The Prodigy

This article is about the English band. For the American rapper, see Prodigy (rapper). For the horror film, see The Prodigy (film). For other uses, see Prodigy.

The Prodigy
The Prodigy in 2009 performing at the Cokelive Festival, Romania
The Prodigy in 2009 performing at the Cokelive Festival, Romania
Background information
OriginBraintree, Essex, England
Genres
DiscographyThe Prodigy discography
Years active1990–present
Labels
Members
Past members
Websitetheprodigy.com

The Prodigy are an English electronic dance music band formed in Braintree, Essex, in 1990 by producer, keyboardist, and songwriter Liam Howlett. The original line-up also featured dancer and vocalist Keith Flint, dancer and live keyboardist Leeroy Thornhill, dancer Sharky, and MC and vocalist Maxim. They are pioneers of the breakbeat-influenced genre big beat, and describe their style as electronic punk.[1][2]

The band emerged during the underground rave scene and achieved early success in 1991 with their debut singles "Charly" and "Everybody in the Place", which reached the UK top five. After their debut album Experience (1992), the band moved from their rave roots and incorporated techno, breakbeat, and rock influences on their follow-up, the critically acclaimed Music for the Jilted Generation (1994). They reached their commercial and critical peak with their third studio album The Fat of the Land (1997), which went to No. 1 in 16 countries, including the UK and the US, and spawned the UK number one singles "Firestarter" and "Breathe" in 1996. The third single, "Smack My Bitch Up", was a UK top ten hit and generated considerable controversy over its suggestive lyrics and music video. Thornhill left the band in 2000 and Flint died in 2019; Howlett and Maxim are the only two original members.

The Prodigy are one of the most successful electronic groups of all time, selling an estimated 25 million records worldwide[3] including over 4.7 million albums in the UK. They have scored seven consecutive UK number one albums. AllMusic described them as "the premiere dance act for the alternative masses" and "the Godfathers of Rave".[4] The Prodigy have won many awards during their career, including two Brit Awards for Best British Dance Act, three MTV Video Music Awards, two Kerrang! Awards, five MTV Europe Music Awards, and two Grammy Award nominations.[5][6]

  1. ^ "Liam Howlett: Punk and disorderly". The Independent. 17 December 2013. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  2. ^ "The Prodigy interview: 'Calvin Harris? That's just waffle. That isn't real'". inews.co.uk. 15 November 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  3. ^ Roach, Martin (2010). The Prodigy : electronic punks : the early years 1988-1994. Church Stretton: Independent Music. ISBN 978-1-906191-17-7. OCLC 1100929625.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference AllmusicBio was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ The Brit Awards: Prodigy Archived 1 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine Brits.co.uk. Retrieved 12 February 2012
  6. ^ The Prodigy Archived 13 February 2010 at the Wayback Machine Rock on The Net. Retrieved 12 February 2012