while The Black Madonna described the Frenchman as a “visionary and tectonic force who shaped the geography of modern dance music”.
Philippe Zdar was a great inspiration, both as a producer, but particularly as a good man and friend.
His taste was impeccable and is heard on everything he worked on.
He had a huge joy for life, generosity and passion.
I will miss him terribly.
— Αλεξ Καπράνος (@alkapranos) June 20, 2019
Hot Chip said the group was “stunned and immensely sad” upon hearing the news of the producer’s death.
“He was a kind, open and endlessly enthusiastic man who brought happiness to everyone around him.”
“Au revoir Philippe, et merci,” the group said.