{"id":2082627,"date":"2026-08-07T13:05:26","date_gmt":"2026-08-07T10:05:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2082627"},"modified":"2026-08-07T13:05:26","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T10:05:26","slug":"tributes-paid-after-death-of-legendary-electronic-producer-william-orbit-age-69-he-never-followed-the-obvious-path","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2082627","title":{"rendered":"Tributes paid after death of legendary electronic producer William Orbit, age 69: \u201cHe never followed the obvious path\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/William-Orbit-2026.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"template-id-2749694\" class=\"post-2749694 tdb_templates type-tdb_templates status-publish post\">\n<div id=\"tdi_65\" class=\"tdc-zone\">\n<div class=\"tdc_zone tdi_66  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div id=\"tdi_67\" class=\"tdc-row stretch_row_1400 td-stretch-content\">\n<div class=\"vc_row tdi_68  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column tdi_70  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-column td-pb-span12\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_breadcrumbs tdi_71 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 tdb-breadcrumbs \" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_71\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span>News<\/span><i class=\"tdb-bread-sep td-icon-right\"><\/i><span>Music News<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_title tdi_72 tdb-single-title td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_72\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Tributes paid after death of legendary electronic producer William Orbit, age 69: \u201cHe never followed the obvious path\u201d<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_subtitle tdi_73 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_73\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<p>The electronic producer was best known for his work on Madonna&#8217;s &#8216;Ray Of Light&#8217;, Blur&#8217;s &#8217;13&#8217; and more<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_author tdi_75 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 tdb-post-meta\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_75\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-author-name-wrap\"><span class=\"tdb-author-by\">By<\/span> Alex Rigotti<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_date tdi_76 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 tdb-post-meta\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_76\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><time class=\"entry-date updated td-module-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-07T14:05:26+01:00\">7th August 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- .\/block --><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"tdi_77\" class=\"tdc-row stretch_row_1400 td-stretch-content\">\n<div class=\"vc_row tdi_78  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column tdi_80  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-column td-pb-span8\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_featured_image tdi_81 tdb-content-horiz-left td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_81\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<figure>\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"696\" height=\"442\" class=\"entry-thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/William-Orbit-2026-696x442.jpg\" alt title=\"Mick Jones&apos; Rock &amp; Roll Public Library - Exhibition &amp; Magazine Launch\"><figcaption class=\"tdb-caption-text\">William Orbit (Photo by Alan Chapman\/Dave Benett\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"vc_row_inner tdi_83 article-content-row vc_row vc_inner wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column_inner tdi_85  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-inner-column td-pb-span12\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_content tdi_86 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 td-post-content tagdiv-type\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_86\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<p>Electronic producer William Orbit has died aged 69.<\/p>\n<p>In a statement posted to social media, Orbit (born William Wainwright) was announced to have passed away at home on July 23. No cause of death was given.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are deeply saddened by his passing,\u201d the statement read. \u201cHe will be greatly missed by us and by so many whose lives he touched through his music, friendship and kindness.