Madonna feels “so fortunate” to have identified and labored with William Orbit.
Queen of pop Madonna
The Queen of Pop paid a heartfelt tribute to the producer, whom she collaborated with on Ray Of Gentle, Music, and MDNA, following his dying on July 23 on the age of 69, which was introduced on Friday (07.08.26).
On Saturday (08.08.26), Madonna, 67, took to Instagram and posted a video of her and Orbit accepting an award for Ray of Gentle on the Grammys in 1999, with the caption: “Goodbye – William Orbit.
“I had an epiphany after I met you and began working with you. I realised that music didn’t have to suit into classes or genres. So we created our personal.
“You pressed a magic button within me and I fell right into a galaxy of unrealised goals. Your music gave me a magic carpet to fly on and I visited many locations. Unhappy and Joyful.
“I sang in methods I’d by no means sung earlier than.
“I used phrases with out caring in the event that they made sense or not. In some ways you had been my Ray of Gentle – as was my daughter Lola who was born round this time. (sic)”
She continued: “I used to be beginning a brand new chapter,
“I used to be selecting one other street to stroll down-and you had been proper by my facet together with your crooked enamel and your genius, approach of listening to music.
“The studio was typically church like and I’d sit in silence, ready on your concepts to blow up out of your keyboard or your guitar after which I’d run with them………..
“I miss these days. Solely you would encourage me to write down a music like Drowned World or Swim. You had been so otherworldly. So singular.
“The years handed and I moved on to make music with different individuals, however I’ve by no means forgotten you or the magical time we spent collectively. (sic)”
Madonna concluded: “Goodbye Billy Bubbles.
“I used to be so fortunate to have identified you and fallen down the rabbit gap with you. @williamorbit (sic).”
Months earlier than his passing – the trigger not identified – Orbit revealed he had already written what he thought of a religious observe‑as much as Ray of Gentle, however admitted the venture was “not going to occur” as a result of he had not heard again from her.
The studio wizard shared an extended message on Fb explaining that regardless of his hopes of reconnecting creatively with the music legend, he had not had any contact from her in additional than 20 years.
Orbit wrote in March: “Proper. Let’s put this Madonna ROL 2.0 factor to relaxation right here and now people. Can get exhausting.
“Is NOT going to occur.
“Look, why don’t I simply lay it out, cos I get requested continually.
“I’ve an album prepared that, in my view, is certainly the successor to Ray Of Gentle. Every thing about the way it was made and the way it sounds yells that from the primary few bars. (sic)”
He went on to say he reached out to Madonna however obtained “nil response”, including: “Per week later. I communicate with many near her, together with fam, however haven’t had a single syllable again in over 20 years. There I stated it. (sic)”
Regardless of the shortage of communication, Orbit harassed he holds no resentment: “Zero zero absolute zero laborious emotions. Are you kidding, I’ll all the time love that girl. For actual. She made my profession. However am I crying? Have a look at me. Crying with mirth and glee today. (sic)”
Orbit additionally revealed he was writing a guide, promising it might embody his full story together with “deep chapters”, “pop goss”, cartoon artwork and his trademark humour.
He joked that he had “transitioned now to a person for whom Fs are now not on provide – zero f***s for the music biz. (sic)”
The producer ended his submit with a tongue‑in‑cheek farewell to the concept of working with Madonna once more: “So, for the historical past books, she doesn’t love me any extra – waaaaaaaaah.
“Awww.
“No icon for Billy.
“By no means thoughts, there’ll be one other one alongside.
“For my ROL 2.
“And this time Billy goes full gonzo. (sic)”
It’s unknown how far alongside he was with the tell-all tome earlier than his dying, which was introduced on Friday.
A press release throughout Orbit’s social media pages learn: “It’s with profound disappointment that the household and pals of William Orbit announce that William handed away at residence on twenty third July 2026.
“We’re deeply saddened by his passing. He will likely be tremendously missed by us and by so many whose lives he touched by means of his music, friendship and kindness.
“We kindly ask that the privateness of William’s household and shut pals is revered throughout this troublesome time.”
In addition to his work with Madonna, Orbit is understood for working his magic on data by Blur, U2, Britney Spears, 44, Robbie Williams, 52, Queen, and lots of extra.
