Sister Bliss, UB40, Sleaford Mods and more pay tribute to Faithless' Maxi Jazz

On Christmas Eve (24 December) Faithless announced that one of their founding members Maxi Jazz had died "peacefully in his sleep last night" aged 65. "He was a man who changed our lives in so many ways," Faithless continued. "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 honour 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. Rest in peace dearest Max. 1957 - 2022."

It was an honour 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. Rest in peace dearest Max. 1957 - 2022

— Faithless (@faithless) December 24, 2022

Sister Bliss, Faithless' keyboardist, also confirmed the news, writing, "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."

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

Maxi Jazz, Sister Bliss, Rollo Armstrong and Jamie Catto formed Faithless in 1995, and their debut album Reverence landed the following year, featuring their "Insomnia" hit. Their latest album All Blessed arrived in 2020.

The likes of UB40, Sleaford Mods, MistaJam, Pete Tong, Camelphat, Crystal Palace F.C. and more have been paying tribute to Maxi Jazz online.

A lovely guy, again who has gone too soon, but finally Maxi you can get some sleep.

R.I.P Maxi

Big Love
UB40

@MattMC40 pic.twitter.com/lQsRteuH62

— UB40 (@UB40OFFICIAL) December 24, 2022

“Tearin off tights with my teeth” Rest in peace, Maxi Jazz.

— Sleaford Mods (@sleafordmods) December 24, 2022

I only met him IRL once and he was the kindest man with such an aura about him. His words and performances touched so many of us and he’ll be sorely missed. Love to @thesisterbliss and the whole @faithless family. Rest in Power Maxi Jazz pic.twitter.com/QB2AvYq5Qx

— mistajam (@mistajam) December 24, 2022

I’m lucky to have been able to first play these tunes on the radio to help spread the word. Fortunate to be able play “that track” in every IbizaClassics show since we started and most grateful to have been able to share a stage with this great man.

— Pete Tong mbe (@petetong) December 24, 2022

RIP to a True Icon MAXI JAZZ @faithless - Your voice & your music will live on forever. From nightclub to festival you brought a whole new dynamic to the dancefloor. A proper inspiration to us all. Sleep well Sir. x pic.twitter.com/Aqx0dfux7Y

— CAMELPHAT (@CamelPhat) December 24, 2022

We are mourning the loss of legendary musician Maxi Jazz, who has passed away at the age of 65.

The team will walk out to Faithless on Boxing Day in tribute. pic.twitter.com/zxLEkLwkMN

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) December 24, 2022