The Prodigy's Keith Flint dead aged 49

The lead singer of the iconic music group The Prodigy, Keith Flint, has died aged 49.

According to police, he was found unresponsive at his home in Essex, UK.

“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,” a police spokesperson told UK news outlet The Sun.

“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.”

Flint was the lead singer and founding member of The Prodigy, who played a central part in the rave scene of the 1990s.

Founded in 1990, the band had multiple international hits, including ‘Firestarter,’ ‘Breathe,’ ‘Smack my B**** Up’ and ‘Voodoo People.’

‘Iconic frontman with a soft centre’

Tributes immediately began pouring in for the band’s frontman, with UK Radio 2 Drive Time host Jo Whiley one of the first to pay tribute to the musician on Twitter, describing him as “an absolute sweetheart”.

In a statement his bandmates described Keith as “a true pioneer, innovator and legend”.

The statement reads: “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.”

Ed Simons, from musical contemporaries The Chemical Brothers, wrote: “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.”

Flint was known for his menacing presence on stage and in dark music videos that defined one aspect of 1990s dance music.

“He did what all music stars are meant to do; he frightened your mums and dads,” Kathy Burke tweeted.

Flint was one of the founding members of The Prodigy, after meeting his bandmates on the underground rave scene in 1990.

Two years later, their debut studio album entered the UK chart at number two and the six that followed all went straight to the top spot, including their November 2018 release ‘No Tourists’.

The Prodigy were nominated for seven Brit Awards over the years, winning Best British Dance Act in 1997 and 1998, and made the Mercury Prize shortlist twice.

Prior to Keith’s death, the band were confirmed to play at numerous festivals around the world this summer.

It’s unclear if these dates will now go ahead.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

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