Keith Flint mural unveiled in London for World Suicide Prevention Day

A mural honouring the late Keith Flint has been unveiled in Hackney, London to mark this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day.

The artwork was produced by street artist Akse, who worked on the project in partnership with the music and mental wellbeing festival Headstock. It depicts Flint, alongside the helpline number for mental health charity Shout, which offers free, 24/7 support.

Akse’s mural was funded by a Headstock-led Crowdfunder campaign, which raised over £10,650. Its official unveiling has been timed to coincide with raising awareness of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day, which is on 10th September.

Those who want to seek the mural out can find it on the side of the Hackney Co-operative complex at 62 Beechwood Road, less than 100 yards from the site of the old Four Aces Club on Dalston Lane where The Prodigy played their first ever gig in 1991.

Speaking about the mural, The Prodigy’s Liam Howlett said: “Respect to everyone for coming together to make this happen for a cause so close to us. Akse has done Keef proud.”

Headstock founder Atheer Al-Salim added: “Keith Flint was the original firestarter. He was a true trailblazer in electronic music, and I was lucky enough to see him perform with The Prodigy on a number of occasions.

“Off-stage, Keith struggled with his mental health, and he talked candidly about his ‘dark periods’. Tragically, this culminated in him taking his own life. We’ve created this mural to help remember Keith and ensure that his flame continues to burn brightly – but also to raise awareness of Shout 85258, and the incredible 24/7 text support service it provides.

“We hope that the mural will help anyone that sees it know that confidential support is just a text message away.”

Keith Flint died on 4th March, 2019. It was subsequently confirmed that he took his own life. The Prodigy paid tribute to him earlier this year on the second anniversary of his death.

In the UK, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email [email protected]. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international suicide helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.