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Funeral for a Friend

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Funeral for a Friend
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded2001 in Bridgend, Wales
Headquarters
Bridgend
,
Wales, United Kingdom
ProductsMusic albums, singles, EPs

Funeral for a Friend is a post-hardcore group originating from Bridgend, Wales, established in 2001. The current lineup includes Kris Roberts (guitar and backing vocals), Gavin Burrough (guitar and vocals), Darran Smith (guitar), Richard Boucher (bass), and Ryan Richards (drums and vocals).

The band rose to prominence in the UK with their debut album, Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation (2003), which achieved gold status and produced three singles that reached the top twenty charts. This album is widely recognized as a defining emo release of the 2000s. Their next record, Hours (2005), preserved much of their original sound while incorporating more melodic aspects. With Tales Don't Tell Themselves (2007), they transitioned toward melodic rock, minimizing screamed vocals and the intense post-hardcore guitar elements. These releases earned gold and silver certifications within the UK.

Their fourth album, Memory and Humanity (2008), was independently released through their brief label Join Us, showcasing their most diverse musical approach yet. Following this, they issued Welcome Home Armageddon (2011), Conduit (2013), and Chapter and Verse (2015) via independent labels, marking a resurgence of their heavier sound. In September 2015, the band announced their disbandment with a farewell tour in 2016, culminating in a sold-out performance at London's Forum.

In October 2019, Funeral for a Friend reunited for three charity concerts held in Cardiff and London. After their planned appearance at the 2020 Download Festival was canceled, they confirmed a UK headline tour set for April 2021 featuring tracks from their first three albums. By December 2023, the band disclosed intentions to produce new material without founding vocalist Matthew Davies-Kreye.

Formation and early years (2001–2003)

Following the departure of January Thirst’s original singer Michael Davies in December 2001, Matthew Evans (vocals) and Johnny Phillips (drums) invited Matt Davies—later known as Davies-Kreye—to audition as lead vocalist. The group rebranded as Funeral for a Friend, taking their name from a track by Planes Mistaken for Stars, one of Davies’s preferred bands.

In early 2002, second guitarist Kerry Roberts exited and was succeeded by Darran Smith, formerly of Tripcage. The band recorded four songs at Mighty Atom Studios for a self-funded EP alongside Welsh act From This Moment On. Subsequently, Mighty Atom Records offered them a two-album contract, resulting in the release of their debut EP, Between Order and Model (2002). Prior to this release, bassist Andi Morris left to join death metal band Amputated; Phillips and Evans also departed. Gareth Davies (later Ellis-Davies) took over bass duties while Ryan Richards became the drummer. Matt Davies assumed full lead vocal responsibilities, with Gareth providing backing vocals and Richards contributing screamed parts.

In 2003, Funeral for a Friend produced their second EP, Four Ways to Scream Your Name, under producer Colin Richardson. That same year, they secured their first Kerrang! award for "Best UK Newcomer," outperforming nominees such as The Darkness, largely driven by robust fan voting online. In August 2003, they performed on the Concrete Jungle stage at the Reading and Leeds Festivals.

Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation

Funeral for a Friend was honored with the Kerrang! Award for "Best British Newcomer" on 21 August 2003. Their debut studio album, Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation, produced by Colin Richardson, was released on 20 October 2003 to widespread critical praise across the UK. By October 2004, it had achieved Gold certification from the British Phonographic Industry, signifying sales surpassing 100,000 copies. The album later saw a US release on 13 July 2004, following the earlier introduction of the seven-track "mini-album" Seven Ways to Scream Your Name, which compiled selections from previous EPs.

From Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation, three singles entered the UK top twenty charts: "Juneau" reached number 19, "She Drove Me to Daytime Television" peaked at number 20, and "Escape Artists Never Die" also attained number 19. The band embarked on extensive European tours, including opening slots for Iron Maiden, though the differing musical styles resulted in varied audience reactions.

