
Entertainment
Share
Published 16:31 7 Aug 2026 BST
Updated 15:47 7 Aug 2026 BST

William Orbit, the Grammy-winning musician and producer best known for his work with Madonna, All Saints and his work with Blur, has died at the age of 69. His family confirmed the news in a statement posted to his Instagram account on Friday.
One of British pop’s most influential studio figures, Orbit passed away at home on 23 July 2026, according to the statement, with the family confirming his death publicly some two weeks later. As Variety reported, a cause of death was not given.
A Grammy winner, Orbit spent decades in the studio working with some of the biggest names in pop, and his passing has been mourned by fans of the artists he helped shape.
It is with profound sadness that the family and friends of William Orbit announce that William passed away at home on 23rd July 2026. 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.
The statement, shared on Orbit’s official Instagram account on Friday, asked that the privacy of his relatives and close friends be respected “during this difficult time”. No further details about a memorial or tributes had been shared at the time of writing, and it remains to be seen how the wider music world will mark the loss of one of its quietly influential figures.
Explore more on these topics:
Journalist who broke Daniel Craig’s Bond casting news says he knows who next 007 is
It isn’t the current favourite for the role… Despite Slow Horses star Jack Lowden being the bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond, the man who first revealed Craig would take on the iconic role believes someone else will be named 007. Back in 2006, Showbiz411 reporter Roger Friedman was the very first […]
Entertainment
2 days ago
John Lewis advert 2026: Kristin Scott Thomas is the glamorous gran on a gift hunt
Kristin Scott Thomas goes on a last-minute Christmas shopping mission John Lewis has launched its 2026 Christmas advert, with Kristin Scott Thomas starring as a grandmother on a mission to find a memorable present for her grandchildren. The campaign marks the 20th anniversary of the retailer’s festive adverts and centres on Gloria, who is struggling […]
Entertainment
2 days ago
Entertainment
BBC issues Celebrity Traitors statement after James Acaster announcement sees filming suddenly halted
Entertainment