Stars React on Twitter to Death of Prodigy Frontman Keith Flint

News By TooFab Staff |
Getty / Twitter

Musicians, racers and even politicians were devastated by the news of Flint's passing.

Twitter awoke to the sad news on Monday that yet another music icon had taken his own life.

Tributes poured in for Kieth Flint after The Prodigy frontman was found dead at his home, aged just 49.

"It is with deepest shock and sadness that we can confirm the death of our brother and best friend Keith Flint," the group confirmed via their official account. "A true pioneer, innovator and legend. He will be forever missed. We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time."

On Instagram, bandmate Liam Howlett confirmed it was suicide.

"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, f***** angry, confused and heartbroken ..... r.i.p brother Liam #theprodigy (sic)."

Glastonbury organizer Emily Eavis confirmed the group were set to play this year's festival, 22 years after becoming the first ever dance act to headline.

"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."

DJ Pete Tong wrote: "Sad to wake up to the news that we lost Keith Flint, a true original. The Prodigy have made a huge contribution to dance culture and electronic music around the world. Keith's contribution as the band's iconic front man was immense and he will be dearly missed R.I.P xx"

The Chemical Brothers shared: "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"

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British broadcaster and DJ Dan O'Connell said: "Keith Flint became the acceptable face of counter culture in the 90s. The bloke with a green mohican and face piercings that your mum and dad liked. Don't underestimate how much Keith has done for moving towards a culture of live and let live. That being yourself, and expressing who you are, doesn't make you some sort of weirdo."

"Keith's magic is part of the reason @the_prodigy are at home at Download, as much as they are at Creamfields, or Glasto. Walking that line is why there's such an outpouring of love today. Thanks for the good times ♥️ #RIPKeith"

Gary Numan added: "Just woke up and read about Keith Flint. That is tragic, terrible news. What a loss to the world."

Even politicians were left stunned by the news; Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar wrote: "Sad to hear of untimely death of Keith Flint today. Music for the Jilted Generation is a landmark album. A great talent lost."

British MP David Lammy agreed: "So sad to hear about Keith Flint. For so many of us at university during the 90's The Prodigy were just legend. Seminal, he was the Firestarter, (the mind detonator) that captured the rebellion, rage and rave of the age, especially against the backdrop of John Majors Britain."

Flint was also an avid motorcycle racer and owned his own team, Team Traction Control.

Fellow racer James Rispoli wrote: "My [heart] feels like an [anchor].I owe everything to Keith. Mrs. F and him gave me everything to come from the US and make it in the UK. He was by far the coolest guy on planet Earth.He would give you his shirt off his back if you asked for it.Thank you RIP Keith Flint #Govna"

Gotham star Sean Pertwee shared: "'THE Trouble Starter,Punkin' Instigator' #rip Keith Flint a truly remarkable human . You shall be greatly missed #innovator . Love to his Family & @the_prodigy Brothers"

Tom Payne, who plays Jesus on "The Walking Dead," simply posted the name "Keith Flint" and a single crying emoji.

Among the tributes, many people shared their favorite anecdotes about Flint: His swearbox above the fire in the pub he used to own — The Leather Bottle in Essex — and whenever he himself tended to the fire, he forced anyone who made the obvious "Firestarter" joke to donate money, which then went to charity.

Flint was among the founding members of the group, who pioneered a generation defining sound that won over dance, rave, jungle and metal fans alike.

Despite starting as a dancer, Flint tried his hand at Singing/MCing for "Firestarter" and "Breathe", which became two of the groups biggest international hits.