Legendary British artist William Orbit, who produced for Madonna, Britney Spears, and more, has passed away at his home in the UK at the age of 69.
Acclaimed British producer William Orbit has died at the age of 69. According to the statement from his family and friends posted earlier today, the GRAMMY Award-winning artist, who worked with notable artists such as Madonna, Britney Spears, Blur, U2, and more, passed away at his home on July 23. No cause of death was given.
“It is with profound sadness that the family and friends of William Orbit announce that William passed away at home on 23rd July 2026,” the statement posted to his social media channels read. “We are deeply saddened by his passing. He will be greatly missed by us and by so many whose lives he touched throug his music, friendship, and kindness.”
William Orbit’s family and close friends have requested privacy during this difficult time.
Many members of the dance music industry, including Fatboy Slim, Goldie, Sister Bliss, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Pig&Dan, and more, have flocked to his post on Instagram to leave their condolences and share stories of time spent with the legendary artist.
“William was a true visionary,” Ferry Corsten commented. “I had the privilege of working with him on Barber’s Adagio For Strings in 1999 — a moment that changed my career and opened many doors in electronic music. I’ll always be grateful for his trust and inspiration.”
The London-born artist was seen as a genius and pioneer by many in the music industry. In the ’80s he teamed up with Laurie Mayer and Grant Gilbert to form electronic/synth group Torch Song, helping usher in the new wave of electronic music in the scene. Orbit would later form Bassomatic in the ’90s, teaming up with Sharon Musgrave and MC Inna Onestep to create house music.
William Orbit’s legacy was further defined by his work with top artists in the realms of pop, rock, and more. He earned six GRAMMY nominations during his career. His work on Madonna’s Ray of Light album in 1999 saw him win two of the nominations for Best Pop Album and Best Dance Recording for its title track, while his third award came from “Beautiful Stranger” in 2000. He would go on to work on select tracks for her other albums, including Music and MDNA.
Artists who Orbit notably worked with throughout the ’90s and ’00s included Blur on their 1999 album 13, as well as U2, No Doubt, Pink, All Saints, Britney Spears, Chris Brown, and Ricky Martin, among others.
The aforementioned “Barber’s Adagio for Strings,” saw Orbit marry his passion for electronic soundscapes with his other love, classical music. This was prominently heard on albums like Pieces in a Modern Style, which saw the likes of Ferry Corsten and ATB remix “Adagio for Strings” and help propel it in the growing trance scene. William Orbit would later compose symphonic work for the Manchester International Festival, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, and more.
In recent years, William Orbit had returned to the electronic side of the spectrum with the release of Starbeam in 2021 and remix of Above & Beyond’s “Sun In Your Eyes” in 2022 on Anjunabeats, while dropping off his final album, The Painter, in 2022.
We here at EDM Identity express our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of William Orbit. He will be greatly missed.