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DbvPBoeDCAz\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>A prolific producer in his own right, Orbit worked with a number of musicians including Madonna, Blur, Ricky Martin, Britney Spears and more. He also produced and co-wrote the hit All Saints track \u2018Pure Shores\u2019 \u2013 which famously featured in <em>The Beach<\/em> starring Leonardo DiCaprio \u2013 and worked with U2 to produce a version of their song \u2018Electrical Storm\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Melanie C, who worked with him for her debut album \u2018Northern Star\u2019, is among those paying tribute. She wrote: \u201cSuch an honour to have worked with this great man. Sending all my love xxx\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Rowetta shared that she was \u201csuch a huge fan\u201d of the producer and \u201cused to get ready\u201d to his music and \u201csing along every night\u201d, and DJ Dave Pearce wrote on X that the late artist had \u201cincredible talent\u201d that \u201chis production skills were responsible for so many amazing tracks over the years\u201d.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Such a huge fan of @WilliamOrbit \ud83c\udfb5 \ud83d\ude4c\ud83c\udffd\ud83d\ude4c\ud83c\udffd\ud83d\ude4c\ud83c\udffd<br \/>I used to get ready to this tune &amp; sing along every night at one time. <\/p>\n<p>RIP #WilliamOrbit #Legend \ud83d\ude4c\ud83c\udffd\u2764\ufe0f\ud83d\udd4a\ufe0f <\/p>\n<p>Sending my love &amp; condolences to his loved ones \u2764\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/hlRynG67sg<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Rowetta\ud83c\udf99 (@Rowetta) August 7, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Sad to learn of the passing of music legend William Orbit an incredible talent his production skills were responsible for so many amazing tracks over the years \/ I will be playing his Adagioforstrings (ferry mix) as tribute tonight  thoughts with his family and friends x pic.twitter.com\/sAu4fWHqTG<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Dave Pearce (@dj_davepearce) August 7, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>DJ Ferry Corsten took to Instagram and shared: \u201cHe had a truly unique way of looking at music. He never followed the obvious path. He constantly challenged convention, embraced the unexpected, and created sounds that felt years ahead of their time. Every time we worked together, I walked away inspired. Not just by his incredible talent, but by his curiosity, his openness, and the fearless way he approached creativity.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Erol Alkan also paid tribute to the producer on the Instagram post, writing: \u201cIncredible producer. Made so many records I love. My sincerest condolences. RIP.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Kelly Lee Owens wrote that she was \u201cso saddened\u201d to hear the news and added that she \u201cloved and admired his work my whole life\u201d, while producer and musician Martyn Ware simply wrote: \u201cRest In Peace my good friend\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Sleaford Mods took to X and wrote: \u201cBit late ere but very sad to hear William Orbit<br \/>\nhas passed. RIP,\u201d and DJ Chicane shared: \u201cSo terrifically sad to hear about dear William Orbit, he was a gentleman and genius\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>In the comment section of the original post, Fatboy Slim shared: \u201cRest in peace, my friend. You were a trailblazer and a gentleman. We owe you a debt of gratitude,\u201d Skunk Anansie\u2018s Skin wrote: \u201cBeen dancing to his music for literally decades, thank you for all the great music we shall have forever\u201d, and Alison Goldfrapp commented: \u201cOh gosh\u2026this is sad news indeed.. much love to his friends and family\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Read a list of tributes to the acclaimed producer below.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">I am so saddened to hear of the passing of William Orbit. I loved &amp; admired his work my whole life. ln 2023 I had the privilege of meeting him for lunch while working on Dreamstate. He was open to working together, which for me was an unbelievable moment. Thank you William \u2013 for\u2026<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Kelly Lee Owens (@kellyleeowens) August 7, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Rest In Peace<br \/>my good friend <br \/>William Orbit<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Martyn Ware \ud83e\udd89 (@martynware) August 7, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DbvVQ8otxKk\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DbvWOQYIoRj\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">So terrifically sad to hear about dear William Orbit, he was a gentleman &amp; genius \ud83d\ude14 We worked together on a few projects, he was also the man that reinvented \u2018Adagio for strings\u2019 which went bananas as we all know..  Rest in peace mate \ud83d\ude4f\ud83d\ude13<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Chicane \/\/ Nick B (@NickChicane) August 7, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Wainwright was born to two schoolteachers in London on December 15 1956. He first started making music as Torch Song in 1980, teaming up with electronic musicians Laurie Mayer and Grant Gilbert. Their hits included \u2018Prepare to Energize\u2019, which was featured in the movie <em>Bachelor Party<\/em>, while Mayer and Wainwright would compose the scores for the movies\u00a0<em>Youngblood (<\/em>1986) together.