James Blunt has opened up on a heart-warming moment he shared with Keith Flint as he paid an emotional tribute to the late frontman.
The Prodigy legend was found dead at his home in Essex on Monday morning. His bandmate Liam Howlett claimed he had “taken his own life”.
Blunt was among a slew of artists who paid tribute on Twitter, and told fans of Flint's “tremendous kindness” when they once met at the Q Awards.
He wrote: “At the Q Awards years ago, when @NoelGallagher was saying he was leaving Ibiza because I’d moved there, and @DamonAlbarn refused to be in the same picture as me, and @PaulWellerHQ was saying he’d rather eat his own s*** than work with me, Keith Flint came over, gave me a hug, and said how thrilled he was for my success.”
Blunt added that he had been left feeling emotional at the news of Flint’s death and said the singer deserved the Grammy for “being kind.”
“Keith, I only met you once, but I shed a tear at the news of your death,” he wrote.
“In our business, there are no prizes for being kind, but if there was, that Grammy would be yours.”
Other stars paying tribute in the wake of the news included Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl who hailed him a “true icon” and Chemical Brothers star Ed Simons who said he was a “great man”.
BBC Radio 2's Jo Whiley wrote: "Oh this is sad news. The death of Keith Flint. Whenever our paths crossed he was an absolute sweetheart.
“Really loved. Incredible iconic frontman with a soft centre #RIPKeithFlint."
Annie Mac, Dizzee Rascal and Professor Green also paid tribute, as well as Flint's ex-girlfriend Gail Porter who tweeted simply: “Heartbroken."
The Prodigy posted an emotional tribute to their “brother" who they hailed as a “true pioneer".
“It is with deepest shock and sadness that we can confirm the death of our brother and best friend Keith Flint,” they said.
“A true pioneer, innovator and legend. He will be forever missed. We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time.”
