Faithless singer Maxi Jazz has died aged 65

Faithless singer Maxi Jazz has died aged 65.

The group announced his passing in a statement posted on Facebook, writing: “We are heartbroken to say Maxi Jazz died last night. 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.

“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 x”.

A similar statement posted on Maxi Jazz’s personal Facebook page, also signed by The E-Type Boys, adds: “Maxi Jazz died peacefully at his home in South London last night.”

Hailing from West Norwood in South London, Maxi Jazz, real name Maxwell Frazer, is one of the most iconic voices in dance music, responsible for the vocals on hits such as ‘Insomnia’ and ‘God is a DJ’ which helped make Faithless one of the biggest electronic acts of all time.

Maxi was a founding member of the group alongside Rollo, Sister Bliss and Jamie Catto in 1995. Faithless released six studio albums together across the following 15 years, including 1996 debut ‘Reverence’, the Top 10 ‘Sunday 8PM’ in 1998, and chart-topping ‘No Roots’ in 2004. Catto had departed the band in 1999.

Faithless were revered for their transcendent beats, thought-provoking political messages, and charismatic stage presence, including becoming one of the few electronic acts to perform on Glastonbury’s Pyramid stage with a legendary 2002 sunset slot which attracted close to 100,000 people.

They were voted the fourth greatest dance act of all time by Mixmag in a 2012 poll.

Maxi Jazz was a Nichiren Buddhist, and previously credited his success to his beliefs.

He was a fan of the football team Crystal Palace. The club has announced its team will be walking out to a Faithless soundtrack on Boxing Day in tribute.

In 2015, Maxi Jazz split from the group to front the Maxi Jazz & The E-Type Boys outfit as a singer and guitarist.

Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Editor & Digital Director, follow him on Twitter