<\/p>\n<p>They also founded Guerilla Studios together, which would birth Wainwright\u2019s label, Guerilla Records.<\/p>\n<p>During the \u201990s, Wainwright also formed the group Bassomatic featuring Canadian vocalist Sharon Musgrave and rapper MC Inna Onestep. He would also remix the Madonna songs \u2018Justify My Love\u2019 and \u2018Erotica\u2019, which would lead to their eventual collaboration.<\/p>\n<p>In 1993, he began work on then-girlfriend Beth Orton\u2019s debut album, \u2018Superpinkymandy\u2019, which spawned the opening track \u2018She Cries Your Name\u2019 on her second album \u2018Trailer Park\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Then, in 1998, he was the executive producer of Madonna\u2019s album \u2018Ray Of Light\u2019. The album was praised for its innovative blend of trip-hop, new age and techno influences, going on to win three Grammys at the 1999 ceremony.\u00a0 Upon its release, that album debuted at Number Two on the US Billboard 200, with the biggest first-week sales by a female artist at the time. It also peaked at Number One in 17 countries.<\/p>\n<p>He went on to work with Madonna on the albums \u2018Music\u2019 and \u2018MDNA\u2019. In a Facebook post, he\u00a0also claimed to have written a \u201csuccessor\u201d to \u2018Ray of Light\u2019, but said he had \u201cnil response\u201d from the popstar.<\/p>\n<p>In the same post, Wainwright went on to add that he was writing a book chronicling his experience in the music industry.<\/p>\n<p>Wainwright would also transform Blur\u2019s sound on the 1999 album \u201913\u2019, pivoting away from the Britpop sound that the band became famous for and gearing more towards electronica and art-rock.<\/p>\n<p>It was during this year that his dance take on Samuel Barber\u2019s \u2018Adagio for Strings\u2019 went to the UK Top Five, thanks to a trance remix by Ferry Corsten.<\/p>\n<p>From there, Wainwright would work with Britney Spears on her album \u2018Britney Jean\u2019, along with producing the Queen song \u2018There Must Be More to Life Than This\u2019 using archive vocals by Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson. He also produced the U2 song \u2018The Hands That Built America\u2019, which appeared on the soundtrack to the film <em>Gangs Of New York<\/em>. His last credited work was with All Saints on their 2018 album \u2018Testament\u2019.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_tags tdi_87 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_87\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<ul class=\"tdb-tags\">\n<li><span>Related Topics<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Dance<\/li>\n<li>Electronic<\/li>\n<li>Pop<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper td_block_wrap vc_raw_html tdi_89 \">\n<div class=\"td-fix-index\">\n<h3>You May Also Like<\/h3>\n<div id=\"taboola-below-article\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"vc_column tdi_91  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-column td-pb-span4 td-is-sticky\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"td-a-rec td-a-rec-id-sidebar  tdi_92 td_block_template_2\">\n<p><span class=\"td-adspot-title\">Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-sidebar-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div 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\u201ca way to bypass the creative process\u201d<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/audrey-nuna@2000x1270-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/audrey-nuna@2000x1270-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">\u2018KPop Demon Hunters\u2019 singer\u2019 Audrey Nuna captures \u201cfeeling of redemption, of validation, of the tides finally turning\u201d on bold new single \u2018superHuman\u2019<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Peter-Katsis@2000x1270-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Peter-Katsis@2000x1270-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Tributes paid after Smashing Pumpkins, Morrissey, Backstreet Boys manager Peter Katsis dies, aged 69<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Madonna-and-Kylie-2026-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Madonna-and-Kylie-2026-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Madonna and Kylie Minogue team up for \u2018Love Sensation (Afterhours remix)\u2019<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/avalanches@2000x1270-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/avalanches@2000x1270-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">The Avalanches announce new album \u2018No Bad Memories\u2019 inspired by jingles and start-up sounds, share lively single \u2018Can\u2019t Get Over Losing You\u2019<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Lindsay-Buckingham-2026-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Lindsay-Buckingham-2026-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Lindsey Buckingham\u2019s alleged stalker ruled unfit to stand trial<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>                    <span class=\"td-page-meta\"><\/span><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><\/span>                <\/article>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_content tdi_86 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 td-post-content tagdiv-type\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_86\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<p>Electronic producer William Orbit has died aged 69.