A reverend has defended the placement of a bench featuring devil-horn styling in a churchyard as a tribute to The Prodigy's Keith Flint. The memorial, located near Flint's hometown, honors the late singer's distinctive hairstyle. Local residents have expressed pride in the installation.
The bench, installed at St Mary Church in Bocking, Essex, serves as a memorial to Keith Flint, the frontman of The Prodigy who died in March 2019. Situated close to where Flint grew up and formed the band, the oak bench's back panel features extended sides on both ends compared to the middle, mimicking his famous devil-horn hairstyle. Crafted by Free Range Designs at the request of The Prodigy's manager and in collaboration with Flint's family, the piece was scorched jet black to incorporate fire into its creation process.
Reverend Rod Reid, who officiated Flint's funeral attended by over 5,000 people, addressed concerns about the design's suitability in a church setting. "The band and the family wanted something fitting for the churchyard. They were very respectful and very aware of the setting," Reid told BBC News. He emphasized the memorial's significance to the Braintree community, noting that locals recall seeing Flint and bandmate Liam Howlett on dance floors in the area and have supported their career throughout.
"For local people here in Braintree and around, this means an awful lot," Reid said. "They have followed them all the way through and they are proud." Visitors have reacted positively, with many left amazed by the bench and its placement.
This installation marks the second tribute to Flint in Braintree, following a spray-painted portrait on a water tank at Braintree Town FC's ground. The Prodigy continues to perform in Flint's memory, having dedicated their 2025 Glastonbury headline set to him and planning a sold-out UK and Ireland arena tour starting next month, along with summer outdoor shows.
