Based in Los Angeles, Lopez built a career that bridged artist and behind-the-scenes hitmaker. He became widely known for his work as a music producer on the Rusicals for "RuPaul’s Drag Race," a role he expanded in 2019 to include RuPaul’s Drag Race Live in Las Vegas, which opened at The Flamingo in January 2020. He also produced music for television series including "The Other Two" and "Gayme Show."
Lopez was a trusted collaborator for both legacy pop acts and contemporary artists. His credits included work with the aforementioned Carlisle, the Go-Go’s and New Kids on the Block, for whom he co-wrote and produced multiple tracks across several albums. He also produced and co-wrote all of the songs on Carlisle’s album "Wilder Shores," released in 2017.
Carlisle paid tribute in an emotional statement, calling Lopez “my beautiful friend, creative collaborator and producer of my last two albums, and an incredible artist in his own right.” She wrote that she was “devastated and heartbroken,” adding, “I can’t remember being in so much pain.” Carlisle remembered their 12 years of working together as filled with joy and creativity, saying she could not imagine her life without him. “Godspeed, Gabe -- you were always an angel, now it’s time to soar,” she wrote, adding, “I love you and will always hold you dear to me. May his music live forever.”
Gabe Lopez (far left) with Belinda Carlisle & Co. at the launch of her "Wilder Shores" album in London back in 2017
In addition, Lopez produced the vocals on “Club Zero” by the Go-Go’s for their 2020 documentary, which premiered at Sundance, further cementing his reputation as a go-to creative partner for artists navigating both nostalgia and reinvention.
As a solo artist, Lopez released a string of warmly received albums that blended classic pop hooks with candid storytelling. His debut, "This Is About You" (2006), earned strong reviews and saw all 17 tracks licensed for film and television. It was followed by "Shine Like the Sun" (2011), which included the anti–Prop. 8 anthem “No Hate,” embraced by the NOH8 Campaign.
Later releases included "California Blues" (2015), featuring backing vocals from Belinda Carlisle; "Lasso" (2017), released alongside a UK tour with Carlisle; and "God Bless the Queens" (2018), a celebratory, defiant album that debuted on the iTunes charts and underscored Lopez’s pride in his identity and community.
Friends and collaborators are remembering Lopez on my social-media feeds as endlessly generous with his time and talent -- a true pro who welcomed ideas, worked through the night when needed, and lifted every project he touched. He is survived by his family and a wide circle of friends and collaborators.
