Music producer William Orbit has died aged 69.
On Friday it was confirmed the producer, who worked with acts including Madonna, Pink, U2, Britney Spears, Blur and All Saints, had passed away on 23 July.
A statement posted on his social media announced Orbit had died at his home, with no cause of death given.
“It is with profound sadness that the family and friends with of William Orbit announce that William died at home on 23rd July 2026,” the statement read.
“We are deeply saddened by his passing. He will be greatly missed by us and by so many whose lives he touched through his music, friendship and kindness.
“We kindly ask that the privacy of William’s family and close friends is respected during this difficult time.”
Orbit famously worked with Madonna on her 1998 album Ray of Light, which went on to win a series of Grammy Awards including Best Pop Album.
The album featured some of Madonna’s greatest hits including The Power of Goodbye, Ray of Light and Frozen.
In March this year, Orbit – who also remixed Madonna’s songs Justify My Love and Erotica – ruled out the possibility of working on a follow-up.
“Let’s put this Madonna ROL (Ray of Light) 2.0 thing to rest here and now folks. Can get exhausting. Is not going to happen…,” he insisted on his Facebook page.
“I have an album ready that imho is indeed the successor to ROL. Everything about how it was made and how it sounds yells that from the first few bars. And I reached out. And there has been heard. Nil response.”
Other acts to enjoy chart success with Orbit include All Saints, following the release of the hit singles Pure Shores and Black Coffee.
Britpop group Blur teamed up with Orbit for their 1999 album 13, which featured songs including Tender, and Coffee and TV.
His work also featured on soundtracks for a series of movies including Youngblood, Heat and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.
A host of stars from the music industry have paid tribute to the producer following the news.
Melanie C, who worked with Orbit for her debut album Northern Star, described him as a “great man”.
“Such an honour to have worked with this great man. Sending all my love xxx,” she replied to the announcement.
“He was one of the first people I ever worked with. I am so sad to hear this. Sending all my love to his family. RIP my friend,” Sonique posted.
Producer Ferry Corsten, who worked on a trance remix of Orbit’s iconic dance take on Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings, hailed him as “one of music’s true visionaries” in his tribute via social media.
All Saints’ star Shaznay Lewis, who joined Orbit live on stage for a special rendition of Pure Shores in 2025, responded to the news with a broken heart symbol.
Orbit, real name William Mark Wainwright, was born on 15 December 1956 in London.
As well as producing hits for others, Orbit also released music as a solo artist.
His most recent album was 2022’s The Painter, which featured artists including Beth Orton, Katie Melua and Georgia.