<\/p>\n<p>In a statement posted to social media, Orbit (born William Wainwright) was announced to have passed away at home on July 23. No cause of death was given.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are deeply saddened by his passing,\u201d the statement read. \u201cHe will be greatly missed by us and by so many whose lives he touched through his music, friendship and kindness.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DbvPBoeDCAz\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>A prolific producer in his own right, Orbit worked with a number of musicians including Madonna, Blur, Ricky Martin, Britney Spears and more. He also produced and co-wrote the hit All Saints track \u2018Pure Shores\u2019 \u2013 which famously featured in <em>The Beach<\/em> starring Leonardo DiCaprio \u2013 and worked with U2 to produce a version of their song \u2018Electrical Storm\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Melanie C, who worked with him for her debut album \u2018Northern Star\u2019, is among those paying tribute. She wrote: \u201cSuch an honour to have worked with this great man. Sending all my love xxx\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Rowetta shared that she was \u201csuch a huge fan\u201d of the producer and \u201cused to get ready\u201d to his music and \u201csing along every night\u201d, and DJ Dave Pearce wrote on X that the late artist had \u201cincredible talent\u201d that \u201chis production skills were responsible for so many amazing tracks over the years\u201d.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Such a huge fan of @WilliamOrbit \ud83c\udfb5 \ud83d\ude4c\ud83c\udffd\ud83d\ude4c\ud83c\udffd\ud83d\ude4c\ud83c\udffd<br \/>I used to get ready to this tune &amp; sing along every night at one time. <\/p>\n<p>RIP #WilliamOrbit #Legend \ud83d\ude4c\ud83c\udffd\u2764\ufe0f\ud83d\udd4a\ufe0f <\/p>\n<p>Sending my love &amp; condolences to his loved ones \u2764\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/hlRynG67sg<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Rowetta\ud83c\udf99 (@Rowetta) August 7, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Sad to learn of the passing of music legend William Orbit an incredible talent his production skills were responsible for so many amazing tracks over the years \/ I will be playing his Adagioforstrings (ferry mix) as tribute tonight  thoughts with his family and friends x pic.twitter.com\/sAu4fWHqTG<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Dave Pearce (@dj_davepearce) August 7, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>DJ Ferry Corsten took to Instagram and shared: \u201cHe had a truly unique way of looking at music. He never followed the obvious path. He constantly challenged convention, embraced the unexpected, and created sounds that felt years ahead of their time. Every time we worked together, I walked away inspired. Not just by his incredible talent, but by his curiosity, his openness, and the fearless way he approached creativity.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Erol Alkan also paid tribute to the producer on the Instagram post, writing: \u201cIncredible producer. Made so many records I love. My sincerest condolences. RIP.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Kelly Lee Owens wrote that she was \u201cso saddened\u201d to hear the news and added that she \u201cloved and admired his work my whole life\u201d, while producer and musician Martyn Ware simply wrote: \u201cRest In Peace my good friend\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Sleaford Mods took to X and wrote: \u201cBit late ere but very sad to hear William Orbit<br \/>\nhas passed. RIP,\u201d and DJ Chicane shared: \u201cSo terrifically sad to hear about dear William Orbit, he was a gentleman and genius\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>In the comment section of the original post, Fatboy Slim shared: \u201cRest in peace, my friend. You were a trailblazer and a gentleman. We owe you a debt of gratitude,\u201d Skunk Anansie\u2018s Skin wrote: \u201cBeen dancing to his music for literally decades, thank you for all the great music we shall have forever\u201d, and Alison Goldfrapp commented: \u201cOh gosh\u2026this is sad news indeed.. much love to his friends and family\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Read a list of tributes to the acclaimed producer below.