The Stereophonics are Kelly Jones (lead vocals and guitar) Richard Jones (backing vocals and bass) and Stuart Cable (drums). They are three blokes who have known each other all their lives. They come from the tiny tiny tiny village of cwmaman in south wales. we drove past it last summer - wow! They used to be called the Tragic Love Company, a culmination of their favourite bands names, but when Richard joined the band, they changed their name to Stereophonics, a name Stuart found on the back of his grandmother's gramophone. This is the official reason for their name choice, but there are about a million other reasons floating about in phonic-space!
The phonics have had a string of hits since their first album was released in 1998. The single which first brought the 'phonics to the attention of the media and public was Local Boy in the Photograph, a song Kelly wrote about a boy who had asked him for the train times - then kelly found out that the boy had killed himself by diving under a train. (sorry if thats not completely accurate - its the best i could do after hearing 700million versions!)
The 'phonics have had a lot of speculation over the last few months. rumours of tension in the band were emphasised when kelly went on a solo tour in november last year. rumours of a split were growing stronger and stronger in the build up to kelly's tour, but when the tuor started, kelly was the first to completely quash these rumours. As he said "all these rumours about the band splitting up ain't true" - i should know, i was there!!
The 'phonics are continuing on their world domination by starting another solo tour in february in morth america. Kelly and richard will be wowing the crowds, as stuart is staying home with his wife who is reportedly expecting their first child around this time.
The boys will be back home in britain in time to play their "day at the races" gigs on july the 14th and 21st at donington and chepstow racecourses respectively. unfortunately, there's no visit for us scottish fans, or irish fans this time around, although an arena tour has been rumoured in phonics circles across britain.
the phonics, in my opinion, are the best band in the whole entire world ever ever ever, and i for one am eagerly anticipating the new album, J.E.E.P., which will be released on the 9th of April 2001 - not too long to wait now!!