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How did Maxi Jazz die? 'Faithless' band pays tribute to lead singer and rapper who died aged 65

'He was a man who changed our lives in so many ways,' wrote the band about Maxwell Fraser who died on December 23

LONDON, ENGLAND: Musician Maxwell Fraser, popularly known by his stage name Maxi Jazz, died at the age of 65. The electronic dance group 'Faithless' lead singer died on December 23. 

In March 2022, Fraser revealed that he was battling "health issues" that had been impairing his ability to perform, reports the Daily Mail. "I thought I might be on top of things but sadly not... I'll let you know when I've regained sufficient oomph," he said.  His bandmates took to social media to pay their tribute to the deceased singer-songwriter and announced that he died peacefully in his sleep. 

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"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,"  wrote the band's keyboard player Sister Bliss in a tribute to the rapper.

The official social media account of the 'Faithless' band wrote: "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."

"It was an honor and, of course, a true pleasure to work with him. He was a brilliant lyricist, DJ, Buddhist, a magnificent stage presence, car lover, endless talker, beautiful person, moral compass and genius," the club added in the tweet.

Four weeks ago, Fraser shared a video on Instagram of him playing his guitar to reveal the launch of new songs. "Watch out world!" said the singer who wrote: "Me’n Garbo, my ‘54 Gretsch Country Club noodling at mine along with half the band rehearsing new songs. Watch out world! Who has a drum set in the kitchen??" 

The band has been popular since 1995, widely known for 'Insomnia', the group's hit song in 1995 that took the top place in the UK dance charts and bagged the third position in the UK chart following its re-release in 1996.  Forever Faithless, To All New Arrivals, The Dance and We Come 1 are among the hit tracks written by the group with members including Fraser, Sister Bliss and Rollo Armstrong.