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">I am so saddened to hear of the passing of William Orbit. I loved &amp; admired his work my whole life. ln 2023 I had the privilege of meeting him for lunch while working on Dreamstate. He was open to working together, which for me was an unbelievable moment. Thank you William \u2013 for\u2026<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Kelly Lee Owens (@kellyleeowens) August 7, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Rest In Peace<br \/>my good friend <br \/>William Orbit<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Martyn Ware \ud83e\udd89 (@martynware) August 7, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DbvVQ8otxKk\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DbvWOQYIoRj\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">So terrifically sad to hear about dear William Orbit, he was a gentleman &amp; genius \ud83d\ude14 We worked together on a few projects, he was also the man that reinvented \u2018Adagio for strings\u2019 which went bananas as we all know..  Rest in peace mate \ud83d\ude4f\ud83d\ude13<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Chicane \/\/ Nick B (@NickChicane) August 7, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Wainwright was born to two schoolteachers in London on December 15 1956. He first started making music as Torch Song in 1980, teaming up with electronic musicians Laurie Mayer and Grant Gilbert. Their hits included \u2018Prepare to Energize\u2019, which was featured in the movie <em>Bachelor Party<\/em>, while Mayer and Wainwright would compose the scores for the movies\u00a0<em>Youngblood (<\/em>1986) together.<\/p>\n<p>They also founded Guerilla Studios together, which would birth Wainwright\u2019s label, Guerilla Records.<\/p>\n<p>During the \u201990s, Wainwright also formed the group Bassomatic featuring Canadian vocalist Sharon Musgrave and rapper MC Inna Onestep. He would also remix the Madonna songs \u2018Justify My Love\u2019 and \u2018Erotica\u2019, which would lead to their eventual collaboration.<\/p>\n<p>In 1993, he began work on then-girlfriend Beth Orton\u2019s debut album, \u2018Superpinkymandy\u2019, which spawned the opening track \u2018She Cries Your Name\u2019 on her second album \u2018Trailer Park\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Then, in 1998, he was the executive producer of Madonna\u2019s album \u2018Ray Of Light\u2019. The album was praised for its innovative blend of trip-hop, new age and techno influences, going on to win three Grammys at the 1999 ceremony.\u00a0 Upon its release, that album debuted at Number Two on the US Billboard 200, with the biggest first-week sales by a female artist at the time. It also peaked at Number One in 17 countries.<\/p>\n<p>He went on to work with Madonna on the albums \u2018Music\u2019 and \u2018MDNA\u2019. In a Facebook post, he\u00a0also claimed to have written a \u201csuccessor\u201d to \u2018Ray of Light\u2019, but said he had \u201cnil response\u201d from the popstar.<\/p>\n<p>In the same post, Wainwright went on to add that he was writing a book chronicling his experience in the music industry.<\/p>\n<p>Wainwright would also transform Blur\u2019s sound on the 1999 album \u201913\u2019, pivoting away from the Britpop sound that the band became famous for and gearing more towards electronica and art-rock.<\/p>\n<p>It was during this year that his dance take on Samuel Barber\u2019s \u2018Adagio for Strings\u2019 went to the UK Top Five, thanks to a trance remix by Ferry Corsten.<\/p>\n<p>From there, Wainwright would work with Britney Spears on her album \u2018Britney Jean\u2019, along with producing the Queen song \u2018There Must Be More to Life Than This\u2019 using archive vocals by Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson. He also produced the U2 song \u2018The Hands That Built America\u2019, which appeared on the soundtrack to the film <em>Gangs Of New York<\/em>. His last credited work was with All Saints on their 2018 album \u2018Testament\u2019.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.nme.com\/news\/music\/william-orbit-has-died-aged-69-3961369&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/William-Orbit-2026.jpg&#8221;] NewsMusic News Tributes paid after death of legendary electronic producer William Orbit, age 69: \u201cHe never followed the obvious path\u201d The electronic producer was best known for his work on Madonna&#8217;s &#8216;Ray Of Light&#8217;, Blur&#8217;s &#8217;13&#8217; and more By Alex Rigotti 7th August 2026 William Orbit (Photo by Alan Chapman\/Dave Benett\/Getty Images) [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,78],"class_list":["post-2082627","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-nme-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2082627","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2082627"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2082627\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2082627"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2082627"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2082627"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}