In April 2004, Funeral for a Friend toured the United States alongside Avenged Sevenfold, My Chemical Romance, and Moments in Grace. Simultaneously, they released a split 7-inch vinyl with Moments in Grace through Atlantic Records, Salad Days Records, Mighty Atom Records, and Infectious Records. The record featured "Bullet Theory," which had not been previously available in the US market. Promotional activities included a giveaway organized by the webzine Ultimate Guitar. Later that year, Funeral for a Friend supported Linkin Park during their American tour and headlined the second stage at the Reading and Leeds Festivals.

Hours

The lead single from their second album, "Streetcar", released in May 2005, marked the band’s fourth consecutive UK top 20 hit, debuting at number 15. Their sophomore album, Hours, was released on 14 June 2005 under Atlantic Records. Produced by Terry Date, recording took place in two Seattle studios owned by Pearl Jam, incorporating innovative techniques such as capturing Matt Davies’ vocals while driving and amidst street crowds on the track "Drive". Within two weeks of release, Hours earned Silver certification for exceeding 60,000 sales and reached Gold status by 23 December 2005 with over 100,000 copies sold. In August of that year, Funeral for a Friend received the Kerrang! Award for "Best British Band".

Ahead of the album launch, the band performed several intimate shows in Wales. In the United States, they joined bands like Atreyu, Saosin, and Thrice on the Maurice Stage during the 2005 Vans Warped Tour. In November, they headlined the UK leg of Taste of Chaos with support acts including The Used and Killswitch Engage. The third single from Hours, "History", featured a music video portraying events from the mid-1980s UK miners' strike in South Wales.

Promotional efforts for Hours concluded in summer 2006 after rescheduled UK dates due to Matt Davies’ laryngitis. The tour ended with an appearance supporting headliners Guns N' Roses at Download Festival. The remainder of that year was spent writing and recording their third studio album.

Tales Don't Tell Themselves

During their UK tour in summer 2006, Funeral for a Friend began composing the tracks for this album, proceeding to record once the tour concluded. The album officially launched in the UK on 14 May 2007, following an early online leak. Throughout production, the band shared video diaries on their MySpace page to provide fans with behind-the-scenes insight. The lead single, "Into Oblivion (Reunion)", debuted on Radio One's Zane Lowe Show on 19 March and climbed to number 16 on the UK singles chart by 13 May.

To support the release, the band organized exclusive, intimate concerts during April 2007, with tickets distributed in limited quantities via mailing list applications. On 8 May, listeners were granted access to stream Tales Don't Tell Themselves in its entirety on MySpace. This album marked Matt Davies’ inaugural role as a guitarist. Another private performance occurred on 10 May for Kerrang! 105.2, where new songs such as "Walk Away," "Raise The Sail," and "The Sweetest Wave" were introduced live, featuring Matt on guitar. This record achieved their highest chart position to date, reaching Number 3 in the UK.

The follow-up single, "Walk Away", was released on 16 July 2007 and attained number 40 on the UK singles chart. Later that year, "The Great Wide Open" was announced not as a single but as an EP, which came out on 15 October 2007 via Atlantic Records.

Memory and Humanity and Your History Is Mine

On 26 January 2008, drummer Ryan Richards revealed that Funeral for a Friend initially planned to produce a four or five track EP early that year. However, after composing more material than anticipated, they decided to expand the project into a full-length album. Richards highlighted that this new work would incorporate screaming vocals and heavier riffs reminiscent of their debut Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation, while embracing a more intricate and progressive sound.

The band announced a video shoot for the lead single "Waterfront Dance Club" on 11 May 2008. This track premiered on Radio 1's Rock Show on 2 June and was released as a double A-side along with "Beneath the Burning Tree," also available as a limited edition 7-inch vinyl. The album title, Memory and Humanity, was confirmed in June with an October release date scheduled. A supporting UK tour kicked off on 14 October.

The music video for "Kicking and Screaming" debuted on MySpace on 9 August 2008. Later that month, Funeral for a Friend licensed Memory and Humanity to Victory Records for distribution in the U.S. and Canada. The album was released there on 28 October 2008; Roadrunner Records handled other international territories apart from the UK, where it was issued through the band’s own label, Join Us. Promotion included tours across Britain, Ireland, and northern Europe with Canadian hardcore punk group Cancer Bats.

