The Prodigy singer Keith Flint “took his own life”, the electronic group has confirmed.
In a statement posted to Instagram, his bandmate Liam Howlett said: “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.”
The band also confirmed the vocalist’s death on Twitter, writing: “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.
It continued: “We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time.”
Flint was found dead at his home in Dunmow, Essex, on Monday morning. 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.
Flint, who quickly became one of the figureheads for British electronic music during the Nineties as a member of The Prodigy, was born on 17 September 1969 in Redbridge, London.
He moved to Braintree after leaving school and met Howlett at local rave club The Barn soon after. After receiving a mix tape from Howlett, who was a DJ at the club, Flint convinced him to play his tracks on stage. Howlett agreed and Flint would dance on stage with their friend Leeroy Thornhill.
Although he initially joined the group – formed by Howlett in 1990 – as a dancer, he later graduated to singer and performed the popular 1996 tracks “Firestarter” and “Breathe”.
Both singles became staples of the UK rave scene and topped the UK singles charts.
The band previously scored their first number one record with Music for the Jilted Generation in 1994.
Their next five studio albums and one compilation record all topped the UK album charts.
Flint was a keen motorcyclist, regularly riding with Madness star Lee Thompson. He owned motorcycle race team, Team Traction Control, which won three Isle of Man TT races and competed in the British Supersport Championship.
Flint, who dated TV presenter Gail Porter in the Nineties, married Japanese DJ Mayumi Kai in 2006.
Stars to pay tribute to Flint include Jo Whiley, The Chemical Brothers and Emily Eavis, who revealed the band were booked to play Glastonbury this summer.
For confidential support on mental health call Samaritans free from any phone, at any time, on 116 123 (UK & RoI) or email jo@samaritans.org. In the US call 1-800-273-TALK or chat online.
