Lostprophets

Lostprophets
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1997 in Pontypridd, Wales
Founder	Ian Watkins, Lee Gaze
Headquarters	Pontypridd, Wales, United Kingdom
Products	Studio albums: The Fake Sound of Progress (2000), Start Something (2004), Liberation Transmission (2006), The Betrayed (2010), Weapons (2012)

Lostprophets were a rock group originating from Pontypridd, Wales, established in 1997 by vocalist Ian Watkins and guitarist Lee Gaze following the breakup of their earlier band Fleshbind. The ensemble eventually expanded to include Mike Chiplin on drums, Mike Lewis handling rhythm guitar, Stuart Richardson on bass, and Jamie Oliver contributing turntables and keyboards. After Chiplin's departure in 2005, drumming duties were taken over by Ilan Rubin (2006–2009), succeeded later by Luke Johnson.

Their discography comprises five studio albums: The Fake Sound of Progress (2000), Start Something (2004), Liberation Transmission (2006), The Betrayed (2010), and Weapons (2012). Collectively, they sold approximately 3.5 million albums globally, secured two singles within the UK top ten—"Last Train Home" and "Rooftops"—achieved a number one position on the US Alternative Songs chart with "Last Train Home," and earned several nominations and awards from Kerrang!.

In December 2012, Ian Watkins faced charges involving multiple sexual offences, prompting Lostprophets to cancel all scheduled tours. The band officially disbanded in October 2013 prior to the conclusion of Watkins’ trial. He admitted guilt in November 2013 and received a prison sentence of 29 years plus six years extended supervision. Subsequently, in June 2014, the remaining members formed a new band named No Devotion, featuring American vocalist Geoff Rickly. Watkins passed away in prison in October 2025.

Formation and early period (1997–2000)

In 1997, following the dissolution of Fleshbind, Ian Watkins and Lee Gaze founded Lostprophets in Pontypridd, Wales. Initially struggling to find a dedicated singer, Watkins transitioned from his role as drummer to lead vocalist, bringing Mike Chiplin on board as the new drummer. Shortly thereafter, Mike Lewis joined initially as bassist; both Lewis and Watkins had previously been part of the metalcore group Public Disturbance until 1998 and 2000 respectively.

Emerging from the burgeoning South Wales music scene, Lostprophets performed extensively throughout Wales at venues such as T.J.'s in Newport before expanding their reach across the UK. They produced three demo recordings—Here Comes the Party, Para Todas las Putas Celosas (a Spanish phrase meaning "For all the jealous whores"), and The Fake Sound of Progress—with production led by Stuart Richardson, who later became their bassist. Mike Lewis transitioned to rhythm guitar during this period, and DJ Stepzak briefly joined as their turntablist.

The band garnered early recognition from prominent music publications like Kerrang! and Metal Hammer, which featured favorable reviews. In 1999, they secured a contract with the independent label Visible Noise.

Debut album: The Fake Sound of Progress (2000–2002)

Their first album, The Fake Sound of Progress, was released under Visible Noise in November 2000. Recorded within a two-week span on a modest budget of £4,000, it reflected a wide range of musical influences. Columbia Records later reissued the album in 2001 for the American audience after remastering it with producer Michael Barbiero. Shortly after recording sessions concluded, DJ Stepzak departed and was replaced by Jamie Oliver, who had originally served as the band's photographer.

Lostprophets cultivated a devoted live audience through supporting roles for bands such as Pitchshifter, Linkin Park, and Deftones, alongside headlining their own tours. They took part in the Nu-Titans tour alongside Defenestration and co-headlined the 2002 Deconstruction Tour in London. Despite encountering some resistance from audiences due to punk-oriented lineups at certain shows, they performed at major festivals including Ozzfest, Glastonbury, and Reading and Leeds. Their television appearances featured programs like Top of the Pops, CD:UK, and Never Mind the Buzzcocks. The album ultimately achieved Platinum certification in the UK.

Start Something (2003–2004)

Following the tour supporting their debut album, Lostprophets commenced crafting new songs at Frontline Studios in Caerphilly, Wales. The recording sessions took place from March through September 2003 at Barefoot Studio in Los Angeles, under the guidance of producer Eric Valentine, renowned for his collaborations with Queens of the Stone Age and Good Charlotte.

The initial single, "Burn Burn," received substantial airplay on UK music television but attracted criticism for bearing resemblance to other tracks. Released on 3 November 2003, its launch was followed by postponements of both the album release and the UK tour to allow the band to finalize recording.

The follow-up single, "Last Train Home," issued on 27 December 2003, achieved international success, outperforming The Darkness’s contemporary single on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock charts. This exposure heightened interest in the album across the United States through widespread radio play and MTV broadcasts.

Start Something debuted in the UK on 2 February 2004, climbing to number four on the UK Albums Chart and selling over 415,000 copies domestically. In the United States, Nielsen Soundscan reported sales surpassing 687,000 units; guitarist Lee Gaze later cited figures approaching 890,000. Global sales totaled around 2.5 million copies. Critical response was mostly favorable, although some rock media offered mixed opinions. To promote the album, the band toured extensively throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, culminating in a sold-out performance at Cardiff International Arena.

