The Drop The Debt campaign will launch in Britain at Tuesday's ceremony with many of the star guests wearing badges to show their support.

Some are also thought to be planning to make onstage demonstrations - and now Flint has had Drop The Debt inscribed across his back.

Flint, who also has the word "Inflicted" across his stomach in gothic script, is well known for his tattoos and body piercing - but the tattoo on his back marks a first.

'Previously unsullied by ink'

Luciano Pavarotti: Backing Drop The Debt

A spokesman for the Prodigy's record company, XL, said: "His back was previously unsullied by ink. As far as I know, Drop The Debt attempts to replicate the 'Inflicted' typeface."

Pressure group Jubilee 2000 is behind the campaign, and has been talking to figures in the music industry for over a year about the campaign, which calls on the United Nations to cancel Third World debt - which it estimates totals around £11bn.

David Bowie, Oasis, Robbie Williams and Placebo have joined Luciano Pavarotti in backing Drop the Debt, and it has been reported U2 singer Bono and boxing legend Muhammad Ali will appear midway through the Brit Awards ceremony to lend their support.

Deputy director Adrian Lovett said: "There are various things that will be happening at the Brits. There's a little symbol of the campaign, a lapel chain, and most of the performers and many in the audience will be wearing them.