Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn has paid tribute to French composer and producer Kavinsky, who has died at the age of 50. Kavinsky, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, was found dead at his Paris home on 28 July, with reports suggesting the cause of death was a stroke. His track 'Nightcall' became inseparable from Refn's 2011 film Drive, providing the iconic soundtrack to its opening sequence and helping define the cult classic's tone.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Refn described Kavinsky as "an icon of French pop music" whose cultural influence extended far beyond his association with Drive, and recalled how 'Nightcall' immediately "clicked" when laid over the film's opening. He also spoke warmly of Kavinsky's character, calling him gentle and unassuming despite his success, and said his music would continue to influence other artists. In his final interview with NME, Kavinsky had hinted at a fresh collaboration with The Weeknd, following their 2013 work together on 'Odd Look'.