Lucian Piane, the producer and songwriter who found success crafting hits for drag superstar RuPaul, has died aged 46.
Piane was killed in a traffic accident on 12 October. He was reportedly struck by a car in the Los Angeles suburb of Glendale and later died from his injuries. The Glendale Fire Department confirmed it responded to a reported traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at the intersection of San Fernando Road and Harvard Street at approximately 4.15am local time on Monday.
Piane crafted many hits for RuPaul and was best known for serving as music producer on the first eight seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race. He also wrote and produced three albums for the drag icon: Champion (2009), Glamazon (2011), and Born Naked (2014).
Among the best-known songs he wrote and produced are “Cover Girl” and “Sissy That Walk”. He also appeared as a judge on the show on several occasions.
Through his work with RuPaul, Piane collaborated with Lady Bunny, Big Freedia, Martha Wash, Michelle Visage, and Frankmusik. His career also included a Grammy Award nomination alongside Marc Shaiman for production work on the soundtrack to the film Hairspray. He additionally wrote music for the 76th Academy Awards.
Prior to his death, Piane had been taken into police custody on 10 October on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance. According to reports, he was arrested again the following day on allegations of assaulting an officer or emergency worker and was due to appear in court on 12 October in relation to those matters.
World of Wonder, the production company behind RuPaul’s Drag Race, released a statement expressing its sadness at the composer’s death.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Lucian Piane,” the statement reads.
“Lucian left behind a legacy of truly beautiful music. May his struggles never dim the memories of a sweet man, a dear friend, and a master musician. Rest in peace, Lucian.”
Alongside his work with RuPaul, Piane also gained internet fame under the name RevoLucian, producing satirical techno remixes. One of his most famous creations was based on audio recordings of actor Christian Bale’s on-set outburst during the filming of Terminator Salvation.
