Bandmates, fans, and luminaries in the music industry have shared praise and admiration for Keith Flint, the inimitable frontman of The Prodigy, who was found dead in his Essex home yesterday.
Taking to Instagram, The Prodigy bandmate Liam Howlett said “I can’t believe I’m saying this but our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend.
“I’m shell shocked, fuckin angry, confused and heart broken. R.I.P. brother”.
The tragic news has caused punters worldwide to reflect on their experiences with Flint. That includes British radio presenter Fiona Mills, who has gone viral after sharing the unexpected role The Prodigy played in the birth of her son.
So sad about Keith Flint. I gave birth to my eldest son accompanied by ‘firestarter’ playing away because my husband had in a mad panic, picked up the wrong tape. And instead of giving birth to Enya and ocean sounds it was The Prodigy. I don’t regret it either.
— Fiona Mills (@Fionamills1) March 4, 2019
The Chemical Brothers and other acts from the harsher edges of popular music have also shared their fond memories of the abrasive voice behind 90s hits Firestarter and Breathe.
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
RIP the incomparable Keith Flint. A true icon in every way. Thank you for the inspiration, music and friendship.
— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) March 4, 2019
Keith Flint. Respect. pic.twitter.com/YFKIjtFeYf
— Slipknot (@slipknot) March 4, 2019
I spent a significant amount of my childhood listening to The Prodigy 😢Be kind to 30+’s too https://t.co/BoIS6mgu9W
— Ellie Goulding (@elliegoulding) March 4, 2019
I may not of had a career if it wasn’t for you Keith …you made me feel welcome in a time when I needed it . Thanks for all laughs my friend 🖤RIP pic.twitter.com/QCLPddIhPN
— Skrillex (@Skrillex) March 4, 2019
Flint has been remembered for his figuratively incendiary performances, too. Emily Eavis, co-organiser of Glastonbury Festival, praised Flint by sharing footage from The Prodigy’s overwhelming 1997 headline gig.
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
But Flint’s personality away from the stage has also been remembered. Speaking to BBC Essex, Flint’s neighbour Lezley McRae said the musician was just a “very friendly neighbour” and a delightful guy to have around town.
“Somebody who would always stop to say hello,” McRae said.
“Not everyone will do that. Whenever he was passing us, or if he saw us out in the garden, he’d always stop and chat and say ‘how you doing?’”
Elsewhere, Steve Anglesey, writer for The New European, recalled how pub-owner Flint would put a cheeky surcharge on anyone who cracked an uninspired fire-adjacent joke.
https://twitter.com/sanglesey/status/1102541475538239488
Flint’s kindness was also recognised by none other than James Blunt, who, musically, is about as far away as you can get from hard-edged 90s dance tracks.
said how thrilled he was for my success.
Keith, I only met you once, but I shed a tear at the news of your death. In our business, there are no prizes for being kind, but if there was, that Grammy would be yours.
— James Blunt (@JamesBlunt) March 4, 2019
Flint and The Prodigy returned to the UK last month after a tour of Australia.
The band released their seventh studio album, No Tourists, last November.
If this article has affected you in any way, or you would like to talk to someone, please call beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
