The Prodigy

Formed in 1990 in Braintree, Essex, The Prodigy is a pioneering English electronic music group, originally founded by producer Liam Howlett alongside Keith Flint (dancer/vocalist) and Leeroy Thornhill (dancer/MC). The group quickly rose to prominence in the early rave and underground scene, blending breakbeat, techno, industrial, and punk elements into a sound that would help define the emerging genre of big beat. The Prodigy’s early albums, such as *Experience* (1992) and *Music for the Jilted Generation* (1994), showcased their energetic, genre-defying approach and established them as innovators in electronic music.

The 1997 release of *The Fat of the Land* marked a global breakthrough, producing anthems like “Firestarter” and “Smack My Bitch Up,” both sparking widespread acclaim and controversy for their provocative style and music videos. The album went multi-platinum worldwide and cemented the band’s legacy as dance music rebels. Throughout their career, The Prodigy have maintained a feverish, high-intensity sound, combining aggressive beats, punk attitude, and dynamic live performances.

Their stage presence, spearheaded by Flint’s anarchic charisma and Howlett’s production wizardry, earned them a reputation as one of electronic music’s most electrifying live acts. Despite lineup changes—most notably Thornhill’s departure in 2000 and the tragic death of Keith Flint in 2019—The Prodigy have continued to release chart-topping albums, including *Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned* (2004), *Invaders Must Die* (2009), and *No Tourists* (2018). Their enduring influence has shaped generations of artists in and beyond the realms of electronic dance music, while their rebellious energy and boundary-pushing sounds remain central to the group’s enduring appeal.