'True pioneer' Keith Flint, lead singer of The Prodigy, dies aged 49
The Prodigy star Keith Flint has been found dead at the age of 49.
Police were called to his home in Essex early on Monday morning.
Essex Police said a 49-year-old man had been found dead and that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
An Essex Police spokeswoman 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, March 4.
"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 Prodigy enjoyed hits with their tracks Firestarter and Breathe and were known for their fusion of techno, breakbeat and acid house, forged in the UK's illegal rave scene, and their anti-establishment stance.
In a statement, the band have remembered Flint as a "true pioneer, innovator and legend".
"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.
"We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time."
An East of England Ambulance spokeswoman said: "We were called at 8.08am with reports of a man who was unconscious in Brook Hill, Dunmow.
"We sent an ambulance officer, Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and one ambulance. Sadly a man in his forties died at the scene."
Des O'Driscoll, arts/ents editor of the Irish Examiner, said: "The Prodigy were one of the first dance acts to really 'get' the concept of performing live, and in the early days their gigs were far superior to those of their peers. Liam Howlett is the main man behind the music, but Keith Flint was at the centre of the live performances, with his demented stage character key to the theatricality of it all.
"They have long been very popular in Ireland. In Cork, we first saw them at Féile 95 at Pairc Uí Chaoimh, and they returned to the same venue a year later to warm up for Oasis. Most recently, they played a stormer of a gig at Live at the Marquee in 2014."
Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington was among those paying tribute to Flint.
She tweeted: "Keith Flint. Horribly sad news. Thank you for The Prodigy. You'll be f***** missed."
Ed Simons of The Chemical Brothers tweeted: "Oh gosh, so sad to hear about Keith Flint, he was always great fun to be around and very kind to Tom and I when we first started doing shows together.. great man."
Oh gosh, so sad to hear about Keith Flint, he was always great fun to be around and very kind to Tom and I when we first started doing shows together..great man.
— ed simons (@eddychemical) March 4, 2019
A post from electronic music duo Chase and Status said: "Absolutely devastated to hear the tragic news that the legend Keith Flint from @the_prodigy has passed away.
"Our thoughts & condolences are with all his friends and family. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Keith and the life changing music they made and championed. RIP."
