**This GoFundMe donation page has been set up at the request of Brian's family to help give him the send off he truly deserves. Money collected will be used towards the cost of his service, costs associated with a celebration of his life afterwards for his family and friends, and any associated additional/legal costs. His mother Christine is the sole beneficiary of this funding effort. If any money is raised above the amount needed, this will be donated to charity.**

A message from Brian's mum, Christine:

A special son, brother, and brother in law, taken too soon.

From an early age heavy metal was always playing in the background, so he thought it was normal music - this is where his musical journey began. Music tastes were always wide and varied from obscure, classical to the out-there heavy metal.

He was always drawing and colouring-in at an early age and liked nothing more than putting rollers in my hair and brushing it aged 5 or 6 (perhaps the making of a hairdresser I thought ! but alas as he grew older he opted for long hair and a beard, low maintenance).

Nothing would make him happier than combining music and photography and design.

He enjoyed his films, and was a bit of a nerd. He could converse in depth about every detail of some random unheard of film. I did think he could go on Mastermind - his topic “James Bond films”, or “Bruce Lee/Jackie Chan”.

A kind gentle soul, full of fun, witty and always funny when he re-told stories. There was rarely a cross word from him, especially when I asked the impossible. He just rolled his eyes and patiently explained why it was impossible.

Brian was thoughtful to a fault, and never said no to anyone. He would try his best to help you.

There is a large hole in my heart now and it will take the rest of my life to repair it. Sleep well my son, I will think of you every day until we meet again.

A message from Brian's brother, Jamie:

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to deal with the passing of my little brother. There aren’t really any words to describe how we are all feeling at his passing. There are so many things that I will do that won’t be the same without him around to join in. Rest easy little brother, and we will meet again wherever you are.

A message from Bri's best friend, Sally.

Bri was the best friend anyone could have ever hoped for. He was kind, generous, gentle and caring, and yet had a very fun and playful nature. With a shared love of live music and beer, this led to many drunken shenanigans and stories, me and him attracted chaos together wherever we went!!

It takes a special kind of person to put up with my brand of loud; with a dash of silliness, and a sprinkle of excess. Yet, Bri was always there, and ready for the next adventure. He's put up with me, and brought me back down to earth, at my most difficult - and without ever uttering a cross word. He was forever patient, understanding, and managed to bring joy to moments that might otherwise pass us by. He did that for everyone. He took all the best parts of you and your ideas, and amplified them. He made good moments great, good ideas genius, and good people better - just for knowing him.

Bri also had an avid love of movies and collectibles 'nerd stuff' as we both called it, and he got me into a number of quite ridiculous films (but he was never impressed in my lack of interest in action films!!)

He never wanted a fuss, and yet he lived a life to be truly celebrated as he was the loveliest man and friend, who touched so many lives. Losing him feels like losing a piece of ourselves, the piece that helped us all shine brightest.

Rest in Peace, Brian. I mourn for those that never knew you, and desperately hope that we can all give you the send off that you well and truly deserve. ❤

A message from Bri's fellow festival organisers, Gavin & Paul:

Bri was an incredible friend. Someone who always put your needs before his own and never let you down.

He had a warm and calming presence and a special way of making strangers feel like life-long friends.

His love of music and his skills as a graphic designer brought him to the attention of the music industry, where he helped a number of artists over the years - designing artwork for posters, t-shirts or flyers and anything in between. He was an incredible talent with a sharp wit and ability to commit it to graphic design, be it two decades of Damnation Festival artwork or the past 18 months of podcast graphics.

His work ethic and love for fresh and challenging ideas shaped the face of the festival, and that of many bands he worked with independently, and his deep knowledge of TV and movies came to the fore with his weekly masterpieces to promote the podcast.

In a music business absolutely stuffed with people with no talent and large egos, Bri had no ego and a huge talent which made whatever room he was in, the room you wanted to be in. His influence is felt everywhere, and his loss as an organiser, but more importantly, as a wonderfully kind, caring and funny friend will be immeasurably missed. We love you Bri.