Famed Italian disco and progressive trance DJ and vocalist Franchino has died at the age of 71.
Franchino’s death was announced by his management via a post on Instagram. According to the post, Franchino – real name Francesco Principato – died on Sunday (May 19) after “weeks” of hospitalisation for an illness.
A translation of the statement reads: “With immense sadness and deep sorrow, the family and close friends announce the passing of the beloved Franchino, who passed away today after several weeks in the hospital. You were a special person for all those people who were lucky enough to know you, and you brightened our lives with your smile, your strength and your courage.”
Franchino’s management has also confirmed that a private funeral will be held for his friends and family.
Per a profile on the late DJ and producer by Italian newspaper Il Tirenno, Franchino was diagnosed with carcinoma in the early 2000s, which he reportedly battled until his death. Carcinoma is a form of cancer that begins in cells that make up the skin or the tissue lining organs, such as the liver or kidneys.
Franchino started DJing in 1970 at the 7eleven Disco Club in Florence, Italy before taking on residencies across the country in cities like Tuscany and Elba. After spending a good amount of time in Ibiza, Franchino developed a love for progressive trance and began pioneering the genre in Italy in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
He was known for mixing elements of disco and progressive trance with his own vocals and samples that he often recorded from the crowd at his gigs. Through his vocal work, Franchino was dubbed “the storyteller”, as he told stories of made-up tales during his sets.
As a producer, Franchino has released countless singles and remixes, and most recently released his last album ‘La Macchina Del Tempo’ in 2023.