French Producer Martin Solveig Announces Retirement From DJing

Martin Solveig, the acclaimed French producer, singer, and songwriter, has announced his official retirement from the world of DJing.

Solveig shared the news with fans at France’s Les Vieilles Charrues music festival on Saturday (July 19) – his one and only performance of 2025, and first live appearance since November.

“It’s a special moment,” Solveig told the crowd of 70,000, France 24 reported. “All my life, each time I came onstage I told myself: ‘Play like it’s your last concert.’ Just until that moment arrives.

“Some of you have been following me for decades,” he added. “Thank you for coming, I know some have come from far away. Some of you will take my place. Thank you for being here, from the bottom of my heart.”

Solveig later confirmed the news in a social post shared on Tuesday (July 23rd), explaining that he would not, however, be retiring from making music.

“To new beginnings,” he wrote. “I’m leaving the stage with a full heart, stepping aside for the next generation. You’ll find me in the crowd, cheering them on at concerts and festivals.

“Music is my life — and always will be,” he added. “I’ll keep creating, for the joy, for the kids, and for/with artists I look up to.

Per France 24, Les Vieilles Charrues Director Jerome Trehorel explained that the festival was itself unaware they would be hosting Solveig’s final live performance until only recently.

“It was a surprise when he told us several weeks ago that the Vieilles Charrues would be his only concert date this year, and that it would be his last,” Trehorel said. “It’s an immense honour.”

Solveig began DJing at the age of 18 in the early ’90s before rising to fame throughout the early ’00s as a prolific producer and songwriter. Alongside collaborations with names such as David Guetta, Madonna, and Laidback Luke, Solveig released a total of five studio albums, including his most recent, 2023’s Back to Life.

The 2011 single “Hello” (which featured Canadian musician Martina Sorbara’s Dragonette project) became Solveig’s most successful track, peaking at No. 5 in his native France and giving him his sole appearance on the Hot 100 at No. 46.

Solveig also made a small number of appearances on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart across his career, with collaborative singles “All Day and Night” and “Thing For You” reaching No. 14 and No. 19, respectively, in 2019.