Collaborators and fans of Cassius react to news of Philippe Zdar's death
Just days before Cassius‘ impending album, Dreems’ release, one half of the French house duo, Philippe “Zdar” Cerboneschi suffered a deadly fall from a Parisian high-rise. An innovative and catalytic force in the French, acid, and nu-disco house spheres, Zdar’s death incited a more-than-audible outcry of grief from his musical counterparts both within the electronic realm and beyond. His production work varied vigorously, including studio work for Phoenix, Beastie Boys, Hot Chip, and France’s MC Solaar, as well as Cassius originals under Ed Banger, helping mold the French Touch movement of the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was 50 years old.
He mixed Needy Girl & Rage for the Euro release of our 1st album. Then he mixed the entire Fancy Footwork album. Then Business Casual. He played a huge role in developing our sound. We’re devastated. RIP Philippe Zdar of Cassius, Motorbass & La Funk Mob, a true musical genius. pic.twitter.com/Y7pNmzREyt
— FUNKLORDZ (@Chromeo) 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
I never met Philippe Zdar but to read all the lovely quotes from people who were his friend and worked with him makes it especially saddening to hear of his death. His music definitely influenced me and many, many others around the world. RIP Philippe xhttps://t.co/Kth9FtIRbG
— Friend Within (@FriendWithin) June 20, 2019
RIP Philippe Zdar, a visionary and tectonic force who shaped the geography of modern dance music. I am so sorry to the many friends who mourn his sudden and terrible loss tonight.
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) June 20, 2019
Will never forget making this and him telling me it made him feel 20 again hence the name of the remix.
In genuine shock 🙁https://t.co/Ovqx9FvMPN
— Oliver Jones (@I_Skream) June 20, 2019
So fucking sad to learn about Philippe Zdar last night. A true, true legend whose influence hangs over not just dance but indie, hip hop, all of it. I remember buying Feeling For You when it first came out and being blown away… My condolences to his family and friends 💔💔💔
— Mark Ronson (@MarkRonson) June 20, 2019
Sad awakening here 🙁 I just heard Philippe Zdar from @CASSIUSOFFICIAL passed away. I can’t stop remembering amazing parties we had all together. All my loving to your family, BoomBass and Pedro. RIP
dg pic.twitter.com/XJwSOmdtSv
— David Guetta (@davidguetta) June 20, 2019
Shocked by the passing of Philippe Zdar. an incredible career and legacy. His work in the early days with Le Funk Mob and Etienne de Crecy gave French electronic music a gold standard that fulfilled its promise through Cassius, Daft Punk and beyond . RIP to the Motorbass
— Gilles Peterson (@gillespeterson) June 20, 2019
Can’t comprehend the news about Philippe Zdar. An absolute musical genius and one of the nicest chaps you could meet. Such a sad day.
— Alex Metric (@Alexmetric) June 20, 2019
RIP Philippe Zdar 😢 a music legend
— Fkj (@Fkjmusic) June 20, 2019
every single mix on ‘wolfgang amadeus phoenix’ is a masterpiece— loud, exciting, wide as hell and never, ever harsh. #zdar
— Rostam (@matsoR) June 20, 2019