Lostprophets
Biography
Lostprophets were a Welsh rock band from Pontypridd, formed in 1997 by vocalist Ian Watkins and guitarist Lee Gaze following the dissolution of their previous band, Fleshbind. The initial lineup was completed by drummer Mike Chiplin, rhythm guitarist Mike Lewis, bassist Stu Richardson, and Jamie Oliver on turntables and keyboards. Chiplin departed the band in 2005; he was succeeded by Ilan Rubin from 2006 to 2009, and subsequently by Luke Johnson.
The band released five studio albums: "The Fake Sound of Progress" (2000), "Start Something" (2004), "Liberation Transmission" (2006), "The Betrayed" (2010), and "Weapons" (2012). Lostprophets sold approximately 3.5 million albums worldwide. They achieved two top-ten singles on the UK Singles Chart with "Last Train Home" and "Rooftops", and reached number one on the US Alternative Songs chart with "Last Train Home". The band also received several awards and nominations from Kerrang!.
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In December 2012, Watkins was charged with multiple child sexual offences. Following the charges, Lostprophets cancelled all scheduled tour dates and formally disbanded in October 2013, prior to the conclusion of Watkins’ trial. In November 2013, Watkins pleaded guilty to multiple charges and was sentenced the following month to 29 years of imprisonment, along with an additional six years of extended supervision on licence. In June 2014, the remaining members of Lostprophets formed a new band, No Devotion, with American singer Geoff Rickly. Watkins died in prison on October 11, 2025 from a stab to the neck done by 2 other inmates in his prison.
Studio albums
The Fake Sound of Progress (2000)
Start Something (2004)
Liberation Transmission (2006)
The Betrayed (2010)
Weapons (2012)
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.