Fans 'raise the roof for Keef' at Prodigy star Keith Flint's funeral
Flint's band The Prodigy asked fans to line the procession route to the Essex church where invited friends and family gathered.
Saturday 30 March 2019 01:50, UK
Music fans from around the world have gathered in Essex for the funeral of Prodigy star Keith Flint.
The Prodigy posted an invitation on Twitter for fans to "raise the roof for Keef" and fans responded by lining the procession route with flags and music.
The service at St Mary's Church in Bocking was private but loudspeakers broadcast the funeral to those outside the church.
Flint was found dead at his home in Essex on 4 March at the age of 49 and an inquest heard that he had died by hanging.
Hundreds of fans watched as one of Flint's dogs was led up to the church ahead of his coffin to the tune of Aerials, a song by heavy metal band System Of A Down.
The service included readings from Prodigy drummer Leo Crabtree and actor Paul Kaye, and songs Days Like This by Van Morrison, Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd, That's Entertainment by The Jam and A Message To You Rudy by The Specials.
Among the fans outside the church was Dennis Kuhne, 40, who flew from Germany.
He said: "I listened to them over 20 years.
"My first concert I think was in 1995 for the Jilted Generation tour.
"Since that time I followed the guys on almost every tour, festivals and everywhere they played in Germany.
Maria Lelicova, 25, came from Prague for "the last time to have a connection, say goodbye".
"I never had so strong connection with other bands as with The Prodigy and it's really something unique and it's part of my life," she said.
"I have three Prodigy tattoos, I love Keith Flint since my childhood because when I was really, really baby I was scared of him."
Araks Azarian, 36, arrived from Australia on the morning of the funeral and said: "I've been doing it for years, to see the boys, and this is going to be my last chance to do it."
She plans to return to Sydney on Sunday.
Carpenter Lewis Knowles, 31, came from Calne in Wiltshire and said: "They were a big part of growing up, listening to The Prodigy, enjoying it, travelling all round Europe and the world watching them.
"It felt right to come here and just try to enjoy the day and see people you bump into at the gigs."
Flint and The Prodigy found fame in the 1990s with hits including Firestarter and Breathe.
The group released its latest album No Tourists in November and Flint had participated in a park run in Chelmsford just two days before he was found dead, posting a personal best time.
He was described by bandmates as a "true pioneer, innovator and legend" as well as a "brother and best friend".
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