In 1986 Kelly (Jones) played his first gig (aged 12) in a band called Zephyr featuring Stuart (Cable) on drums. Later this band split and Kelly went on to form Silent Runner.

1989 Kelly started a new band "Tragic Love Company" with Stuart. Later that year when the bass player went on holiday, he was replaced by Richard (Jones) as a stand in, but he never left.

In may of 1996 Tragic Love Company Changed their name to Stereophonics and in the summer of that year they signed to Richard Branson’s new label V2.

In October 1996 they released their first single the double A-side Looks like Chaplin / More Life in a Tramps Vest. They also began to tour playing small venues up and down the country.

In August 1997 they released their debut album "Word Gets Around" after the success of their singles Local Boy in the Photograph, More life in a tramps vest and 1000 Trees.

1998 starts brightly for the Stereophonics when they win best newcomer at the Brits. Later that year they played their biggest gig to date, a sold out (10,000 capacity in 4 days) Cardiff Castle in June.

In November of 1998 they achieved their highest chart success with the first single from their new album "The Bartender and the Thief" which went into the UK charts at number 3.

From left: Stuart, Kelly and Richard.