Beloved musician and record producer William Orbit has died. The news of his death was widely reported on Friday, August 7, after a statement was shared by his loved ones on Instagram. Madonna is among those who have publicly mourned the loss of Orbit.
Madonna Mourns William Orbit
Madonna shared a lengthy tribute to Orbit on Instagram on Saturday, August 8. Her tribute included a throwback video with her onstage accepting an award, and honoring Orbit for his “vision and his brilliance.” Orbit joined her onstage in the clip.
In the caption, Madonna penned a heartbreaking post, remembering someone who was dear to her heart. “Goodbye- William Orbit,” she began. “I had an epiphany when I met you and started working with you. I realized that music did not have to fit into categories or genres. So we created our own. You pressed a magic button inside of me and I fell into a galaxy of unrealized dreams. Your music gave me a magic carpet to fly on and I visited many places. Sad and Joyful.”
She continued, “I sang in ways I’d never sung before. I used words without caring if they made sense or not. In many ways you were my Ray of Light -as was my daughter Lola who was born around this time. I was starting a new chapter, I was choosing another road to walk down-and you were right by my side with your crooked teeth and your genius, way of hearing music. The studio was often church like and I would sit in silence, waiting for your ideas to explode out of your keyboard or your guitar and then I would run with them.”
The “Like a Prayer” singer reflected on how she missed those days, and credited Orbit for inspiring her to write songs like “Drowned World” and “Swim” from the 1998 album, “Ray of Light.” The album was her seventh studio album. Madonna continued, describing Oribit as “otherworldly. So singular.” And while they parted ways professionally, she always remembered their time together.
She concluded, “I was so lucky to have known you and fallen down the rabbit hole with you.”
Fans Show Suppport For Madonna’s Heartfelt Tribute
GettyFans reacted to Madonna’s post with supportive and loving comments. “This is heartbreaking. What you and William created together was pure magic — Ray of Light isn’t just an album, it’s a world, a feeling, a moment in time that still sounds extraordinary all these years later,” a comment reads.
“Your legacy together has touched the world and will live forever,” Bravo’s Andy Cohen reacted.
Other comments include, “One of the best albums of all time. RIP William Orbit,” “He was a genius! May his soul rest in peace,” and “A Musical Genius! One of my favorite albums Ever!!! RIP William Orbit.”
William Orbit Passes Away
Orbit’s loved ones shared their “profound sadness” and reflected on the impact that Orbit had on the lives of so many. “He will be greatly missed by us and by so many whose lives he touched through his music, friendship and kindness,” the statement on Instagram reads. Orbit died on July 23 at age 69. No cause of death was given.
Fans have flooded social media with their own tributes for Orbit, and he will be missed by many.
