Faithless singer Maxi Jazz has died aged 65

Faithless singer Maxi Jazz has died at the age of 65, his band has confirmed.

“He was a man who changed our lives in so many ways.

"He gave proper meaning and message to our music.

"He was 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."

Maxi Jazz was as born Maxwell Fraser in London back in 1957, becoming the lead vocalist in Faithless in 1995.

He started out as a DJ, founding the Soul Food Café System in 1984, before developing an interest in hip hop.

Jazz then moved onto pirate radio, DJing for both Reach FM and LWR in the UK’s capital.

With the Soul Food Café Band – founded in 1989 – he toured in support of acts such as Jamiroquai and Soul II Soul, amongst others.

After meeting with Rollo Armstrong – the brother of pop singer Dido – the pair formed Faithless along with Jamie Catto and Sister Bliss.

The group released a number of albums, including 1996 effort Reverence, which featured some of their biggest hits including Insomnia and Salva Mea.

They enjoyed significant commercial success, and also travelled the world headlining festivals such as Glastonbury.

The band released a further statement that said: “We are heartbroken to say Maxi Jazz died peacefully in his sleep last night.

“He was a man who changed our lives in so many ways. He gave proper meaning and a message to our music.

“He was a lovely human being with time for everyone and wisdom that was both profound and accessible.”

Bandmate Sister Bliss added: “Sending love to all of you who shared our musical journey. Look after each other y’hear.”

Tributes have been pouring in for the Faithless singer, with broadcaster Phil Williams writing: “Really saddened to hear of Maxi Jazz’s death.

“Had an amazing lost night with him once which ended the morning after.

“He was kind, gentle and really funny.

“I loved watching him live, he was an amazing frontman.

“‘You don’t need eyes to see,

You need vision.’”

Radio DJ Declan Pierce added: “RIP Maxi Jazz.

“My goodness I’m heartbroken to hear this news.

“He was due to perform with Block Rockin Beats but Covid lockdowns meant we had to cancel our plans in 2020. “One of my heroes”