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How did Vangelis die? Iconic 'Blade Runner' composer could not read or write music

Largely, a self-taught musician, he composed music for films like ‘The Bounty’, ‘Francesco’, ‘Bitter Moon’ and others

Iconic music composer Vangelis, who was best known for his Academy Award-winning composition ‘Chariots of Fire’ in 1981 and 1982’s ‘Blade Runner’ died at the age of 79. Citing Athens News Agency, Reuters reported about the Greek musician’s death revealing that he breathed his last at a French hospital. There has been no official statement from his family or friends on social media, so far.  
 
The news of Vangeli’s death comes months after the legendary actor and comedian Louie Anderson died on January 21. He was admitted to the hospital days earlier after being diagnosed with cancer but sadly could not make it. Speaking of celebrity deaths,Bob Saget is another icon that Hollywood lost on January 9. Betty White died at 99 of natural causes on December 31, 2021. Chick Vennera, DMX, Jay Black, and Jeanette Maus are other public figures who passed away last year leaving their loyal fans devastated.

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How did Vangelis die?

Vangelis was born on 29 March 1943 in Agria, a coastal town in Magnesia, Thessaly, Greece, but was raised in Athens. He got inclined towards music at the young age of four composing on the family piano. Largely, a self-taught musician, he composed music for films like ‘The Bounty’, ‘Francesco’, ‘Bitter Moon’, ‘1492: Conquest of Paradise’ and ‘Alexander.’ Interestingly, he could never read or write music. Apart from winning an Oscar, the legendary Greek musician was also nominated for a Golden Globe and Bafta for his work on Sir Ridley Scott's science fiction thriller, ‘Blade Runner’.
 
Speaking of his death, the cause behind his unfortunate demise was not revealed. MEAWW will keep you posted. Greek Prime Minister took to Twitter to pay the final condolences to Vangelis saying, “Vangelis Papathanassiou is no longer with us. The world of music has lost the international (artist) Vangelis."

‘His beautiful synth scores will always stand the test of time’

Tributes poured in for Vangelis on Twitter as one of the users stated, “We are so very sad to hear of the passing of the genius synth icon Vangelis. His film scores, solo music and songs with Jon Anderson were truly inspirational.” Another posted, “Vangelis has produced music arguably more iconic than the films they belong to, His beautiful synth scores will always stand the test of time. RIP.”
 
One user shared, “Dear Vangelis, We will all remember your unique touch and your moving melodies forever. You & I have always shared the same passion for synthesizers and electronic music since so long…May you Rest In Peace, JMJ x.” The next one tweeted, “R.I.P. Vangelis . An astounding original talent who’s groundbreaking synthesiser and orchestral music became the inspiration for so many musicians and composers . A huge loss to the arts as well as to everyone who loved his work.” Another shared, “Rest in peace Vangelis. brilliant composer & performer, OG psychedelic freak lifetimes ago, peerless gear head, merciless puller of our heartstrings”, as one concluded, “Oh man. Vangelis. One of my all time heroes. He changed everything. Very very sad to hear.”