Faithless singer Maxi Jazz dies aged 65

Maxi Jazz, the lead singer of digital band Faithless, has died aged 65.

The musician and DJ, whose actual identify was Maxwell Fraser, was a core member of the dance group alongside Rollo and Sister Bliss – and collectively launched plenty of hit tracks together with Insomnia, God is a DJ and We Come 1.

A press release shared on the singer’s Instagram mentioned: “We’re heartbroken to say Maxi Jazz died peacefully at his residence in South London final evening.

“He was a person who modified our lives in so some ways. He gave correct which means and message to our music.

“He was additionally a beautiful human being with time for everybody and a knowledge that was each profound and accessible. It was an honour and, in fact, a real pleasure to work with him.

“He was a superb lyricist, a DJ, a Buddhist, an impressive stage presence, automobile lover, countless talker, lovely particular person, ethical compass and genius.

“Rollo, Sister Bliss & The E-Sort Boys.”

Faithless fashioned in 1995 and produced seven studio albums, with their most up-to-date launch being 2020’s All Blessed.

Additionally they launched plenty of compilation albums and have headlined among the largest festivals on the earth, together with on Glastonbury’s Pyramid stage in 2002.

The group had been nominated for the Brit Award for greatest British dance act in 1999 and 2002.

Born in Brixton, Jazz additionally fronted a band of musicians named Maxi Jazz & The E-Sort Boys and launched music with the group Soul Meals Cafe.

Sister Bliss paid tribute to her fellow band member on Twitter by sharing a black and white photograph of him and writing: “Maxi Jazz 1957 – 2022. We’re heartbroken to share that Maxi died peacefully in his sleep final evening.

“Sending like to all of you who shared our musical journey. Take care of one another y’hear.”

Reggae band UB40 additionally remembered Jazz as a “beautiful man” as they recalled touring with him in 2017 along with his band Maxi Jazz & The E-Sort Boys.

Radio DJ MistaJam, whose actual identify is Peter Dalton, recalled assembly Jazz and coming away feeling like he was the “kindest man with such an aura about him”.

He added in his tribute on Twitter: “His phrases and performances touched so many people and he’ll be sorely missed. Like to @thesisterbliss and the entire @faithless household. Relaxation in Energy Maxi Jazz!”

Jazz was additionally a lifelong supporter of Crystal Palace FC and was made an affiliate director of the soccer membership in 2012.

The official Twitter account of the membership described Jazz as a “legendary musician” and mentioned the staff would stroll out to a Faithless monitor on Boxing Day in tribute.