The Prodigy story starts with a 12" EP called What Evil Lurks, the four tracks of which were taken from the youthful Liam Howlett's first demo tape. The EP was enthusistically received on the then-massive rave scene, and it remains a hardcore club anthem to this day, as well as being one of the most sought after pieces of dance vinyl of all time. On the back of the EP's underground success, The Prodigy gigged extensively throughout the UK, and were able to make their first trips [what sort?] abroad. In Italy they were hailed as pop royalty and mobbed by ecstatic ravers.

On August 12 1991, The Prodigy released their second single - the legendary Charly. There was a huge buzz around the track months before its release, and that excitement was justified when Charly shot to Number 1 in the National Dance Charts and to Number 3 in the Gallup Top 40. "Charly" inspired a string of copycat records, and triggered the notoriously heated "Is Rave Dead?" debate. Amid all the furore it was easy to miss the facty that Charly was one of the most successful dance records of the time, and far better than any of the opportunist tunes that came in its wake.

Twenty-two year-old Liam Howlett is the musical force behond the Prodigy sound, although there are three other members who contribute to the live performance - Maxim Reality, Leeroy Thornhill and Keith Flint. Liam was once the DJ for the London rap act Cut To Kill, but he became disillusioned with the rap scene's aggressive attitude after experiencing the "Love, Peace and Happiness" vibe that dominated the rave scene.

Liam is also a classically trained pianist, whose ambition once was "to get a record deal and put out a few tunes". That goal was achieved very quickly, so Liam is now concentrating on maintaining his status as the most successful hardcore underground act, blending his unique sound of hip-hop beats and manic house music, and, most importantly, keeping the crowds happy.