The Prodigy frontman Keith Flint was found dead at his home in Essex on Monday of a suspected suicide. He was 49 years old.
A police spokesman said officers discovered Flint’s body while performing a welfare check.
Surviving Prodigy members Liam Howlett and Maxim Reality confirmed Flint’s passing in 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. We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time.”
In an Instagram post, Howlett added: “The news is true. I can’t believe I’m saying this but our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend. I’m shell shocked, fuckin angry, confused and heart broken.”
The Prodigy was formed by Howlett in 1990. Flint initially joined as a dancer, but later became the group’s singer alongside rapper Maxim. His sang vocals on some of The Prodigy’s most popular singles, including “Firestarter” and “Breath”, both of which went No. 1 in the UK. In the US, “Firestarter” peaked at No. 30 and achieved Gold status. Their third album, 1997’s The Fat of the Land, has sold 10 million copies worldwide, and was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 1998 Grammys.
The group’s other accolades include two BRIT Awards for Best British Dance Act. Their sophomore album, 1994’s Music for the Jilted Generation, was nominated for the Mercury Prize — the UK’s award for best album.
The Prodigy released their most recent album, No Tourists, in 2018. They had planned to embark on their first North American tour in 10 years this summer.
This is a developing story…