Face of The Prodigy Keith Flint dies at home in Essex aged 49

Keith Flint, the vocalist and dancer who came to be known as the face of British electronic group The Prodigy, has died in Essex.

Keith Flint of British band Prodigy performs on stage at the Open Air Festival in Frauenfeld, Switzerland in 2007. Picture: AP

Keith Flint, the vocalist and dancer who came to be known as the face of British electronic group The Prodigy, has died at his home in Essex, aged 49.

“The news is true, I can’t believe I’m saying this but our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend,” wrote band producer and songwriter Liam Howlett on Instagram on Monday night, Australian time. “I’m shell shocked, f. kin angry , confused and heart broken ..... r.i.p brother.”

Although he initially joined the group as a dancer, Flint’s role expanded when he became a vocalist on hit songs such as Firestarter — the first track to showcase his lead vocals — and Breathe, both released in 1996.

On stage and off, Flint became the focal point for many fans as a result of his eye-catching punk style, which favoured coloured hair, eyeliner and prominent piercings.

Founded in 1990, The Prodigy made a significant impact on popular culture with its “big beat” sound, which crossed over from dance clubs to the pop charts with works such as 1997’s The Fat of the Land, its third album, which charted at No 1 in the UK, US and Australia.

The group was last in Australia just a month ago, with five capital city shows in support of seventh album No Tourists. Its final show of the tour was at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on February 2.

At those shows, Flint expertly played the role of leering frontman alongside co-vocalist Maxim, while Howlett kept to himself behind a battery of computers and equipment between a live drummer and guitarist.

“It is with deepest shock and sadness that we can confirm the death of our brother and best friend Keith Flint,” the group also wrote on Facebook.

“A true pioneer, innovator and legend. He will be forever missed. We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time.”

It is with deepest shock and sadness that we can confirm the death of our brother and best friend Keith Flint. A true...

Posted by The Prodigy on Monday, 4 March 2019

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