Maxi Jazz, the lead singer of electronic band Faithless, has died aged 65. Faithless bandmate Sister Bliss said the rapper and singer-songwriter died "peacefully in his sleep" in his south-London home on Friday night.
A statement shared on the musician's Instagram from his Faithless and E-Type Boys bandmates said: "We are heartbroken to say Maxi Jazz died peacefully at his home in South London last night."
They said: "He was 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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"He was a brilliant lyricist, a DJ, a Buddhist, a magnificent stage presence, car lover, endless talker, beautiful person, moral compass and genius. Rollo, Sister Bliss & The E-Type Boys."
And keyboardist Sister Bliss tweeted in tribute to Maxi, whose birth name was Maxwell Fraser: "Maxi Jazz 1957 - 2022. We are heartbroken to share that Maxi died peacefully in his sleep last night." She added: "Sending love to all of you who shared our musical journey. Look after each other y’hear."
Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam wrote: "Legend. RIP Maxi Jazz." And the reggae band UB40 messaged: "We have just sadly learned of the passing of Maxi Jazz. Best known for being the lead vocalist in Electronic band ‘Faithless’. Maxi toured with us back in 2017 with his band ‘Maxi Jazz & the E-Type Boys’. They added: A lovely guy, again who has gone too soon, but finally Maxi you can get some sleep. R.I.P Maxi Big Love UB40."
The electronica, trip hop and trance star was best known for his role as the lead vocalist of Faithless from 1995 to 2011 and 2015. Their hits include the 1995 smash Insomnia and 1998's God Is A DJ.
A lifelong supporter of Crystal Palace F.C, in September 2012 he became an associate director of the club. The club tweeted: "We are mourning the loss of legendary musician Maxi Jazz, who has passed away at the age of 65. The team will walk out to Faithless on Boxing Day in tribute."
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.
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