On 4 September 2008, bassist Gareth Davies left the band due to personal reasons and was succeeded by Gavin Burrough (formerly of Hondo Maclean and Ghostlines). Burrough’s first interview surfaced around the album’s release period. Filming for the third single's video, "Rules and Games," began in January 2009; the single was released on 23 March alongside a supporting tour featuring We Are the Ocean.

In June 2009, Kerrang! announced that Funeral for a Friend would release a greatest hits compilation titled Your History Is Mine: 2002-2009, which came out on 28 September through Atlantic Records under their contract terms. To enhance this collection, the band recorded four new songs. One of these tracks, "Wrench," premiered on Radio One’s Rock Show in July. Upon its release, Zane Lowe lauded Funeral for a Friend as "one of the best British bands of the last decade."

Departure from Atlantic Records and Welcome Home Armageddon

On 23 April 2010, Funeral for a Friend revealed that guitarist Darran Smith would be leaving the band, with farewell performances scheduled. Subsequently, Gavin Burrough transitioned from bass duties to guitar, Kris Roberts took on backing vocals, and Richard Boucher joined as the new bassist, strengthening the group's lineup. The band conveyed their excitement about creating fresh material and upcoming endeavors.

By 3 May 2010, Funeral for a Friend had initiated a PledgeMusic campaign, providing fans with exclusive EP content and unique engagement opportunities. The EP, named The Young and Defenceless, was announced on 1 July along with its cover art. Although initially slated for release on 1 September, the digital edition became available on 6 September 2010, followed by physical copies in October. In November, a music video for the track "Serpents in Solitude" was unveiled. Recording sessions for a new full-length album concluded by late 2010, confirming songs such as "Man Alive," "Front Row Seats to the End of the World," and "Spinning Over the Island."

On 10 January 2011, the band premiered the video for the lead single "Front Row Seats to the End of the World" and announced their fifth studio album, Welcome Home Armageddon. Details regarding the album’s artwork and track listing emerged on 17 January. Distribution through Good Fight Music was confirmed on 24 January, reestablishing ties with the label responsible for earlier releases. The video for the single "Sixteen" debuted on 9 February. Expanding their reach internationally, the group embarked on their inaugural South African tour dates at RAMFest in March alongside notable headliners.

Welcome Home Armageddon was released in the UK on 14 March 2011 via Distiller Records and in the United States on 15 March through Good Fight Music, with Roadrunner Records managing worldwide distribution. The album received a nomination for the Welsh Music Prize but ultimately lost to Gruff Rhys’ Hotel Shampoo.

On 28 September 2011, Funeral for a Friend announced the forthcoming See You All in Hell EP set for release in November. This collection featured one new composition along with acoustic versions, live session recordings, remixes from Welcome Home Armageddon, and a cover of Strife, highlighting the band's evolving musical direction. The group expressed enthusiasm about writing their next album and cited "High Castles" as an indication of their future sound. To support the EP launch, they toured across the UK alongside Escape The Fate and other acts. The digital single "High Castles" was released on 13 October, followed by the full See You All in Hell EP on 7 November.

Conduit Era and Ryan Richards' Exit

On 22 May 2012, drummer Ryan Richards departed from the group, prioritizing his family commitments. Pat Lundy, previously a member of the London-based heavy metal band Rise to Remain, stepped in as his permanent replacement after a successful audition and quickly mastering the band's repertoire. During this timeframe, the band was in the process of recording their sixth studio album, Conduit, while making sporadic live appearances at events including Wakestock, Slam Dunk Festival, and the UK Warped Tour.

Throughout 2012, Funeral for a Friend concentrated on composing and recording Conduit, sharing studio updates that highlighted their creative progress. The album's announcement came on 4 October 2012, with plans for a UK release on 28 January 2013 and a US launch through The End Records scheduled for February 2013. To promote the album, the band embarked on a headline UK tour featuring support acts Such Gold, Daytrader (later replaced by Major League), and I Divide. They continued their collaboration with Welsh producer Romesh Dodangoda, whom vocalist Matthew Davies-Kreye commended for his skill in capturing the band's energetic sound.

Davies-Kreye characterized Conduit as an expression of "the experiences of being in a band," describing its musical style as "post-hardcore unafraid to incorporate elements of hardcore." The album’s lead single, "Best Friends and Hospital Beds," was released on 12 November 2012.

