Keith Flint dies just weeks after The Prodigy’s Australian tour

Just weeks after British rave band The Prodigy fire-started their way through five Australian arenas, singer and dancer Keith Flint is dead.

The 49-year old was found at his home in Dunmow, Essex on the morning of March 4 by ambulance personnel.

Surviving members Liam Howlett and Maxim issued a statement: “It is with deepest shock and sadness that we can confirm the death of our brother and best friend Keith Flint.

“A true pioneer, innovator and legend. He will be forever missed.”

https://www.facebook.com/theprodigyofficial/photos/a.72189518248/10156989067063249/?type=3&theater

Howlett later confirmed he had taken his life over the weekend in a post on The Prodigy’s official Instagram account

He stated, “I can’t believe I’m saying this but our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend.

“I’m shell-shocked, angry, confused and heart broken.”

The Prodigy were founded in Braintree, Essex in the early 1990s by DJ and producer Howlett.

Flint originally joined as a dancer in 1990 and began contributing vocals six years later.

His fearless performances, punk scowl and facial piercings made him the face of the act.

Their debut single ‘Charly, complete with a sample of a government children’s safety film’ went straight to #3 in the UK while their debut album, 1994’s Music For The Jilted Generation, reached #1.

In Australia, they quickly struck a chord with hits as ‘Firestarter’ and ‘Breathe’ while 1997’s The Fat Of The Land went to #1, as it did in the UK, the US and through Europe and sold 10 million copies.

In the wake of last year’s No Tourists album on BMG (their seventh consecutive chart topping album in the UK), The Prodigy played through Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

They wound up their Australasian run in early February.

They were set to return to the road shortly, with a US run in May and then the summer festival circuit in the northern hemisphere this year, including Glastonbury.

Glastonbury director Emily Eavis recalled the “huge, unforgettable moment” when, in 1997, The Prodigy became the first dance act to headline the festival.

“What an incredible frontman,” she said, adding Flint “gave us so much life and energy.”

Ed Simons of The Chemical Brothers recalled Flint was “always great fun to be around and very kind to Tom and I when we first started doing shows together.”

Among other shocked tributes on social media were:

Frank Turner: “one of the greats – best live show I ever saw”.

Chase and Status: “(We) wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Keith and the life changing music they made and championed.”

BMG: “A true icon of music. We are devastated to hear of his death. Sending love to the whole Prodigy family

Richard Russell, owner of Prodigy’s original label XL Recordings: “Not just a great performer. He had total integrity and an incredible sense of humour.

“One of the sweetest people I’ve ever worked with.

“What a beautiful energy. What a gentleman. Privileged to have known him.”