Paris (AFP)
Philippe Cerboneschi, known as "Zdar", a member of duo Cassius, pioneer of the French Touch of Electro, died accidentally of a fall of a Parisian building, Wednesday evening, announced to AFP his agent.
"He made an accidental fall, through the window of a high floor of a Parisian building," said Sebastien Farran, without further details.
Philippe Cerboneschi composed since 1996 with Hubert Blanc-Francard the duo Cassius, become essential on the French electronic scene from the publication of their first album "1999" released the same year and mixing hip hop, house and funk.
They had met a few years earlier, when "Zdar" was already working as a sound engineer for artists like Serge Gainsbourg and had created Motorbass, a first duet with Etienne de Crécy.
Three other studio albums by Cassius will follow: "Au rêve" in 2002, "15 Again" which marked a turn towards rock in 2006 with the single "Toop Toop" and "Ibifornia" in 2016.
Major actor of the French Touch, "Zdar" has also collaborated extensively with various artists, such as the Beastie Boys, Phenix, The Rapture, Cat Power, Chrome, Tiga, M or Franz Ferdinand.
"His friends and his heart are joining his family to witness their infinite sadness.This evening the music has lost a genius," the statement added.
Philippe Cerboneschi was 50 years old.
? 2019 AFP