Upon release, Conduit entered the UK album charts at number 34. In May 2013, the band completed their most extensive tour across Australia to date. Later that year, they reissued a remastered version of their Between Order and Model EP via End Hits Records, which included previously unreleased tracks and live recordings.

In April 2014, Funeral for a Friend toured through the UK and Europe performing the entire Hours album live and premiered a new track titled "1%" from their forthcoming seventh studio album.

Chapter and Verse, Final Album, and Disbandment

On 28 September 2014, Funeral for a Friend unveiled the lead single "You've Got a Bad Case of the Religions" from their upcoming album Chapter and Verse during BBC Radio 1's Rock Show. The album was slated for release on 19 January 2015 and supported by a UK and European tour. Recorded within two weeks at The Ranch in Southampton, production was handled by Lewis Johns. Drummer Pat Lundy left the band to dedicate time to his project Modestep; Casey McHale of Goodtime Boys joined as a live/touring drummer without becoming a full-time member. Prior to the album's release, music videos for "1%" and "Pencil Pusher" were issued.

In June 2015, they released Hours - Live at Islington Academy, featuring a live DVD along with CD and vinyl formats capturing their April 2014 performance of the full Hours album. Around this period, they recorded a cover of Hell Is For Heroes' "I Can Climb Mountains" for Worship and Tributes, a compilation CD commemorating Rock Sound magazine’s 200th issue—this marked their final studio recording. Notably, Funeral for a Friend was unique among contributors as they also had one of their own songs covered by Neck Deep on the compilation.

On 14 September 2015, the band announced their decision to disband along with the 'Last Chance to Dance' farewell tour scheduled across Australia, Germany, and the UK from February through April 2016. This tour featured two-night engagements where they performed Hours and Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation in their entirety alongside other selections. They acknowledged having exceeded their original goals with three gold-certified albums but chose to conclude their journey on their own terms after fifteen years together.

Initially supported by American metalcore act Shai Hulud with Zoax as openers, logistical issues led to London shows being relocated from Shepherd's Bush Empire to O2 Forum Kentish Town in May 2016; Shai Hulud was unable to attend these rescheduled dates and were replaced by Raging Speedhorn and Creeper as headlining support acts. Funeral for a Friend’s final concert took place on 21 May 2016.

Live performances

In August 2019, Funeral for a Friend revealed plans for two reunion concerts, with all proceeds directed to support the family of a terminally ill acquaintance. These events were arranged for 28 and 29 October, taking place at The Globe in Cardiff and the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire in London. The lineup featured original members Matt Davies-Kreye, Kris Roberts, Gav Burrough, and Richard Boucher, alongside former guitarist Darran Smith and ex-drummer/screamer Ryan Richards. Due to swift ticket sales, the Cardiff show was relocated from The Globe to Cardiff Student Union, and an additional Cardiff date was scheduled for 27 October.

Download Festival included the band in its January 2020 lineup; however, the festival was canceled in April because of the COVID-19 crisis. In September 2021, Funeral for a Friend was announced as part of the Slam Dunk festival roster. A UK tour, initially planned for April 2021 and featuring tracks from Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation, Hours, and Tales Don't Tell Themselves, was postponed to March 2022 owing to pandemic-related restrictions. Following sold-out performances, extra shows were added in Cardiff and London, with venue upgrades in Manchester and Glasgow, plus further dates in Leeds, Bristol, Bournemouth, and a third London show at Shepherd's Bush Empire. For the final four concerts, bassist Richard Boucher was sidelined due to illness and replaced by guitar technician Steve Nash.

In March 2023, the band announced a UK tour commemorating the 20th anniversary of Casually Dressed…, featuring Dashboard Confessional as special guests. The tour kicked off at Manchester O2 on 7 October 2023 and concluded at London’s Roundhouse on 15 October 2023. This series of shows marked Matt Davies-Kreye’s last appearances as lead vocalist, leaving Kris Roberts as the sole original member remaining from the 2001 lineup.

