Maxi Jazz, the leader of the electronic band Faithless, died recently at the age of 65. On December 24, 2022, his death was announced through the band’s official Twitter feed, where it was stated that he died in his sleep:
“Maxi Jazz died quietly in his sleep yesterday night, and we are sad. He was a guy who influenced our lives in a variety of ways. He gave our music genuine significance and a purpose. He was a wonderful person with time for everyone and insight that was both deep and approachable.”
In a subsequent Facebook post, the band noted that Jazz provided “appropriate meaning and purpose to our music.” The message went on to call him a “great songwriter, wonderful guy, and genius,” and added:
“He was also a nice human being with time for everyone and deep but approachable advice. Working with him was an honor and, of course, a great joy.”
As of this writing, the reason for his death has not been disclosed.
“A poet, a gentleman, and a real original,” said Twitter users in the aftermath of Maxi Jazz’s death.
Following the news of Jazz’s passing, Twitteratis paid their respects to the late performer. Armin van Buuren, MistaJam, Tom Warren, and Kamal Ahmed were among those who recognized his contributions to the music world. Meanwhile, some platform users admired Jazz’s skill and posted old video recordings of him playing on stage with his band Faithless.
Maxi Jazz 1957 – 2022. We are heartbroken to share that Maxi died peacefully in his sleep last night. Sending love to all of you who shared our musical journey. Look after each other y’hear. 🙏💔 pic.twitter.com/4R88rg8Aza
— sister bliss (@thesisterbliss) December 24, 2022
‘Go get your jab…’
R.I.P. Maxi JAB#maxijazz pic.twitter.com/xlOSa1CSJA— Pjotr loves Sarcastic Sounds 📵🏴☠️ (@Ius_peter) December 24, 2022
Maxi Jazz’s musical career started in the early 1980s as a DJ.
Maxi Jazz was born on June 14, 1957, in Brixton, south London. He began his musical career as a DJ at The Soul Food Cafe System in 1984. Tam Tam Records signed his band in 1989. Jazz then founded Faithless in 1995 with Rollo and Sister Bliss, and the quartet published their first album Reverence the following year. The album also included the band’s signature song, Insomnia, which is widely recognized as one of the greatest dance tunes of all time.
Faithless then released their second album, Sunday 8 PM, which received a Mercury Music Prize nomination. The album also included their track God Is A DJ, which earned them a BRIT Award nomination for Best British Dance Act. Forever Faithless, their biggest hit CD, was certified four times platinum and went on to become the best-selling dance record of 2005. In addition, they performed at the Glastonbury Festival in 2002.
Despite the fact that the band disbanded in 2011, they published a studio album during the Covid epidemic that omitted Maxi Jazz, who was in another band named Maxi Jazz & The E-Type Boys. During the absence of his previous band, the musician started composing for the band in 2013. Maxi Jazz & The E-Type Boys’ website defined their music as “melodic funk and blues combined with reggae rhythms, dub baselines [and] Jamaican melodies.” In a homage to Jazz, DJ Dave Peace highlighted Faithless’ importance in the UK dance music scene and referred to Maxi as a “warm, cool, kind spirit and dance music’s poet.”