Maxi Jazz, the lead singer of chart-topping electronic band Faithless, has died aged 65. The Insomnia and God Is A DJ musician, whose real name was Maxwell Fraser, was said to have passed away in his sleep at his home in South London last night.
In a statement posted on Twitter, his bandmates described him as "a man who changed our lives in so many ways. He gave proper meaning and message to our music.
"He was also a lovely human being with time for everyone and a wisdom that was both profound and accessible. It was an honour and, of course, a true pleasure to work with him.
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It added, "He was a brilliant lyricist, a DJ, a Buddhist, a magnificent stage presence, car lover, endless talker, beautiful person, moral compass and genius." Faithless formed in 1995 and produced seven studio albums, with their most recent being 2020's All Blessed.
They also released a number of compilation albums and have headlined some of the biggest festivals in the world, including on Glastonbury's Pyramid stage in 2002. The group were nominated for the Brit Award for best British dance act in 1999 and 2002.
Fans quickly replied to the tweet to pass on their condolences and pay tribute to Maxi, The Mirror reports. One said: "Sad news this. He was a massive part of some timeless tracks."
Another added: "Really sorry to hear this news Blissy, he was a lovely man - and really thoughtful & philosophical in rhymes and in deeds." Meanwhile, a third tweeted: "Oh my gosh, I've seen faithless several times and I cannot believe this - my thoughts and prays with Maxi's family and the whole of the faithless team xxx."
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