Recording resumption and Davies-Kreye’s exit

On 4 December 2023, Funeral for a Friend declared their intention to produce new music but confirmed that Matthew Davies-Kreye had left the band and would not participate further. Lucas Woodland, lead singer of Holding Absence, joined Funeral for a Friend for performances at Slam Dunk Festival 2024, Download Festival 2024, and Rock the Castle held at Cardiff Castle on 19 July 2025.

Musical style and influences

Funeral for a Friend’s sound encompasses genres such as post-hardcore, emo, melodic hardcore, and screamo. Guitarist Gavin Burrough characterizes their music as diverse, combining somber tones with metallic guitar riffs alongside melodic passages. Their inspirations include bands like Shai Hulud, Glassjaw, Poison the Well, Thursday, Manic Street Preachers, Far, Texas is the Reason, Lifetime, Quicksand, Helmet, the Haunted, At the Gates, Vision of Disorder, Refused, Lostprophets, Pantera, Smashing Pumpkins, Iron Maiden, Metallica, among others. Drummer Ryan Richards has noted that no single genre label can fully define their sound.

Their debut album Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation stands out as one of their most intense efforts, while subsequent releases incorporated softer vocal styles and instrumentation. Nevertheless, recent records have revisited heavier aspects described as a "tour de force of audience-friendly post-hardcore." The sophomore album Hours fits within the mid-2000s emo movement with its melodic interplay and heartfelt lyrics.

Tales Don't Tell Themselves marked a stylistic shift toward alternative rock influences including classic rock, alternative country, and '80s heartland rock, featuring choral arrangements on tracks like "Into Oblivion (Reunion)." Their fourth album, Memory and Humanity, returned to post-hardcore roots blended with alternative rock elements and anthemic emo.

After releasing the EP The Young & Defenceless, the band embraced more aggressive post-hardcore sounds. Burrough highlighted their intention to craft more straightforward and energetic material to reconnect with their hardcore origins. Welcome Home Armageddon integrates pop rock hooks alongside heavier tones and benefited from greater artistic freedom afforded by indie labels compared to their tenure with Atlantic Records. Critics often drew favorable comparisons between this album and their debut.

Their final release, Chapter and Verse, was recognized for maintaining stylistic continuity with its predecessor.

Lyrical themes

The lyrics of Funeral for a Friend, predominantly penned by Davies-Kreye, delve into intimate and heartfelt narratives. Their first album, Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation, explores the unraveling of a romantic relationship, whereas their sophomore release, Hours, adopts a broader perspective, tackling issues such as conflict, financial exploitation, substance misuse, and societal apathy.

Legacy and impact

Funeral for a Friend played a pivotal role in shaping the British post-hardcore landscape, with their debut record Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation establishing a significant standard for their subsequent output. James Ding from AbsolutePunk highlighted that despite the band's evolution in style, this album remains a cornerstone of contemporary British rock. In April 2011, Rock Sound honored the album by inducting it into their Hall of Fame, acknowledging its influence on bands including Fightstar, The Blackout, Kids in Glass Houses, and We Are the Ocean. Additionally, the band Blood Youth acknowledges Funeral for a Friend as an inspiration.

Members

Current members

  • Kris Roberts – lead guitar (2001–2016, 2019–present), rhythm guitar (2001–2010), backing vocals (2005–2016, 2019–present)
  • Darran Smith – rhythm and lead guitar (2002–2010, 2019–present)
  • Ryan Richards – drums, percussion, vocals (2002–2012, 2019–present)
  • Gavin Burrough – rhythm guitar (2010–2016, 2019–present), vocals (2008–2016, 2019–present), bass (2008–2010)
  • Richard Boucher – bass (2010–2016, 2019–present)

Current live members

  • Lucas Woodland – lead vocals (2024–present)

Former members

  • Matthew Davies-Kreye – lead vocals (2001–2016, 2019–2023)
  • Gareth Davies – bass, backing vocals (2002–2008)
  • Kerry Roberts – rhythm and lead guitar (2001–2002)
  • Matthew Evans – vocals (2001–2002)
  • Andi Morris – bass (2001–2002)
  • Johnny Phillips – drums (2001–2002)
  • Pat Lundy – drums, percussion (2012–2014)

Former touring members

  • Casey McHale – drums (touring 2014–2016)

Discography

Studio albums

External links

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