A day after The Prodigy frontman Keith Flint was found dead in his Essex home, musicians have paid tribute to an "incredible pioneer" and a "beautiful man".
The 49-year-old singer, known for his spikey hair and crazy performances, was found dead by Essex police on Monday after calls of concern for his welfare. The death is not being treated as suspicious.
"Sadly, a 49-year old man was pronounced dead at the scene," Essex police said.
"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."
The touching tributes spoke about Flint's ferocious on-stage persona that fell away behind the scenes, where he was described as "one of the nicest people", fellow musician Dizzee Rascal wrote on Instagram.
"When it comes to the stage few people can carry a show like him and I'm proud to say I've seen it for myself. Iconic and a gentleman," he wrote.
Techno star Skrillex credited Flint with his career, writing: "I may not have had a career if it wasn't for you Keith."
"You made me feel welcome in a time when I needed it. Thanks for all the laughs my friend."
Grammy award-winning rapper Lupe Fiasco offered a touching description of The Prodigy star, calling his performances "mesmerizing and scary and beautiful."
"He prowled the stage like a leopard. Back and forth. Waiting for the exact moment and then...he exploded," he wrote on Instagram.
"You’ve never seen a crowd react the way a crowd reacts to The Prodigy. Ever. It’s like watching a vertical stampede.
"I wanted to be in the band or at least carry the luggage so I could have a valid excuse to be in attendance every night to the zen violence that is The Prodigy. Keith was a champion, a maniac and a gentle soul."
The Prodigy confirmed the death of their "brother and best friend" on Twitter late on Monday with "the deepest shock and sadness".
Founder of the band, Liam Howlett, confirmed the death late on Monday via The Prodigy's official Instagram.
"The news is true, I can’t believe I’m saying this but our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend," he wrote.
Flint was behind the vocals on the electronic band's best-known singles, Firestarter and Breathe, which both skyrocketed to number one on the charts in 1996 and catapulted the band to international fame.
If you are struggling mentally contact lifeline crisis support and suicide prevention on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.
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