It's a touching and spine-tingling moment that deals with the noticeably large gap onstage without any mawkish sentimentality. Liam Howlett has always been The Prodigy’s musical brain and Maxim added power and style, but Keith became both the heart and face of the band. His death in 2019 could have permanently derailed them, but it’s to the remaining members’ monumental credit – and, somewhere, Keith’s delight – that they’re returning now with a monstrous fire under their arses. It’s not that the frontman isn’t missed, because he absolutely is, but The Prodigy have never sounded better in any iteration.
The energy is off the scale from the moment they crank out the twangy riff and pulsing beat of Breathe, inviting the crowd to come play their game. And the crowd accepts – gladly. There is no calm space in this sold-out venue; no haven towards the back or sides for the safe nursing of an over-priced lager. The whole place is moving, jumping and sometimes gurning as the Prodge roll back the years. It’s easy to forget what a selection of bona fide big beat bangers they have at their disposal as the crowd sings along to everything – including iconic synth and guitar riffs when lacking in vocal hooks.