Rhythm of Life Talks with Leeroy Thornhill (The Prodigy ex member)

I had a great pleasure to have a chat with Leeroy Thornhill. Who used to be part of the incredible electronic act called the Prodigy.
This band playes a big part in electronic music and it is one of the reasons why I chose to spend my life making music.
Leeroy is now on his own makeing his own music, playing as a dj and as well he is part of the project called "Smash Hifi".
Big thanks to Cross club as well for helping me to make this happend! :)

[@montybrewster7]

Leeroy was the coolest dancer on the planet during the late 80's early 90's. He made his style look effortless & he's a top bloke as well. Cheers ridocz, that was ace.

[@Platform_music]

Totally agree! Happy to hear you enjoyed the interview!!

[@martincarm5203]

This guy is a legend. I also grew up watching Leeroy dancing and trying to copy!!! The original shuffler!!!

[@TheReesi73]

Agreed amazing dancer....but why copy him? I prefer to be original, yet I admire his style..no one comes close

[@jpah8944]

Not the original. Shuffling began in Melbourne before it got to the UK. I was probably doing it before he was lol

[@justneil6885]

Is called the running man..

[@randeraad]

@@jpah8944 Not as well though I guess lol

[@chrisb6296]

Their dancing was as good as the music

[@liammccann8763]

We need a proper Prodigy documentary.

[@12qwertyuiop90]

There is a book, very interesting

[@caidema]

1000%

[@samguberman2288]

Absolutely, They'd be perfect for Sky Arts or BBC4

[@tch1978]

what book?

[@bubz75]

We need a Prodigy Film

[@tomdavies6368]

Seems a really nice guy, without a big ego.

[@damianclarkeed6683]

He's a legend mate. I always used to try and dance like him when I was a kid.

[@ItaloBrutalo]

Feeling the same

[@wiltchamberlaingodofnba2072]

LIAM IS EGO MANIAC, LEEROY IS NICE DUDE I MET HIM SEVERAL TIMES. LITERALLY, ALL 3 ARE VERY NICE PPL , BUT LIAM IS SOMEHOW UPNOSE IN AIR TOO MUCH.

[@spaceytracey1237]

They all are. That's what makes them special bc they are us.

[@spaceytracey1237]

@@wiltchamberlaingodofnba2072 I agree, the other 3 are up for a laugh.

[@richmallett6456]

The Prodigy wrote and performed anthems for a generation , I'm so Happy to have participated in the UK rave scene around '90-'92 , magical days indeed , the anarchic spirit of youth culture during this halcyon period was epitomised by The Prodigy sound .There definitely should be a movie made about this era, centered around The Prodigy Story . I feel , like many , that a part of me has died with the passing of Keith Flint ....Leeroy's incredible shuffling dance steps were iconic and a true physical expression of the unbelievable energy of the music ....I feel blessed to have lived on this planet at the same time as The Prodigy ....

[@tamradawn1732]

YES. Good times

[@mich5502]

You dunno how we love Prodigy in Russia! They’re something like gods for us! Somebody said that it is British-Russian group)

[@mrsricerocket5871]

Beautifully put , RIP Keith you legend.

[@rudicon4u]

It wasn't just prodigy though was it? They were the biggest achievers though. Mickey Finn, Sounds of the loop da era, Acen, house Crew and legends Altern8 to name a few would have to have a mention.

[@redriderbbgun8018]

Leeroy was the Bez of Electronic music!!!

[@jasonleon1976]

Very humble guy. Every house party I ever went to I always tried to impersonate leeroys moves on the floor.

[@eBrigid]

What a lovely man he is. Such an easy smile. There are professional dancers, yet they are informed by the true style makers, the people in the streets with the true raw talent. Just like the B-Boys in the Bronx back in the day, the culture boils up, out of the pot, down the stove, onto the floor, and then seeps into the wider culture.

[@alexandercarder2281]

Me and my sister met him on our way to Ashdown youth camp. We stopped off at service station passing through Essex and we bumped into him and his bird and got his autograph 😁😌

[@adammoores8190]

Best footwork in modern history

[@Scanini]

N-joi, Matt..

[@TheCurveModel]

Mike

[@stud105]

All members of the prodigy are charming. So gutted about Keith. Hope they carry on.

[@exerhlp]

Leeroy is a legend!! We all tried to dance like him, but not for too long before our legs betrayed us lol. And yet he is so humble.

[@michalopitz]

I love Leeroy, I love Prodigy era with him. Thanx for great interview. Im so thankful I saw old Prodigy gigs at 1996 and 1998.

