Stereophonics
1996 - Present
Now we all know who the Stereophonics are, and that they are probably the most successful rock band to come out of the UK in the last century, but this page is here to help you learn more about the stories behind each individual member of the band as well as their songs.
KELLY JONES - Guitar, Vocals
Former Jobs:- Ex-market trader, One-time boxer
"Jones’s voice is a killer instrument too, simultaneously raw and mellow, while his lyrics nail the disdain, boredom and affection inherent in small-town life." Q on Kelly Jones.
With a history of music coursing through Kelly's family, it was probably inevitable that he would end up singing and playing guitar, and being a budding scriptwriter, its hardly surprising that he would write the lyrics to all of the band's songs either!
Kelly's musical influences came mostly from watching his father's (Arwyn 'Oscar' Jones) band, 'Oscar and the Kingfishers,' and also from more well-known bands like AC/DC and other such rock bands.
RICHARD JONES - Bass
Former Jobs:- Scaffolder, Coalman, Electrician
"...just like any other bass player - hanging back and looking cool." Richard Jones defines his role for Kerrang
Ever the pragmatist, Richard Jones took up the bass because everyone else had guitars, Kelly got him in the band when their old guitarist left because he was the 'Coolest fucker in the village.'
Richard's Musical influences came from the likes of Shakie Stevens, and Adam Ant.
STEWART CABLE - Drums
Former Jobs:- Worked on a building site, Delivered school dinners
"On tunes such as ‘Not Up To You’ his drum patterns breathe life into the song and momentum into the show." The Times on Stuart Cable.
Stewart had sung in other local bands before taking to the drums at 15. When he was younger, Stewart decided he was going to be a brain surgeon, quoting: 'If anyone's got something wrong with them, I'll put them right!'
Stewart's desire to become famous was so great as a kid, he even had his own mug which reads: 'I'm Stewart, I'm a superstar,' and it still remains a part of the Cable household in his mother's (Mabel Cable) house.
The Stereophonics songs can easily be described as 'little plays' because Kelly seems to write lyrics that nail the disdain, boredom of small-town life, and puts music to them.
"Some of these songs might be the stuff of ancient murder ballads, deep and mysterious." NME.
These songs included ‘A Thousand Trees’, a song about a loyalty-testing, village opinion-splitting drama, the suicide note of ‘Local Boy In The Photograph,' And the twisted vision of a wedding reception (‘Too Many Sandwiches’). By joining these dark visions with the most ravishing guitar music, Kelly has created something unique and captavating, personal yet universal..
"‘Local Boy In The Photograph’ is as beautiful as a beery mess can be at closing time, the story of a suicide, a wasted life amplified into a rousing symbol for the inevitable passing of youth." NME.
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