This article has been updated since it was first published.
Canadian musician and producer Frank Levin – who enjoyed a run of success as part of Eight Seconds – has died. He was 55.
A friend of Levin reported on Facebook early Friday that he died in his sleep in China.
Geri Stevens, with whom Levin has daughter Zoe, shared on Facebook that Levin suffered from “grave health issues” in the past decade.
Levin was a member of the popular Ottawa-based ‘80s band Eight Seconds, which had hits like “Kiss You (When It’s Dangerous)” and “Tell Diane.” The band released three albums between 1985 and 1990.
"Another great musical voice silenced," wrote former Eight Seconds drummer Scott Milks on Facebook. "He had boundless energy and an infectious passion for creating and enjoying music."
Levin moved to Shanghai in 2004, where he founded The Bridge Group, a consulting company.
Born François Lavigne in Ottawa, Levin studied computer programming at Algonquin College before embarking on a music career. As keyboardist with Eight Seconds, he earned a Juno nomination and performed across Canada, including opening for artists like Paul Young and David Bowie.
Known as “Fish,” Levin went on to have a successful career as a songwriter, producer and engineer for dozens of Canadian artists. In the early 2000s, he created Indie Pool to help these artists get their music distributed.
Levin reportedly suffered seizures after undergoing brain surgery several years ago.