French music fans were saddened to hear of the death yesterday of Fred Chichin, one half of cult pop act Les Rita Mitsouko.

Chichin, 53, succumbed to cancer and had suffered recurring health problems in recent years. Many shows on their current tour had already been cancelled due to Chichin's illness; he missed the group's Dublin concert on 17 October last.

Chichin is survived by his partner and collaborator Catherine Ringer, vivacious and combative in contrast with Chichin's more demure and cooler persona.

The duo were one of the most inventive and entertaining bands in France, combining eclectic musical influences with an energetic and colourful image. In their late '80s heyday they sold millions of records and worked with influential international names like Tony Visconti, producer of their 1988 album 'Marc et Robert'.

Their biggest hit was their 1985 single 'Marcia Baila', which topped the charts across mainland Europe.  The song is a tribute to Ringer's former dance teacher, who - by coincidence - had died of cancer. The chorus goes:  "Mais c'est la mort qui t'a consumée, Marcia / C'est le cancer que tu as pris sous ton bras" (but it's death that consumed you, Marcia / It's cancer that you took in your arms).

The single, rebellious and life-affirming, is a staple of French radio and a standard at French parties, wedding receptions... in effect, wherever two or more French people come together to dance to pop music. The joy and energy it inspires will be Chichin's legacy: