German Trance Producer Stevie B-Zet Dies At Age 62

German trance music has lost one of its pioneers as Stevie B-Zet, also known as Steffen Britzke, passed away at the age of 62.

His death was announced on Facebook last week by close friend and collaborator Ralf Hildenbeutel, who penned an emotional tribute expressing his shock and sharing fond memories of their shared experiences over the years.

“Farewell Steffen, I have no real words and it’s still a shock that Steffen, our Stevie B-Zet, has passed away,” he wrote.

“When we met I was 17, we’ve done and experienced so much together. We played in the same band when I was still in school, [then] the incredible Eye Q years, the Schallbau era and lots of film scores together… My thoughts to his beloved ones.”

No cause of death has been given at this time.

German DJ Sven Väth — with whom B-Zet formed the project Astral Pilot — also took to social media to praise the late DJ as “an exceptionally talented musician” and “a wonderful person”.

“With deepest sorrow, today I remember our beloved friend and music partner, Steffen Britzke, known under the artist name Steve B-Zet,” he began.

“Countless hours we spent in the studio, laughing, dreaming, and making music. Steffen had the gift of immersing himself in the music and shaping it with his unique intuition and passion… [I] also cherish the wonderful hours we spent under the magical moonlight in Ibiza, enjoying the Balearic sound and strengthening our friendship.”

“Dear Steffen, you will leave a void in our hearts that no one can fill. But our shared memories and unforgettable moments will accompany us forever. Your music will continue to resonate in our souls and connect us with your spirit,” he added.

“Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends… Thank you, Steffen, for all the beauty you brought into our lives. Rest in peace, dear friend.”

DJ Christian Smith also took to Twitter (Now X) to remember Stevie B-Zet as one of the innovators of the genre “before it became saturated and commercialised” while sharing the late DJ’s track Blue Illusion.

R.I.P Stevie B-Zet!!!! One of the trance innovators before the genre became saturated and commercialised. https://t.co/LeZEtmLq5h

— CHRISTIAN SMITH (@CSmithLIVE) August 3, 2023

B-Zet’s contribution to the early '90s trance music scene helped shape the genre into what it is today, with his career spanning several decades during which his unique sound and collaborations made a lasting impact on the industry.

In the early '90s, he played a crucial role in pioneering the sound and pushing the boundaries of the genre and working alongside collaborations with renowned artists.

He was best known for tracks Everlasting Pictures (Right Through Infinity), No Fate, and 1994's Blue Illusion, as well as his collaborative with with Väth for the score of the 1996 thriller film Der Kalte Finger.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time.