PA Keith Flint was an era-defining front man, synonymous with the bold, hedonistic club culture of the ’90s.
From his electrifying stage presence to his furiously vivid appearance, Keith exuded the sort of life force which made you long for the Saturday night release of the dance floor.
And yet there was also a gentler, quieter side to Keith, who was also a beloved member of his local community.
Among neighbours, he was reportedly known for his kindness, his fondness for animals and his willingness to lend a helping hand to the elderly.
Keith Flint kept a swearbox above the fire in the pub he used to own (The Leather Bottle in Pleshey, Essex). Whenever he put the logs and kindling in and someone piped up with the obvious joke, he'd point to it and charge them a quid. RIP. pic.twitter.com/lEYZPXfrFj
— Steve Anglesey (@sanglesey) March 4, 2019
A source from his Essex neighbourhood told The Sun how Keith had spent his final days celebrating his dog’s birthday at a Chelmsford pub, and assisting elderly neighbours with their gardening.
The source explained:
About three days before he passed away, I ran into Keith at the Galvin Green Man pub.
He was there with one of his dogs, a mixed breed one, and he bought the dog a whole steak, saying it was the dog’s birthday and it was a treat.
He was a huge dog lover – I think he had about seven or eight dogs – and you’d always see him in the local village walking them.
He was so kind as well – he’d often offer to cut elderly neighbours’ hedges or help out with their garden.
Mere days before his death, Keith ran the 5k Chelmsford Central Park Run, completing it in an impressive personal best time of 21 minutes, 22 seconds.
Sad news about #KeithFlint – comes only two days after he'd looked in great shape and spirits, storming round the Chelmsford Parkrun in a PB of around 21 minutes. pic.twitter.com/bBy1Vvh4JK
— Rob Hadgraft (@RobHadgraft) March 4, 2019
Apparently #KeithFlint owned a pub. And in winter, when he started putting logs in the fireplace ready to light the fire, he would also produce a swearbox in case anyone made the obvious joke.
RIP pic.twitter.com/gEN0w5n10m
— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) March 4, 2019
Keith Flint was found dead at his Essex home at the age of 49 on March 4. His band mates later confirmed he had died by suicide.
Following the news of Keith’s death, The Prodigy released the following heartbreaking statement about their ‘brother and best friend’:
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.
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— The Prodigy (@the_prodigy) March 4, 2019
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Keith Flint at this difficult time.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues, and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.