[@Tovvvija]

those were the best ! TFOTL era was incredible ! the 90's were the best ... i want a time machine...

[@rickywilson7883]

I never saw them till Leeds festival 2009 & some clown put them 2ed to last on the bill Wicked show though man never seen a crowd like it bouncing all the way back to the beer markee. R.I.P KEITH FLINT 🔊🙌🙂

[@spaceytracey1237]

88/89 was the best time to see them. Saw them in the 90's and the 20's but can't beat how it was in the late 80s.

[@AnaPaula-ls2lz]

I remember the 1992 gigs!!! This era was great!!! Pure art!!

[@polthomaskeeley7860]

Great interview. Thank you! RIP Keith. What a band. Epic era. Peace.

[@ridocz]

Glad you like it Thomas. And yes what an Epic era that was!!

[@joespence7084]

They were awesome years, and no social media

[@whiteo333]

Great time's

[@MemoryLaneCinema]

say no to social media like I have. Do not be a sheep. I am here, but I am not on FB, snapchat, insta or twitter.

[@joespence7084]

@@MemoryLaneCinema eh?

[@MemoryLaneCinema]

@@joespence7084 think I made myself clear :)

[@joespence7084]

MemoryLaneCinema neither am I, just KZbin

[@spaceytracey1237]

My favourite Prodigy experience was at the Barras in Glasgow, that's when I got pneumonia, but before that happened I had Maxim chasing me and scaring me to death bc of his freaky contacts, and singing breathe right to me. Fkn awesome memories.

[@clubjumping]

Always had big respect for Leeroy.. He was the first person I saw do a 180 out of the trax club quarter pipe on a bmx back in the day growing up!

[@cindygardener-collinsmimi531]

Leeroy & his nine mile smile. Big respect.

[@ShaneBermingham616]

"Baby's Got A Temper" gets way too much hate. Love that track

[@andrewramirez5241]

We All Tried To Dance Like "CRAZY LEGS", At Least For About 2 Minutes Until We Fell Down And Couldn't Breathe Right!!!

[@richardevans7035]

RIP Keith, the prodigy took rave to another level, I loved them early doors between 1990 till 97

[@garytwiss1]

Me too..one from the beginning. True warrior.

[@your_expert_advisor]

Thanks for such a great interview with legend! The Prodigy for our generation is the same like The Beatles was for our parents.

[@1985cactus]

No

[@AirsoftFury]

I think that's a great comparison

[@ridocz]

Totaly agree Basil!!

[@darkpheenix3489]

Wow, what an awesome honest guy. Much love and respect always Leeroy.

[@ridocz]

Totaly, he was so relaxed and after the interview he played amazing set! :)

[@MYEVILTWIIN]

the guys a total gent , i was lucky enough to be remixed by him on the last track i had out :)

[@Kamala_801]

DUDE!!! Lovely Leeroy... How wonderful those years were.. We need those old normal times back especially in this weird NON normal BS of right now.. The Prodigy lifted us all.. Still miss our Keef.. Respect Dude \m/

[@helenturner8931]

OMG how have I only just discovered this? He’s bloody adorable! What an endearing and engaging guy

[@ridocz]

Yes Helen! Leeroy is a great guy :) Glad you found the interview.

[@rudicon4u]

Leeroy chose the best time to get out. The Prodigy were at there best before they got all Punk and guitars. The Experience album is an absolute classics and defined an era, legendary.

[@Revolver1981]

Leeroy was with them on the Fat Of The Land album tour.

[@rudicon4u]

@@Revolver1981 and unhappy at that point.

[@Revolver1981]

@@theretromachine I think Liam and Maxim should ask Leeroy to rejoin as an MC. They'll never be the same without Keith but I hope they carry on.

[@hzijdhzijd2585]

not really punk

[@JDam6014]

Agreed - never like the prodigy’s later stuff.

[@Fpvfreaky]

I really feel for you Leeroy and Liam , and maxim, you set the dance floors alight🔥🔥🔥 every time.. it’s goin to be hard now for everyone., I can see party life coming alive again to celebrate Keith flints life. Ravers you with me

[@Ruhaathehippy]

Thanks for putting up this great interview with such a humble man. It's great to hear Leeroy's story.

[@ridocz]

Pleasure Ruhaa. Glad you like it!!

[@Luckylearner]

What a nice down to earth guy. God bless Leeroy you was an amazing dancer.

[@MrDaigoRiki]

One of the coolest dude, I wanna get old like him.

