Lostprophets
Lostprophets (stylised as lostprophets or LOSTPROPHETS) were a Welsh rock band from Pontypridd, formed in 1997 by singer Ian Watkins and guitarist Lee Gaze. The group was founded after their former band Fleshbind broke up. They later recruited Mike Lewis on guitars, Stuart Richardson on bass and Mike Chiplin on drums.[1]
Lostprophets
Lozt Prophetz (1997–1999)
Pontypridd, Wales
1997–2013
Fleshbind
- Ian Watkins
- Lee Gaze
- Mike Lewis
- Stuart Richardson
- Jamie Oliver
- Luke Johnson
- Mike Chiplin
- DJ Stepzak
- Ilan Rubin
Lostprophets released five studio albums: The Fake Sound of Progress (2000), Start Something (2004), Liberation Transmission (2006), The Betrayed (2010), and Weapons (2012). They sold 3.5 million albums worldwide, achieving two top-ten singles on the UK Singles Chart ("Last Train Home" and "Rooftops"), a No. 1 single on the US Alternative Songs chart ("Last Train Home"), and several Kerrang! Awards and nominations.
In December 2012, Watkins was charged with multiple sexual offences against minors, infants and animals. Lostprophets cancelled all tour dates and disbanded in October 2013, before the end of Watkins's trial. Watkins pleaded guilty to several charges. In December 2013, he was sentenced to 29 years of imprisonment plus six years of extended supervision on licence.[2][3] In June 2014, the remaining members joined American singer Geoff Rickly to form a new band, No Devotion.
History[edit]
Early years (1997–2000)[edit]
Lostprophets was formed by Ian Watkins and Lee Gaze in 1997 in Pontypridd, Wales,[4] after their previous band Fleshbind disbanded. They could not find a singer, so Watkins decided he would switch from drums to be the frontman and they recruited Mike Chiplin on drums. Mike Lewis joined a few months later as bassist after the original bandmember left.[4] Both Lewis and Watkins were also in Public Disturbance, until 1998 and 2000 respectively.[5][6]
Lostprophets started out as part of the fledgling South Wales scene—playing gigs at venues across Wales including T.J.'s in Newport.[4][6] From there, they went on to tour the UK circuit. The band recorded three demos during this time: Here comes the Party, Para Todas las Putas Celosas, which translates from Spanish as "For all the jealous whores", and The Fake Sound of Progress. These were produced by Stuart Richardson,[7] who joined the band as bassist for the latter recording.[6] Mike Lewis at this point switched to rhythm guitar. The Fake Sound of Progress also included the addition of DJ Stepzak, who would remain with the band for around a year.[8] The first three tracks from their third demo were refined and re-recorded for the release of their debut album of the same name: the title track, "MOAC Supreme" and "Stopquote"—the latter two were renamed "A Thousand Apologies" and "Awkward", respectively. All of the EPs are out of print, and are very rare.
The band caught the attention of the two music publishers Kerrang! and Metal Hammer magazines, receiving glancing reviews from both.[5] In 1999 they signed in with Independent label Visible Noise.[5]
Musical style and lyrical themes[edit]
Lostprophets have been categorised as nu metal,[74][5][75][76][77][78] alternative rock,[79][80] post-grunge,[74][81][82] hard rock,[4][77] rap rock,[83][84] alternative metal,[85] heavy metal,[86] post-hardcore,[87] pop-punk,[88] and pop metal.[89] Their music is termed an aggressive style of rock, blending strong driving guitars, groove and bounce, and pop elements and accessibility.[75][90][91]
The punk side to the band's music has been noted, again specifically of the pop variety.[77][91] The influence of heavy metal on their music is also noted,[75] although this varies from song to song.[77][82] Their music has been praised as powerful, combining softer melodies with an aggressive edge,[82] with screamed vocals and catchy riffs,[92] while some have also stated it has a derivative, formulaic or forgettable nature.[75][77][82]
Watkins's lyrics range from sombre to aggressive, and have been described as often conveying a feeling of disillusionment with topics such as relationships or social groups, albeit frequently delivered in a rousing manner even when this is the case.[90] Critics have compared his singing style to Faith No More vocalist Mike Patton,[75][82][93][94] with Watkins citing this band as his biggest influence in 2004.[95] He said, "it's not a conscious thing. But the notes I choose to sing, and the melodies (we write) come from them because I spent so much time listening growing up."[95] Lostprophets also garnered many other comparisons to more contemporary American bands of the early 2000s. Regarding the perception of them as an American influenced band, Watkins commented in 2004 "we don't care if you think we're from Guam. Just as long as you listen."[95]