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Tributes to The Prodigy's Keith Flint, dead at 49

March 4th 2019 at 12:08PM
Tributes to The Prodigy's Keith Flint, dead at 49

The Prodigy’s Keith Flint has died, aged 49.

Flint was found dead at his home in Dunmow, Essex just after 8am this morning (March 4).

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner,” said Essex Police.

An East of England Ambulance spokeswoman said: “We were called at 8.08am with reports of a man who was unconscious in Brook Hill, Dunmow. We sent an ambulance officer, Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and one ambulance. Sadly a man in his forties died at the scene.”

“It is with deepest shock and sadness that we can confirm the death of our brother and best friend Keith Flint,” said the surviving Prodigy members Liam Howlett and Maxim in a statement. “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 a post on The Prodigy's official Instagram account, Howlett added: "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."

Flint joined Howlett in 1990 as the group emerged during the rave era. He was the primary vocalist and dancer in the band until the present day and became the recognisable face of the dance act, who scored huge hits in the ‘90s with Firestarter and Breathe and made No.1 in the US album chart with 1997’s The Fat Of The Land.

Promoter SJM worked closely with the band and management to help elevate them to arena status - a rare achievement for a dance act in the '90s. The Prodigy’s robust live business was thanks in large part to Flint’s fearsome performances.

“We are devastated by the very sad news,” said SJM. “We have worked with the group for over 25 years and Keith was brilliant all the way through.”

Emily Eavis revealed that The Prodigy had been booked for this year's Glastonbury and recalled the "huge, unforgettable moment" when, in 1997, they became the first dance act to headline the festival.

"We are so saddened to hear about the passing of Keith Flint," she said. "He’s played here so many times with the Prodigy and was booked for 2019. What an incredible frontman."

Former label Cooking Vinyl described Flint as a "true pioneer". 

Richard Russell, owner of XL Recordings - The Prodigy's original label - said: "Devastated Keith Flint is gone. 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."

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

Frank Turner described Flint as “one of the greats - best live show I ever saw”.

The Prodigy had recently returned from an Australian tour and were due to play US shows in the spring. The band secured their seventh consecutive No.1 album with new label partner BMG last year.

BMG said: "Keith Flint RIP. Taken way too soon. A true icon of music. We are devastated to hear of his death. Sending love to the whole Prodigy family."

Former manager Mike Champion, who steered the band through their peak of success, died just two months ago.

There has been an outpouring of tributes from fellow artists and fans on social media in response to the news of Flint's death.

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