Stereophonics

Famed for being the first ever signings to Richard Branson's new music label, V2 Records, the Stereophonics are a three-piece Welsh rock/pop band who created an enormous buzz around the UK's A&R departments before finally electing to join V2 in August 1996. Indeed, Branson was reported to have taken a personal hand in their signing. Dovetailing 60s-inspired pop melodicism with 90s technology, the Newport-based trio was first spotted by V2's A&R head Ronnie Gurr via a tip-off. However, they were keen to distance themselves from Newport's recent press designation as "the Seattle of the 90s", refusing to acknowledge any kinship with bands such as the 60 Foot Dolls or the Welsh-language movement. The band comprises three friends: songwriter Kelly Jones (b. 3 June 1974, Aberdare, Wales; guitar/vocals), Richard Jones (b. 23 May 1974, Aberdare, Wales; bass) and Stuart Cable (b. 19 May 1970, Aberdare, Wales; drums), grew up with each other in the small Welsh village of Cwmaman. Kelly Jones and Stuart Cable played together in various covers bands, before bringing in Richard Jones in 1991 to replace original bass player Mark Everett. Adopting the name Tragic Love Company, and recruiting the first of various rhythm guitarists, they set about making an impression on the local rock circuit.
Changing their name to Stereophonics in 1996, and reverting to a trio, the band signed to V2 and supported several leading bands, including the in vogue Manic Street Preachers. The debut album, released in August 1997, confirmed their promise, attracting strong reviews, with Jones' character-driven songwriting on tracks such as "Local Boy In The Photograph" and "A Thousand Trees" winning particular praise. Their reward was a UK Top 10 album and a 1998 BRITS Award for Best Newcomer. Their new single, "The Bartender And The Thief", debuted at number 3 in the UK charts in November the same year. "Just Looking" reached number 4 the following March, and was followed by the chart-topping Performance And Cocktails. The band enjoyed their third consecutive UK Top 5 single when "Pick A Part That's New" debuted at number 3 in May. Jones embarked on a low-key solo tour the following year, premiering material to be featured on the band's third album. Provisionally titled J.E.E.P., the band was forced to alter the title to Just Enough Education To Perform after the automotive manufacturer Chrysler threatened legal action. The album met with a mixed reaction upon its release in April 2001. It was reissued several months later with the addition of a cover version of Michael D'Abo's "Handbags And Gladrags".

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