[EDM House Network] Remembering A Legend: Keith Flint

It has been 6 years to the day since the world lost one of its biggest characters in Keith Flint of The Prodigy after he took his own life at the age of 49. On this day we look back on his storied career, the legacy he’s left behind, and the importance of raising awareness for mental health issues.

In the late 80s he latched onto the acid house movement which lead him to meeting Liam Howlett who had a similar taste in music and had been working on some music of his own. Flint managed to convince him that he should be playing his tracks on stage, brought in his friend Leeroy Thornbill to dance on stage with him, and soon after got Maxim Reality to join. With Keith and Leeroy as the dancers, Liam on the synths, and Maxim on vocals The Prodigy was born.

Keith remained as a dancer till 1996 when he would also start providing vocals for a couple of tracks, but little did he know that he was about to make history with his vocal contributions. His vocals appeared on ‘Firestarter’ and ‘Breathe’ which both went to number one in the UK charts and have become a couple of The Prodigy’s most iconic songs. He also starred in the music video for ‘Firestarter’ where he debuted his new, and now infamous, punk style. This look featured his hair styled into the horns that lasers now etch the outline of during ‘Firestarter’ at The Prodigy’s live shows as a tribute to him.

His voice has become engraved into history with him appearing on several other huge songs by The Prodigy including ‘Serial Thrilla’, ‘Omen’ and ‘We Live Forever’ to name a few. However, it’s his amazing stage presence that he is possibly best remembered for with his unmatched chaotic energy and unbelievable passion for performing. In contrast to his wild energy on stage, off stage he was known as a gentle sole who was full of kindness and generosity.

Unfortunately, a troubled childhood, drug addiction, and a long battle with depression took its toll on him and on 4^th March 2019 he took his own life. His loss was felt across the world as tributes poured out from the likes of Jay Kay of Jamiroquai, Oasis, and Donatella Versace who was a friend of Flint’s. She dedicated her spring/summer 2020 menswear show to him with all the male models outfits reflecting his unique style and all of them sporting Keith’s ‘Firestarter’ hairstyle.

The death of Keith Flint is still felt and remembered today with The Prodigy taking to social media to say, “WE MISS U SO MUCH BROTHER, UR FIRE WILL NEVER FADE, L H & MAXIM X.” Along with this a mural of him at Braintree Town Football Club, local to where he used to live, has been restored for this solemn anniversary. Keith is an example of someone who lived life to the fullest and was unafraid to be himself which is something we can all aspire to. His death is a reminder of how important it is to be aware of the serious issue of suicide and making sure there is support in place to help prevent more losses like this. His memory will live on through the amazing music he made and his unmistakeable silhouette at every show The Prodigy does.