Liberation Transmission (2005–2007)

Original drummer Mike Chiplin left the band on 19 June 2005 to explore other ventures such as The Unsung and Accident Music; he subsequently established a recording studio aimed at supporting emerging artists.

The remaining members began developing their third album with a target release in early 2006. Initial demos were recorded with Ian Watkins handling drum duties before final production was completed in Hawaii alongside producer Bob Rock. Most drum parts were performed by session musician Josh Freese, while Ilan Rubin contributed drums on two tracks.

Prior to the album’s release, Lostprophets returned to smaller venues in South Wales and headlined festivals including Give It a Name alongside My Chemical Romance. Live performances introduced new songs like "Rooftops (A Liberation Broadcast)" and "A Town Called Hypocrisy." Released on 26 June 2006 (27 June in the US), Liberation Transmission marked their first UK album to reach number one.

The band embarked on a UK tour starting July 2006 with support from South Wales acts, followed by another UK leg and a European tour featuring The Blackout as support. An arena tour took place in April 2007 across venues such as Glasgow SECC, Manchester MEN Arena, Birmingham NIA, and London Wembley Arena. They also appeared at the Full Ponty festival alongside bands including Paramore. Worldwide sales of the album exceeded 625,000 copies.

The Betrayed (2007–2010)

Work commenced on Lostprophets’ fourth studio effort in early 2007 but was hindered by touring obligations and dissatisfaction with initial sessions produced by John Feldmann; these recordings were ultimately discarded. Recording resumed in November 2008 with the band assuming production responsibilities themselves.

In early 2008, they performed at major festivals including Download Festival (which they headlined), V Festival, Rock am Ring/Rock im Park, and various UK shows. In 2009 they also headlined the NME/Radio 1 tent at Reading and Leeds Festival.

Characterized by the band as their "darkest, most authentic and finest" work to date, The Betrayed showcased a rawer sound while retaining melodic hooks. Drummer Ilan Rubin played an integral role but departed to join Nine Inch Nails; Luke Johnson became his official replacement in August 2009.

Beginning February 2010, Lostprophets toured the UK with support from Kids in Glass Houses among others; some dates were canceled or rescheduled due to venue complications or other factors. They additionally toured Australia and appeared again at Reading and Leeds Festival that year.

Bassist Stuart Richardson later disclosed that during 2009–2011 they became aware of Ian Watkins’ escalating drug addiction severely affecting group dynamics.

Weapons (2011–2012)

At the beginning of 2011, Lostprophets secured a residence in Norfolk to serve as a creative space for developing demos for their fifth album. Later that year, they worked alongside British rapper and producer Labrinth.

In August 2011, the band embarked on a brief UK tour, which included performances at major festivals such as V Festival and Sziget Festival, where they introduced new tracks like "Bring 'Em Down."

Their fifth album, Weapons, was launched on 2 April 2012 through Epic Records following their departure from their longtime label Visible Noise. The record was produced by Ken Andrews at NRG Recording Studios in Hollywood and was promoted with a UK tour.

In April 2012, Lostprophets inked a deal with Fearless Records to facilitate a US release scheduled for June. During a Cardiff Motorpoint Arena concert, they performed the entire Start Something album; however, the show was marred by subpar execution attributed to Watkins' health issues.

From July to August, the band participated in the Vans Warped Tour in the United States. Unfortunately, Watkins relapsed into substance abuse, resulting in missed appearances. Jamie Oliver temporarily assumed lead vocal duties during this period, which caused friction among band members.

The group resumed extensive touring in November, including dates on the Vans Warped Tour UK leg. Their final live show took place at Newport Centre on 14 November 2012.

Watkins's arrest and breakup (2012–2013)

On 19 December 2012, Ian Watkins faced charges involving multiple child sexual offenses, including attempted rape of an infant; he initially contested these allegations. The remaining band members publicly expressed their shock and subsequently canceled all scheduled performances.

Nearly a year later, on 1 October 2013, Lostprophets announced their dissolution. All members except Watkins endorsed this decision. After Watkins pleaded guilty to several charges later that year, the other band members issued a statement conveying their devastation and condemnation while emphasizing their unawareness of his actions.

On 18 December 2013, Watkins received a sentence of 29 years imprisonment plus an additional six years on extended license, with parole eligibility after serving two-thirds of his term.

In April 2014, Geoff Rickly from Thursday revealed plans to collaborate with former Lostprophets musicians under his Collect Records label. This partnership led to the formation of a new band called No Devotion, which released singles "Stay" and "Eyeshadow" in mid-2014.

On 11 October 2025, Watkins passed away following an assault while incarcerated.

Musical style and lyrical themes

Lostprophets have been associated mainly with genres such as nu metal, alternative rock, hard rock, alternative metal, post-hardcore, emo, pop-punk, rap rock, post-grunge, and pop metal. Their sound fuses aggressive rock foundations—characterized by powerful guitar work and rhythmic grooves—with accessible pop-oriented melodies.