[@lizanneleonard8191]

Leeroy's a fukn legend!!!! I just get hypnotized when I watch him still to this day x skylined still makes the hairs on my body stand on end I feel invincible when I hear it not to mention euphoric he is totally speaking truth and sense music has lost its euphoric uplift

[@MrJohnQCitizen]

Leeroy speaks alot of sense regarding the industry. Fantastic

[@epicon6]

I really miss the old prodigy vibe! The first album is so full of energy and good feelings i would love to see them return to that once more

[@samguberman2288]

Great interview, i've seen The Prodigy a few times, first time was in 92 and last time in 2018 . Leeroy comes across as an intelligent guy and it's nice to hear his explanation on leaving the band , it all makes sense, i could only imagine how the crowd reacted when he joined The Prodigy on stage in 2015 , he was mesmerising to watch on stage . So sad that Keith died, now there's another huge hole in the group .

[@christopherjames7216]

Absolute legend. No one can dance like this man. Cheers from America 🍻

[@ridocz]

Yes!!

[@metalpunk3785]

I'll never forget the first time I heard the Prodigy when I was about 10 years old in 92. I was hooked and loved their music. Ive only ever been to see metal/rock bands. But I seen them last year in Leeds, and it was totally mesmerizing and brought back so many memories listening to them and seeing them perform. Will always love the Prodigy, massive part of my life. Keith, sad to see you go. Hope you are in a better place mate.

[@rosscoghlan]

This was great. Love Leeroy, so humble and down to earth.

[@Ezzerguru]

Loved this Interview. Brought back great memories. I made friends with Leeroy on the dance floor at a rave (just like he said) because he was such a brilliant dancer. Shortly after meeting him I moved into a flatshare with ‘Sharky’ who danced with the band for a couple of years. I was at their first gig in Dalston and been to a thousand more since. Loved Leeroy’s candour, honesty and humour in this interview. Quality!

[@ridocz]

Wau thats amazing Jones! It had to be really special to be around at that time!!

[@Ezzerguru]

⁠@@ridoczI forgot I made this comment and here I am 4 years later watching the interview again.. It really was a special time.

[@mimosa27]

I've always been secretly in love with Leeroy. Most of the time I "see" through people. He's still a true gentleman and a warm soul with a lover's heart

[@perehn8910]

He said a lot things that I've been thinking about for years, really interesting

[@michelle_sea_view]

When I would go clubs I went to dance and enjoy the sound of the music and never took drugs. You can be judged on what music you listen too without anyone knowing you. I ♥️bed listening to the music Prodigy, Orbital, Leftfield Oasis, stone roses, indie music, rock, pop, reggae and much more. Thank you for the music ♥️Leeroy 👏Prodigy is Unique. If music moves you, it will groove you ❤️ I do think you can recreate music from even the 1950s and implement it into sound and that's ♥️ to be different is to be Unique.

[@STAFFIHOUND]

Really enjoyed this. Great interview btw it was 2005 Leeroy got back on stage with the band

[@ridocz]

Thank you Staffin. And yes 2005. Well I guess the time flies!! :)

[@martinjcooney4537]

I used to love the Prodigy, especially in the 90s, they amongst many other British dance acts made my teenage years after leaving School the best. I will always be grateful and thankful for those years.. We got to rave, So lucky. RIP Keith flint, respect to all members of this amazing time in the UK.

[@GuntPulp]

*EVERYBODY IN THE PLACE ●LEEROY GOT STEPS ●LET'S GO*

[@AW-Services]

An amazing slice of time and a story that's appreciated

[@chrisbeere2117]

Wow, "the minute you hear the first bar you know that song". Legend.

[@verinblack6523]

I remember he had a mk 2 escort with bucket seats that were basically in the back because it was the only way he could drive it with his long legs...

[@SP-xy5qn]

Wicked interview! loved the prodigy since I was 10 good to see Leeroy is well! :)

[@ridocz]

Thank you Simon. Same here I felt in love with the music when I was 14 :)

[@SP-xy5qn]

@@ridocz haha first ever cd I bought was the experience album! Was listening to it today strangely enough

[@Luckylearner]

I used to love going to see the Prodigy. Best nights out of my youth from 91 to 96

[@nickrae2553]

Very humble and very honest. Top man. Great interview.

[@ridocz]

Thank you Nick!!

[@TripleMoonGoddess1111]

I love how you dance in out of space ❤

[@neilpearce]

I was 16 back in 1991 and the rave scene was just kicking in. I was at a club in Essex, dancing next to this tall fella in an orange and white boiler suit. I got chatting to him and he said he was part of a new group called the Prodigy and they were the live PA for that night. It was Leeroy Thornhill. They played Charly that night for the very first time and raised the roof!!! Ended up seeing them a few times throughout 1991-92

[@killerjoe3025]

Met leeroy in Newcastle after prodigy gig he was doing a set in China town one of the coolest person ever met and so down to earth respect brother

[@PotatoMASHjack]

Great interview! I wanted to be Leeroy the second I saw him in the No Good video! The prodigy never really felt the same after he left...

