Bandmates pay tribute as Keith Flint discovered dead at age of 49
MUSICIAN KEITH Flint has been hailed as a “true pioneer, innovator and legend” by his Prodigy bandmates following his death at the age of 49.
Co-founder of the group, Liam Howlett, claimed in a post on the band’s official Instagram feed on the internet that “our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend” after his body was found dead at his Grade II-listed home in Essex yesterday morning by police.
In a statement, Howlett and fellow bandmate Maxim said: “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.”
Many stars have paid tribute to Flint, who rose to fame in the Brit Award-winning electronic band in the 1990s and was known for his bright green spiky hair.
Radio broadcaster Jo Whiley described Flint as an “absolute sweetheart” and an “incredible iconic frontman with a soft centre”.
And actress Kathy Burke tweeted: “He did what all music stars are meant to do; he frightened your mums and dads. RIP Keith Flint.”
Singer Beverley Knight said she was “heartbroken”, and added: “Once the most innovative, fearless, ballsy band to grace a stage and Keith was perfection up front. We have lost a Titan.”
The Prodigy enjoyed hits with tracks including Firestarter and Breathe and were known for their fusion of techno, breakbeat and acid house, forged in the UK’s illegal rave scene, and their anti-establishment stance.
The band released their latest album No Tourists in November, their seventh consecutive number one record.
The Prodigy are scheduled to go on a US tour later this year, and they are also due to perform at London’s South West Four festival in August.
Essex Police confirmed that a 49-year-old man had been found dead by officers yesterday morning and that the death is not being treated as suspicious.