Photo: Press
Lostprophets' former members have spoken out about the behaviour of frontman Ian Watkins in his later days, before he was sentenced for a string of child sex offences - and slamming him as a 'f***ing c**t'.
Watkins was sentenced to 35 years in prison in December 2013, after he admitted charges of attempting to rape a baby, as well as the sexual assault of a child under 13. He also admitted three counts of sexual assault involving children and six involving taking, making and possessing indecent images of children and one of possessing an extreme pornographic image involving a sex act on an animal. He was convicted alongside two women who were involved in him attempting to abuse their infant children.
Now, former Lostprophets members Lee Gaze, Luke Johnson, Jamie Oliver, Mike Lewis and Stuart Richardson have enlisted US rocker Geoff Rickly to form new band No Devotion. In a new interview with The Guardian, they have spoken of their shock at his crimes - especially regarding his behaviour towards the end of the band's time together.
"He was talking about looking forward to the next record – he thought we'd return to being as successful as we'd been five years before," said Lee Gaze, remembering the last time he saw Watkins in December 2012. "He seemed OK that day."
Gaze continued: "Many of you understandably want to know if we knew what Ian was doing. To be clear: we did not. We are heartbroken, angry, and disgusted at what has been revealed. Our hearts go out to Ian's family, the fans and friends he betrayed, and most importantly, the victims of his crimes and others like them."
Asked if he could ever listen to Lostprophets' music again, Gaze replied: "I can't. It's tainted, because he was the voice of the band, and it was his lyrics."
Bandmember Stuart Richardson went on: "A day before the charges went public, we heard he'd been arrested and immediately we knew the band was over. The next morning, we started reading tweets about what he tried to do. And we couldn't believe it."
He added: "Basically, over last year-and-a-half, my life has been, like … you know the end of The Usual Suspects? I just feel like I've had plot twist after plot twist. I can't believe the things Ian's capable of. Up until the final second he said he was innocent. He destroyed his family's life, giving them a glimpse of hope every time he said he was innocent. His mum thought he was innocent. What a fucking cunt."
Listen to No Devotion's 'Stay' below:
No Devotion have now announced a short US tour, taking place throughout July. For more information and tickets, visit Gigwise Tickets. 'Stay' will be released July 21.
No Devotion tour:
Cardiff CF10 – Tue July 22nd
Manchester Sound Control – Wed July 23rd
London O2 Academy Islington – Fri July 25th
Glasgow O2 ABC2 – Sat 26th