[@Schracid]

my favorite Prodigy track, No Good

[@ridocz]

Thank you Jim, glad you like the interview. And yes No Good video is SOO Good!! :)

[@ptlofts]

I'm feeling so old right now...

[@typedef_]

Me too... It's because of his gray hair right ?

[@jasonleon1976]

ptlofts i feel you😂

[@nathanbell6962]

Young forever in 💖

[@baxtronicxavier]

Top bloke, met him once, off my head trying to get him to play an obscure prodigy tune at the zap in Brighton, it wasn’t on his vibe that night but he let me down with a laugh and a smile!

[@gman_1985]

There's a charisma to Leeroy that makes him very interesting to watch/listen to. Seems a lovely guy, what a time to be alive for him when he joined the Prodigy

[@enigmazach]

Leeroy seems like such a sweet guy, and it was really nice to hear from him. His vibrancy and live energy were an integral part of what made the Prodigy such a special act throughout their heyday.

[@ridocz]

Totaly agree Zachary!!!

[@change_profile_n8755]

Splendid interview! Love it.

[@Shuabvv]

this is amaaaaaaazing!!!

[@ridocz]

Happy to hear you enjoyed the conversation! :]

[@damianclarkeed6683]

The prodigy got me into rave music. Dance music legends.

[@brettpenprase]

Excellent interview the Prodigy was my way into electonic music they are my Beetles of my era. Thanks @ridocz. I only found this in 2020

[@ridocz]

Happy to hear Brett! And totaly agree with them being the reason why a lot of us go into the electronic music!

[@BoomTVTing]

Leeroy bought himself an Audi TT from me when I worked at Trade Sales in Slough many moons ago.

[@markylovesrave]

how on earth did he fit in that ??

[@muslim5617]

WHAT'S HIS HEIGHT?

[@badlefthook624]

He's 19ft tall

[@forthedisenfranchised4366]

I always wanted to hear from Leeroy, wonderful to hear his journey, what a top bloke and a one off.

[@juliecoakley5438]

R. I. P. Keith flint, gone but will never be forgotten, condolences for his family and band members, a proper documentary should be made for us to share the love and respect we all had for this man and his music, his music will play on, r. I. P. Keith..

[@0danceaphobia0]

That was a really good and true interview, totally get it!

[@ridocz]

Thank you James! Happy to hear you enjoyed the interview!

[@travisfontenot9462]

What an awesome selfless person he amazed me in this interview !! What a dancer so awesome I always wished i could have danced like him I enjoyed the early years of the prodigy....Rest in peace Keef Flint...Keep dancing crazy legs !!!!

[@Uap-i3o]

It was a golden era for electronic music the rave scene was a magical time 92-94 was the best early jungle techno and old skool rave beats are awesome I still listen to that music I still think there is a place for that music although yes times have changed but a revival of that type of music would be a good thing music brings people together and that is what is needed nowadays because to much artificial shallow artists no substance all just out for money I have to say Money ruins everything it's a curse for people artists etc. Rip Liam your music was a massive influence in my life and many others I still rush thinking about them tune brings me right back to my youth happier times with no worries party's raves acid and ecstasy lol.

[@djzonque4770]

Met them at Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam somewhere in the 90s,cant remember the exact year. They were just simple guys and refused to sign autographs but we had a beer together. Awesome! Big respect!

[@BrianLovesBeefCurtains]

What a nice guy, sums up that whole era 👌

[@MarkDanov]

Awesome interview as always! Thank you for doing these!

[@jason-ian-Van-Sloten]

KEITH RIP. The Prodigy lives on! I lost em after Leeroy left the band!! All the material with leeroy is the Prodigy's finest. I think

[@waynehensley7335]

It qas a movement as far from mainstream music you could get and where everyone felt equal best years of my life and still keeps me gping at 51 ❤ thanks for some great memories and gopd vibes

[@emmetwalsh9116]

I'm trancending to outer space , to find another race 😅 I could do the dance in my stocks on carpet , impressed à few girls . Thanks leroy you de man

[@daveo576]

Always such a humble guy. I know he didn't really write for Prodigy but after he left, Prodigy didn't feel the same. First album after than AONO, was not even close to FOTL.

[@al112v4]

I liked that album.

[@14energy]

Amazing guy, all the best Leeroy!

