Keith Flint, frontman of British techno band The Prodigy, known for his wild performances and his devil-horns mohawk, has died at the age of 49.
Police said that Flint was found at his home in Essex in southern England, on the morning of March 4, according to local reports, but said they were not treating the death as suspicious. A post on The Prodigy’s official social media account said he “took his own life.”
Anti-establishment band The Prodigy was spawned by the UK illegal rave scene in the 1990s, but as mainstream tastes changed, later found their way to the top of the charts with the singles “Firestarter” and “Breathe.”
“It is with deepest shock and sadness that we can confirm the death of our brother and best friend Keith Flint,” said a statement from the Prodigy posted on their Twitter feed. “A true pioneer, innovator, and legend. He will be forever missed. We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time.”
The group’s official Instagram account, however, suggested that Flint’s death may have been suicide.
A post, apparently written by fellow band member 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, [expletive] angry, confused, and heartbroken ….. r.i.p brother Liam.”
Flint started out as a dancer in the group back in 1990, but progressed to vocalist, providing vocals.
Flint’s fluorescent green double-mohawk and aggressive dancing, together with his black contact lenses and eye makeup, helped to seer the image of the band into the contemporary music scene.
He was one of the founding members of the group.
According to the Telegraph, an Essex Police spokesman 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,” the spokesman said.”
The Prodigy is scheduled to tour its latest album, starting next month.
Radio broadcaster Jo Whiley said in a tweet, “Oh this is sad news. The death of Keith Flint.
Oh this is sad news. The death of Keith Flint. Whenever our paths crossed he was an absolute sweetheart. Really lovely. Incredible iconic frontman with a soft centre. ????#RIPKeithFlint
— Jo Whiley (@jowhiley) March 4, 2019
“Whenever our paths crossed he was an absolute sweetheart. Really lovely. Incredible iconic frontman with a soft centre.”
Flint was a keen motorcyclist, with his own motorcycle team, Team Traction Control, which competes in the British Supersport Championship.
The team won two Isle of Man TT races in 2015.
From The Epoch Times
