Faithless frontman Maxi Jazz has died at the age of 65, the band has confirmed on social media today.

In a Facebook post on Saturday (December 24), the group wrote: “We are heartbroken to say Maxi Jazz died last night. He was a man who changed our lives in so many ways.

“He gave proper meaning and message to our music. He was a lovely human being with time for everyone and a wisdom that was both profound and accessible. It was an honour and, of course, a true pleasure to work with him.”

In an Instagram post, the band wrote that the singer “died peacefully in his sleep”.

“He was a brilliant lyricist, DJ, Buddhist, a magnificent stage presence, car lover, endless talker, beautiful person, moral compass and genius,” the wrote.

“Rest in peace dearest Max. 1957 – 2022 and thank you Faithless family for all the love you showed us over the years. Please look after each other, y’hear ?? as Max would always say.”

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. pic.twitter.com/VcFe7OpTh6

— Faithless (@faithless) December 24, 2022

Faithless' first album, Reverence, was released in 1996 and the singles 'Insomnia' and 'Salva Mea' both sold more than a million copies.

Their second studio album, Sunday 8PM (1998) featured the global hit 'God Is A DJ' and cemented the group’s standing as a major musical force.

The band last performed a huge Irish set back in 2016 at Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Tributes have come flooding in from the music world following the news.

DJ Dave Pearce wrote: “So sad to learn Maxi Jazz has passed away. Faithless were an iconic force in UK dance music from the mid-90s and touched so many lives. Throughout their meteoric rise to fame Maxi remained a warm, cool, friendly soul – dance music’s poet – thoughts with his family and friends RIP.”

UB40 said: “A lovely guy, again who has gone too soon, but finally Maxi you can get some sleep. R.I.P Maxi Big Love.”

DJ MistaJam added: “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.”

Ritchie Neville, from boy band 5ive, said: “We’ve lost an icon of our time.” He said he was heartbroken and that his teenage years had been blessed “with one of the best house tunes ever”, courtesy of the musician: “Time to sleep legend. Thank you for inspiring.”

Crystal Palace football club said they were “mourning the loss of legendary musician” adding that the team “will walk out to Faithless on Boxing Day in tribute”.

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

Sister Bliss, a fellow Faithless member, wrote: "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."

Shocked to hear the news about Maxi Jazz from Faithless.. May your music keep inspiring others and rest easy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/z3vICbzh7N

— Armin van Buuren (@arminvanbuuren) December 24, 2022

Such incredibly sad news … 💔 I always look back at this clip as one of the most iconic Glasto sets.. brining a certain energy that only a few performers can.

RIP Maxi Jazz 😔 #Faithless #Glastonbury

pic.twitter.com/mfGtHpiUMx

— Glastopia (@Glastopia) December 24, 2022