[@igordewit7357]

Always thought he was the coolest dude on stage....Turns out to be a really nice person too. Doesn't realize the immense impact hé had on us slighty younger kids. Wish him all the best .And you too...Thanks.Be well!

[@ridocz]

Thank you Igor! And yes Leeroy inspired lots of us 😉

[@sonicuprising]

He came to DJ to Saigon to an nearly empty club. Best night ever though. Was lucky enough to chat to this guy.

[@smoox1734]

What a great interview, I was 18 when the rave seen came to Glasgow and the Prodigy is still the best live band ever.. And what a lose cool Keith was to everyone

[@mkombeer79]

Moc pěkný rozhovor, diky! Zestarnul, a to jak říká ze elektronická hudba uz neni co bývala kvůli producentům, tak to vidím stejně.

[@WokeSpokes]

Nice to hear from the big guy. Of note I miss the funky shit. Would be nice to see Leeroy back on the team with the other two, and they do a groovy RnB set

[@LabRat6619]

RIP Keith. So long and thanks for your gig at V festival.

[@jamiewilson8253]

Leeroy,so sorry to hear about old Keith,stay well boy.💚💛💚👍

[@Spudcore]

I learned how to dance from watching Leeroy in the Prodigy videos when I was a young teenager.

[@plumboiii2326]

This is for sure my favorite video on KZbin

[@ridocz]

Happy to hear! :]

[@dannycolverson6944]

Love Leeroy, wouldn't have been the same without his moves. The videos were so good and they did a great job of timing his moves with anthemic and climatic parts of the songs. Like at the end of No Good. Legend

[@jonnybravo3055]

1st saw them at perception - cripsbarn in the summer of 1991. They came on just as I was coming up on a Denis the Menice black and red cap. Seen them several times over the years and last saw them 3 years ago. Best live dance act by far👍🏻

[@shortattentionspa.....]

What an absolute legend! so humble, genuine and decent!

[@abughaben]

Never knew that he was that humble and intelligent

[@ridocz]

Yes totaly!!

[@mtwwb168]

I totqally fancied Leeroy.. The Prodigy will never be touched in terms of that deep seated feeling in you gut when you hear a track, it's like it has touched your soul. Miss it

[@permaveg]

So down to earth, real and honest.

[@geoffwilson7322]

This guy is a legend and says it so well, back in the day you could feel the electricity in the air it was a feeling like no other,the music was so new and whether enhanced by drugs or not I just couldn't imagine it in this day and age.

[@EWt5lg5alQWLqPViO9vk]

Leeroy speaks a lot of sense.

[@Kirmm]

Maybe there will be a proper The Prodigy documentary before I die...

[@mondeano2602]

I am afraid that won't happen now😣

[@zeitesixx]

It’s on its way right now...

[@pectohector]

@@zeitesixx 4 real?

[@edglue6138]

Great interview. Nice honest dude. I can empathize about making music. It's hard to get what's in your head, coming out threw the speakers. One Love. So many memories ❤️

[@ridocz]

Yeah its a journey to get the your ideas out into the real world! :) Glad you like the interview!! :)

[@paulsanka5575]

The sum of all the parts is what makes greatnesses! And Leroy is a major part! 🙏

[@weedfreer]

I loves Leeroy...he seems to be in many way's the entire Ying side of Keef's Ying/Yang persona...which we all know wasn't really a thing except when it came to his most private of private life in any case. I guess that's why the two of them got on with one another so well. And it's great to see he still has a genuine passion for giving the time of day to people he has no real reason for having to do so. You seemed to also get some quite deeply honest answers from him too which, despite having been a fan since Experience (also having litterally seen them go through the transition from old to new during their '95 tour at Doncaster Dome in the UK (he played some nice carnival drums and backup keyboards during a couple of tracks that set too)), actually gave me a greater insight into what happened between him and the band. hats off sir

[@Joe-kt7zp]

Best interview abouit the Prodg and Leeroy leaving.

[@ridocz]

Thank you Joseph!! Really glad you like it!!

[@kath1626]

I used to have the biggest crush on him and I was so sad when he left The Prodigy. Good to see him again.

[@gF-iv2yn]

Met Leroy in a club in Dublin the ormend multi media centre back in the late 90s I thought I was seeing things when I saw him he actually sat down and talk to us at the end of the night even though we were still flying out of our faces never forget it sound bloke .

[@SatanDynastyKiller]

First time I seen them live was in a massive hangar in Prestwick Airport, Hogmanay (December 31st) 1993, started at 8pm right thru to 7am on January 1st- other acts were Dream Frequency and Shades Of Rhythm and a host of dj's.