​Pioneering disco DJ and vocalist Franchino has died aged 71

Pioneering disco DJ and vocalist Franchino has died aged 71 after suffering a long-term illness, his family and friends have confirmed.

The Tuscany-born artist passed away yesterday, May 19, according to a post on his official Instagram page. “With immense sadness and deep pain, the family and closest friends communicate the passing of their beloved Franchino”.

The statement also adds that Franchino’s passing followed “weeks of hospitalisation”. In a translation from Italian, it reads: “You were a special person for all those who were lucky enough to know you and you lit up our lives with your smile, your strength and your courage.”

“Have a safe trip Franco, you will always remain in our hearts. Live to live... The funeral will be held in a strictly private form."

According to Italian newspaper Il Tirreno, Franchino had suffered a “bad illness" for some time before his passing, but “fought like a lion”, per his manager, Leonardo Brogi.

Franchino began DJing in 1970 and soon took up a residency at Capo Nord nightclub in Portofino. Each year until 1987, he would split his time between the island of Elba and Bahia in Brazil, where he performed as a singer in a blues group.

After several trips to Ibiza in the late ‘80s, Franchino fell in love with dance music and began working alongside Club 64 resident DJ MIKI, performing as a vocalist on his tracks.

Franchino also used aliases including Liquid Sky, Mr. Frank, and DJ FG throughout his career. He would become renowned for his innovative use of sampling, taking field recordings and sound effects from crowds during his performances to use in his music - something that had rarely been done before.

With his own style of progressive trance and disco often vocalised by himself, Franchino was dubbed ‘the storyteller’ by fans. During his 50-year career, he released countless tracks, remixes, and albums.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter