Tributes have been flying in as today the Prodigy frontman and “Twisted Firestarter” Keith Flint was found dead at his home in Essex today. In a statement on Twitter the remaining members Liam Howlett and Maxim Reality 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. We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time”. With Liam Howlett later putting out a personal Instagram post describing his sadness and confusion at Flint’s suicide.
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. pic.twitter.com/nQ3Ictjj7t— The Prodigy (@the_prodigy) March 4, 2019
Flint started out as a dancer and hype man for the band when he met DJ and Producer Liam Howlett in the early 1990s, but as the band developed he went on to become so much more than that. After the success of their first two albums, “Experience” and “Music For A Jilted Generation” Flint began to add his vocals to records, culminating in the absolutely incredible album “Fat Of The Land” consisting of the hit “Firestarter” and “Breathe”. And from that day The Prodigy, and Music as a whole, were never the same again. The band then went on to become one of the biggest names in music, and have been an inspiration for countless artists around the world. The group have broken down so many boundaries in music and headlined an incredible array of festivals, from the biggest stages in Dance and Indie music to setting crowds wild with a headline slot at Download, a heavy metal festival, in 2012. In 1997 The Prodigy were the first ever dance act to headline Glastonbury festival, and earlier today Emily Eavis Earlier confirmed the band had been booked to play Glastonbury festival this summer.
Absolutely gutted to hear about Keith Flint’s passing. One of the greats. Best live show I ever saw. RIP. — Frank Turner (@frankturner) March 4, 2019
We are so saddened to hear about the passing of Keith Flint. He’s played here so many times with the Prodigy and was booked for 2019. What an incredible frontman. Here’s a clip from ‘97 when they were the first dance band to headline Glastonbury – a huge, unforgettable moment. pic.twitter.com/9fxKBonfVa — Emily Eavis (@emilyeavis) March 4, 2019
Following a lull and some questionable singles in the late 1990s the band took a break until they returned with an incredible statement and album. “Invaders Must Die” featuring tunes such as ‘Omen’ and ‘Warriors Dance’ this comeback record shot The Prodigy, and Flint, back into our consciousness and they had continued to establish their legacy as one of the all time musical pioneers ever since. Tributes have been flooding in on Twitter from a variety of artists, Djs and fans.
so sad to hear about Keith Flint,we played many gigs with the prodigy over the years and they were always friendly and supportive.he was an amazing front man, a true original and he will be missed.tom&ed x
— The Chemical Brothers (@ChemBros) March 4, 2019
Absolutely devastated to hear the tragic news that the legend Keith Flint from @the_prodigy has passed away. Our thoughts & condolences are with all his friends and family. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Keith and the life changing music they made and championed. RIP — Chase & Status (@chaseandstatus) March 4, 2019
Away from the music Keith Flint is known as one of the nicest and kindest men in music, despite his outwardly aggressive appearance. Stories have been coming in from fans around the world about the incredible times they’ve met him, and famously the events that have happened in his pub. Famously Flint’s pub had an open fireplace, and everytime he put a log on the fire a guest would remark “you’re the firestarter”. Flint would then point to a jar placed on the bar and request the customer made a donation to the pot, which Flint would later give to charity.
It’s unknown what the future holds for the remaining members of the Prodigy, and if we will ever see them perform again. Tonight though, belongs to Keith.
RIP the legend that is Keith Flint, heaven will be rocking tonight pic.twitter.com/rPRvzglGkz
— Faye (@FayeFaye2016uk) March 4, 2019