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Keith Flint dead: The Prodigy front man 'takes his own life' aged 49

Keith Flint, the iconic front man of the 1990s band The Prodigy, has been found dead at his home after reportedly taking his own life.

In an Instagram post published under the group’s official account, his bandmates said the singer, aged 49, had killed himself at the weekend.

“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 , f***in angry , confused and heart broken ….. r.i.p brother Liam #theprodigy”

It is thought Flint was found unresponsive at his Essex home near Great Dunmow by police at 8am on Monday morning.

His band described him as a “true pioneer and innovator” in a statement.

An Essex police spokesperson said: “We were called to concerns for the welfare of a man at an address in Brook Hill, North End, just after 8.10am on Monday

“We attended and, sadly, a 49-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

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

Police outside Flint’s home in North End, Dunmow in Essex (PA)
Police outside Flint’s home in North End, Dunmow in Essex (PA)
Flint during the Big Day Out in 2009 at the Claremont Showgrounds in Perth, Australia. (Getty)
Flint during the Big Day Out in 2009 at the Claremont Showgrounds in Perth, Australia. (Getty)
Flint performing on stage at Knebworth in 1996 during the band’s heyday (PA)
Flint performing on stage at Knebworth in 1996 during the band’s heyday (PA)

Flint was the lead singer and founding member of The Prodigy, that played a central part in the rave scene of the 1990’s.

The electronic music group was founded by Flint and Liam Howlett in 1990 in Braintree, Essex.

The original line-up featured Howlett as the leader and producer, Flint as a dancer and vocalist, Leeroy Thornhill as dancer and keyboardist and Sharky as a dancer and vocalist.

Keith Flint: A life in pictures – click the image below to see more

The group boasted multiple international hits, including: ‘Firestarter,’ ‘Breathe,’ ‘Smack my B**** Up’ and ‘Voodoo People.’

Known as ‘the Godfathers of rave,’ they have sold an estimated 30 million albums worldwide.

Accolades include two Brit Awards for Best British Dance Act, three MTV Video Music Awards, two Kerrang! Awards, five MTV Europe Music Awards and two Grammy Award nominations.

Keith Flint of The Prodigy performing live on stage at Brixton O2 Academy in London. (Richard Gray/EMPICS Entertainment.)
Keith Flint of The Prodigy performing live on stage at Brixton O2 Academy in London. (Richard Gray/EMPICS Entertainment.)
Flint, who was described by his bandmates as an ‘iconic performer’, at 2009 Glastonbury Festival in 2009 (PA)
Flint, who was described by his bandmates as an ‘iconic performer’, at 2009 Glastonbury Festival in 2009 (PA)

The Prodigy rapidly became iconic figureheads of the electronic music world. As a performer Flint was known for his fierce stare, punk-hairstyles, eclectic tattoos and piercings and larger-than-life on stage persona.

He gave his unforgettable performance in the black and white music video for ‘Firestarter’ in 1996.

The video was banned by the BBC after it was screened on Top of the Pops and parents reportedly complained about its content frightening their children.

The single went on to achieve the number one spot both in the UK and the US, which was followed up with another international number one with ‘Breathe’ that same year.

Each of The Prodigy’s albums achieved number one status in the UK, and their 1997 album ‘The Fat of the Land’ also reached number one in the US charts.

Flint had recently completed a tour of Australia and New Zealand and was set to tour North America this May.

His last live performance was Tuesday February 5 at The Trusts Arena in Auckland.

The band said 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.”

Ed Simons, from the Chemical Brothers paid tribute to him:

A post from electronic music duo Chase and Status said: “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.”

Radio DJ Jo Whiley described him as an “incredible frontman”.

Singer Beverley Knight wrote: “I just heard, and I am heartbroken. Once the most innovative, fearless, ballsy bands to grace a stage and Keith was perfection up front.

“We have lost a Titan. #KeithFlint #Prodigy.”

*For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website