The Prodigy

A classically trained pianist, Liam Howlett's love of early hip hop led him into the burgeoning underground rave scene of the late 80s and he was soon causing waves as producer and DJ. Recruiting Keith Flint, Leeroy Thornhill and, latterly, Maxim Reality as dancers, The Prodigy inadvertently launched the scene into the mainstream when Charly, a swirling, psychedelic anthem surged into the UK charts. Pioneering debut album Experience (1992) was followed by Music For The Jilted Generation (1994) and they evolved into a full-throttle, electro punk band, mixing dance roots with a volatile live rock show. The transformation was complete when third album Fat Of The Land produced their first Number 1 single Firestarter and they headlined the 1997 Glastonbury Festival. Leeroy left in 2000 and Liam was the only one featured on the 2004 album Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned. A large arena tour and festival dates saw them reunite in 2008 with the album Invaders Must Die marking a genuine return to form.