​German trance producer Stevie B-Zet has died aged 62

Frankfurt-born trance producer and keyboardist Stevie B-Zet, real name Steffen Britzke, has passed away aged 62.

Britzke’s death was announced on Wednesday, August 2, by a close friend and collaborator, Ralf Hildenbeutel. He told fans: “I have no real words and it’s still a shock that Steffen, our Stevie B-Zet, has passed away last Thursday.”

He continued: “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, than the incredible Eye Q years, the Schallbau era and lots of film scores together.”

During his career, Britzke helped to pioneer the early sound of trance alongside the likes of Sven Väth, a frequent collaborator throughout his life. Together, Väth and B-Zet formed the music project Astral Pilot, while B-Zet would go on to release numerous records on Väth’s Eye Q Records.

In a tribute to the late producer, Väth shared some words yesterday, August 6, on Instagram. “Steffen was not only an exceptionally talented musician but also a wonderful person whose sensitive nature and dedication to music touched us all,” he said.

“Together, we delved into the world of sounds and created the album ‘Electro Acupuncture’ as ‘Astralpilot’, a work that we look back on with pride, a testament to our musical connection and creative synergy.”

Väth went on to add that the pair spent “countless hours” in the studio together, eventually working on a score for the 1996 thriller film Der Kalte Finger.

“We also cherish the wonderful hours we spent under the magical moonlight in Ibiza, enjoying the Balearic sound and strengthening our friendship,” Väth said.

Read some tributes for the late producer and keyboardist below.

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