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.
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' 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. In June 2014, the remaining members joined American singer Geoff Rickly to form a new band, No Devotion.
Also Known As: Lozt Prophetz (1997-1999)
Members:
Ian Watkins - lead vocals (1997-2012); keyboards, turntables (1997-1999)
Lee Gaze - lead guitar, backing vocals (1997-2013)
Mike Lewis - rhythm guitar (1998-2013), backing vocals (1997-2013); bass (1997-1998)
Stuart Richardson - bass, backing vocals (1998-2013)
Jamie Oliver - vocals, keyboards, synth, piano, turntables, samples (2000-2013)
Luke Johnson - drums, percussion (2009-2013)
Former members:
Mike Chiplin - drums, percussion (1997-2005)
DJ Stepzak - synth, turntables, samples (1999-2000)
Ilan Rubin - drums, percussion (2006-2008)
From: Pontypridd, Wales
Genre(s):
Alternative rock,
hard rock,
nu metal,
post-grunge
Active From: 1997-2013