CNN
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Maxi Jazz, the British musician best known as the lead singer of dance band Faithless, has died, according to the band.
The band announced the death of Jazz In a Facebook post on Saturday. The singer, born Maxwell Fraser, was 65 years old. He died peacefully in his sleep on Friday night, According to Faithless’ Twitter.
“We are saddened to say that Maxi Jazz passed away last night,” the band wrote on their verified Facebook account. “He was a man who changed our lives in so many ways. He gave meaning and a proper message to our music.”
“He was also a lovely human being with time for everyone and a wisdom that was profound and accessible,” the post continues. “It was a great honor and, of course, a pleasure to work with him.”
“He was a brilliant lyricist, DJ, Buddhist, great stage presence, car lover, endless talker, beautiful person, moral compass and genius.”
Jazz was a big fan of British football club Crystal Palace and even became the assistant manager of the team in 2012, According to a club statement. And in honor of his life, the team will be breaking out to “Faithless” on Boxing Day on Monday, according to the release.
Jazz formed Faithless with bandmates Jamie Catto, Rollo, and Sister Bliss in 1995. The band achieved fame for hit songs like the 90s dance anthem “Insomnia” and “God is a DJ.” They have also performed at the British Glastonbury Festival four times, According to the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Musicians and fans alike paid tribute to the artist posthumously. “Rest In Poetry,” writes London Elektricity, a drummer, bass player and co-founder of Hospital Records, on Instagram on Saturday Next to Jazz’s photo. British singer Roweta And the Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren She also posted a tribute to the musician.
“Your voice and your music will live forever,” he wrote. British DJ duo CamelPhat on Twitter. “From nightclub to festival, you’ve brought a whole new dynamic to the dance floor. A fitting inspiration for all of us.”