Music
20 Jun 19

Cassius's Philippe Zdar dies in fall from Paris building

The French producer worked for some of the biggest names in music, including Kanye West and Phoenix.

French DJ and producer Philippe Zdar has died after accidentally falling from a building in Paris, his agent has said.

Sebastien Farran, Cassius’ rep, said: "He made an accidental fall, through the window of a high floor of a Parisian building."

Zdar was known for his work as one part of the musical duo Cassius.

Zdar, born Philippe Cerboneschi, and Hubert Blanc-Francard originally produced tracks for the French rapper MC Solaar before founding Cassius in 1989.

Fusing disco and acid house, Cassius - named in homage to US boxing legend Cassius Clay - emerged as part of a new wave of French dance music in the late 90s, alongside acts like Daft Punk and Air.

Cassius was renowned for his work with some of the biggest names in music, including Beastie Boys and Franz Ferdinand. Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand spoke to Hot Press extensively last year about his work with Philippe. He told us, "Philip has that sonic beauty...but he’s also lush and very human, a master of the dancefloor – he comes from that French scene, and is a DJ himself – and brings the party with him.”

Cassius are due to release an album this week - their first for three years - which Philippe had previously described as a return to form for them.

Tributes have been pouring in from those who worked with Philippe Zdar.

Amongst them were words from Calvin Harris, Rostam, and Alex Kapranos.

Kapranos wrote: "Totally devastated by the loss of my friend Phillipe Zdar.

"Can’t really process it at the moment. Just feel awful.

"My heart goes out to his dear family and friends."

Calvin Harris said:

"Awful news about Phillipe Zdar, what an unbelievably lovely man with an incredible legacy.I was mesmerized by Cassius 1999 as a 15 year old."

Totally devastated by the loss of my friend Phillipe Zdar.

Can’t really process it at the moment. Just feel awful.

— Αλεξ Καπράνος (@alkapranos) June 20, 2019

Awful news about Phillipe Zdar, what an unbelievably lovely man with an incredible legacy. I was mesmerized by this record as a 15 year old https://t.co/H79OZ19Nxq

— Calvin Harris (@CalvinHarris) June 20, 2019