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Keith Flint: BBC presenter recalls giving birth to the sound of The Prodigy's 'Firestarter' due to tape mix-up

The Prodigy singer passed away Monday at the age of 49

Chelsea Ritschel
Tuesday 05 March 2019 18:06 GMT
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BBC presenter pays tribute to Keith Flint (Getty)
BBC presenter pays tribute to Keith Flint (Getty)

A BBC broadcaster has paid tribute to the late Prodigy frontman Keith Flint.

Presenter Fiona Mills on Monday tweeted about an incident involving Prodigy’s music during the birth of her first son, following the news that Flint had passed away at the age of 49.

Mills, who has since made her account private, wrote on Twitter that she was “so sad” to hear about Flint’s death before sharing a story which involved the band’s hit single “Firestarter” being played during the birth of her child, instead of tunes by Irish singer Enya.

“I gave birth to my eldest son accompanied by “Firestarter” playing away because my husband had in a mad panic, picked up the wrong tape,” Mills wrote in a tweet.

“And instead of giving birth to Enya and ocean sounds it was The Prodigy. I don’t regret it either.”

Mills’ tweet, which has since been liked more than 67,000, prompted hundreds of responses from people who enjoyed the memory.

“This has made me smile. I bet even Enya would have approved,” one person wrote.

Someone else said: “This is the funniest, saddest, most British thing ever. Bet it was a quick birth.”

“Your child had the best start in life,” wrote another.

Mills was just one of many who paid tribute to the late vocalist, musician and dancer.

“Really sad to hear the news of Keith Flint passing away,” someone wrote. “He brought a much needed punk rock energy to the 90s music scene. A true one off.”

BBC presenter Pete Tong wrote on Twitter: “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 frontman was immense and he will be dearly missed.”

Flint was found dead at his home in Dunmow, Essex on Monday.

The musician’s Prodigy bandmates confirmed his death in a statement, which reads: “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.”

According to bandmate Liam Howlett, Flint “took his own life”.

The Prodigy is best known for its 1996 tracks “Firestarter” and “Breathe”, both of which topped UK singles charts at the time.

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