The band's music draws heavily from punk influences, particularly pop punk styles, combined with varying intensities of heavy metal. Vocally, their approach integrates screamed passages alongside memorable hooks. Some critics have pointed out elements of derivativeness or formulaic patterns within their compositions.

Ian Watkins’ lyrics frequently explored themes of disenchantment concerning interpersonal relationships and social dynamics, delivered through both somber and forceful tones with energetic execution. His vocal style has been likened to Mike Patton of Faith No More—a major influence cited by Watkins himself—as well as to several American rock acts prominent in the early 2000s.

Lostprophets acknowledged a diverse range of influences including Dog Eat Dog, Vision of Disorder, Earth Crisis, Shelter; Jimmy Eat World; Hot Water Music; Deftones; Metallica; The Cure; Duran Duran; and Depeche Mode.

Band members

Ian Watkins – lead vocals (1997–2012; deceased 2025); keyboards and turntables (1997–1999)
Lee Gaze – lead guitar and backing vocals (1997–2013); rhythm guitar (1997–1998)
Mike Chiplin – drums and percussion (1997–2005)
Mike Lewis – rhythm guitar and backing vocals (1998–2013); bass guitar (1997–1998)
Stuart Richardson – bass guitar and backing vocals (1998–2013)
DJ Stepzak – synthesizers, turntables, and samples (1999–2000)
Jamie Oliver – vocals, keyboards, synthesizers, piano, turntables, and samples (2000–2013)
Ilan Rubin – drums and percussion (2006–2009)
Luke Johnson – drums and percussion (2009–2013)

Timeline

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id:BVocals value:pink legend:Backing_vocals
id:LGuitar value:teal legend:Lead_guitar
id:RGuitar value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_guitar
id:Keys value:purple legend:Keyboards,_turntables
id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:Drums value:orange legend:Drums,_percussion
id:studio value:black legend:Studio_album
id:bars value:gray(0.93)

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at:10/27/2000
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bar:Watkins text:"Ian Watkins"
bar:Stepzak text:"DJ Stepzak"
bar:Oliver text:"Jamie Oliver"
bar:Gaze text:"Lee Gaze"
bar:Lewis text:"Mike Lewis"
bar:Richardson text:"Stuart Richardson"
bar:Chiplin text:"Mike Chiplin"
bar:Rubin text:"Ilan Rubin"
bar:Johnson text:"Luke Johnson"

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bar:Stepzak from:01/01/1999 till:10/27/2000 color:Keys
bar:Oliver from:10/27/2000 till:end color:Keys
bar:Gaze from:start till:end color:LGuitar
bar:Gaze from:start till:01/01/1998 color:RGuitar width:7
bar:Gaze from:start till:end color=BVocals width=3
bar:Lewis from:start till01/01/1998 color:Bass
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bar:Lewis from:start till:end color=BVocals width=3
bar:Richtardson from01/01/1998 till:end color=Bass width=11
bar:Richtardson from01/01/1998 till:end color=BVocals width=3
bar:Chiplin from:start till06/19/2005 color=Drums
bar:Rubin from01/01/2006 till11/01/2008 color=Drums 
bar:Jhonson from08/01/2009 till:end color=Drums

</timeline>

Discography

Awards

Lostprophets garnered significant accolades at both the Kerrang! Awards and Pop Factory Awards, accumulating six honors in total. These included Best British Newcomer in 2001, Best Single for "Last Train Home" in 2004, Best Album for Liberation Transmission in 2006, multiple wins as Best British Band during 2006-07, and the Classic Songwriter Award in 2010. The Pop Factory also repeatedly acknowledged them as Best Live Act and Best Welsh Act, along with awarding Best Album for Liberation Transmission. Additionally, they earned the title of Best Metal Act at the NME Awards in 2002 and received several other nominations at the Kerrang! Awards.

Kerrang! Awards

|- | style="text-align:center;"| 2001 || Lostprophets || Best British Newcomer || |- | rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| 2004 || "Last Train Home" || Best Single || |- | Start Something || Best Album || |- | Lostprophets || Best British Band || |- | rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| 2006 || Liberation Transmission || Best Album || |- | Lostprophets || Best British Band || |- | "Rooftops (A Liberation Broadcast)" || Best Videoclip || |- | style="text-align:center;"| 2007 || Lostprophets || Best British Band || |- | style="text-align:center;"| 2008 || Lostprophets || Best British Band || |- | rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| 2010 || Lostprophets || Best British Band || |- | It's Not the End of the World, But I Can See It from Here || Best Video || |- | Lostprophets || The Classic Songwriter Award || |- | style="text-align:center;"| 2012 || Lostprophets || Best British Band || |}

NME Awards

|- | 2002 || Lostprophets || Best Metal Act || |}

Pop Factory Awards

|- | style="text-align:center;" | 2002 || rowspan="5" | Lostprophets || Best Live Act || |- | style="text-align:center;" | 2004 || rowspan="3" | Best Welsh Act || |- | style="text-align:center;" | 2005 || |- | style="text-align:center;" | 2006 || |- | style="text-align:center;" | Best Live Act || |- | style="text-align:center;" | Best Album (Liberation Transmission) || |}

External links