Keith Flint performing with The Prodigy in Bangalore, India (2011). Photo by Sliver Blu3

Growing up in the 90s was a bit of a mixed bag for me, having being born and raised by Indian parents in a socially-conservative country in the Middle East. We didn't have much for the way of live entertainment and counter culture was something that simply did not exist where I was from.

As my horizons broadened with the arrival of Cable and Satellite Television, coupled with the angst-rebellion phases of being a teenager, waves of non-conventional music started to hit me from different places; Cyberpunk-inspired movies such as Hackers, The Matrix, and video games such as Wipeout 2097, all seemed to have a common thread — electronic music that sounded cool and futuristic and blew my 14-year old mind at the time, and one name always stood out — The Prodigy.

In retrospect, this would be the same formula for punk, psychedelic, indie and nu-metal rock that propelled bands such as Pink Floyd, Linkin Park to the fore; tap into the energy, rebellion and teenage angst — serve as the counter to mainstream pop culture, provide an outlet for those seeking refuge from the glamour and pretentiousness therein.

Unbeknownst to me at the time, The Prodigy had it’s beginnings in the drug-fueled Rave scene of the UK back in the early 90s, and the themes that emerged from the band’s second album, “Music for the Jilted Generation” landed at the perfect time as my own rebellious phase kicked in.

The Prodigy was perfect listening for me, with the “scandalous lyrics” and the dark, mature imagery (NSFW), it was a perfect antidote to bubble-gum pop and boy band mania. Its appeal was amplified for me when a friend from school refused to listen to “The Fat of the Land” on account of the dark/demonic imagery clashing with his god-fearing upbringing.

Their appeal was global, and till date stands as a band with twin crossover (rock/EDM) appeal especially in markets like India, where they blessed their fans with an appearance in 2011.

Cut to a few weeks ago, over two decades later, having transitioned to more mainstream, work-friendly chill house/EDM that I can code on my desk to; I got an post on my feed regarding The Prodigy plans to tour the US and come to Chicago, (where I currently reside).

The memories came flooding back. I spent the better part of a weekend listening to the old albums and reliving those rebel and anger filled days; I started to question my ability to survive a Keith Flint-driven mosh pit in the suburbs of Chicago. Sadly, it seems like I’ll never find out.

On seeing the news of Keith’s passing today on my Feed, much like Linkin Park front-man Chester Bennington’s passing a few years ago, rush of emotions and nostalgia of days past, and a reminder of my inescapable assimilation into mainstream life post rebellious, confused teenager.

Goodbye Keith, your band of boys from Essex allowed me to experience a side of life far removed from my upbringings, and you’ll be sorely missed.