Keith Flint, frontman of British dance act
The Prodigy has died aged 49.
The band, who were due to tour the US in May, confirmed his death in a statement:
"It is with deepest shock and sadness that we can confirm the death of our brother and best friend Keith Flint," the statement read. "A true pioneer, innovator and legend. He will be forever missed."
In a post on The Prodigy's official Instagram account, bandmate Liam Howlett added: "I can't believe I'm saying this but our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend. I'm shell-shocked... angry, confused and heartbroken."
Further tributes have been made from his musical peers, including dance duo the Chemical Brothers, who called him “an amazing front man, a true original”.
Richard Russell, head of the XL Recordings label that first signed the group, said: “Devastated keith flint is gone. not just a great performer. he had total integrity & an incredible sense of humour. one of the sweetest people I’ve ever worked with. what a beautiful energy. what a gentleman. privileged to have known him. miss u keith.”
Beverley Knight said the Prodigy were one of “the most innovative, fearless, ballsy bands to grace a stage and Keith was perfection up front. We have lost a Titan.”
Sleaford Mods, whose frontman Jason Williamson collaborated with the Prodigy on 2015 track Ibiza, tweeted: “Very sorry to hear of the passing of Keith Flint. Good night mate. Take it easy.” Drum’n’bass producer Friction said: “I wouldn’t do what I do without him and the Prodigy in my life.” Another collaborator, the band Kasabian, described him as a “beautiful man” and “incredible pioneer”.