Keith Flint of British band, the Prodigy, was found dead in his London home overnight [NZ time]. Photo / File
Keith Flint of British band, the Prodigy, was found dead in his London home overnight [NZ time]. Photo / File
Kiwi fans of British band Prodigy are waking to the shock news of the death of the group's frontman Keith Flint.
The Prodigy were in New Zealand just last month to play, what is now, their last ever gig as a full band after Flint took his own life in his home on the outskirts of London overnight.
Carl Bergerson went to the February 5 Auckland gig on a whim after not hearing the band's music in about 15 years.
"It was the best night of my life, I became a huge fan instantly," he said today.
"Changed my computer wallpaper to Keith Flint and even booked tickets to see them again in May in New York. I didn't particularly want to see New York again but the costs and flights would have been worth it to experience another night like that.
"I was also at Eminem in Wellington and found it very average in comparison. It was nothing compared to the Prodigy live. We all experienced something special that night in Auckland and you have to wonder if Keith gave it his all because he knew it would be his last show. This is completely devastating."
But it was an even bigger blow for the tour's promoter, Mitch Lowe, of Audiology Touring, who regarded the band as one of his mentors.
He got to meet Flint and was surprised to find how different he was to the wild man he portrayed on stage.
"That's the irony about Keith. He was the most humble, down to earth, gentleman. So just that persona on-stage was sort of the opposite of what you would expect. And just such a lovely dude.
"He's not shy but so reserved and calm, collected and grateful to be hear. And completely sober. He was just a really nice, genuine guy."
He said his business grew out of watching them play in Auckland in 2009.
"It was intense. At the time I was DJ'ing and took a friend along to that show. It was one of the most high energy, outrageous sets I have ever seen. Still to this day I would say that they still are, number one, in terms of that high energy intensity performance and it was one of those pivotal moments that made me want to be a promoter."
James Scott said he was left feeling "numb" after waking to the news of Flint's death.
"I was at the Auckland show with very old school mates reliving our youth. The show was incredible. One of the very best if not the best gig I have seen live."
Many Kiwis have also posted of his death on social media.
"Well this is just horrible news. Sadly, that will mean last month's Auckland show was their final ever gig. Just tragic," one wrote.
"A rather unexpected headline to wake up to this morning. Totally gutted, these guys have been killing it on the live concert circuit. I was lucky enough to see their most recent concert in Auckland last month (now Keith's last) it was awesome and brought back great memories of seeing them in the UK in the 90's!" one man wrote.
Another said, "Only just saw them in Auckland last month. First tape I ever purchased for myself was The Prodigy Fat of the Land, devastated. So grateful to have seen them twice all together."
Kiwi's are in shock after learning of Keith Flint's death overnight. Photo / File
However, some weren't so lucky.
"Wow...they were in Auckland just a few weeks ago and I never went thinking 'I'll catch them next time'. Still one of the best live acts I've seen. Sad news, so young," while another also had regret, "Now I really wish I had seen them in Auckland. Hard to believe. RIP Keith."
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. pic.twitter.com/nQ3Ictjj7t
After the New Zealand concert, they wrote online: 'Auckland NZ you rocked , The roof was blown the f*** off!, big respect to everybody that came out, see u next time .. Colombia u are next!'
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