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Lostprophets

Lostprophets were a Welsh rock band from Pontypridd, formed in 1997 by Ian Watkins and Lee Gaze.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Lostprophets were a Welsh rock band from Pontypridd, formed in 1997 by Ian Watkins and Lee Gaze. The band released five studio albums and achieved mainstream success in the UK before disbanding in 2013 after Watkins was arrested on sexual offence charges. The group’s later history is strongly overshadowed by Watkins’ criminal conviction.

History

Lostprophets began in Pontypridd and built a following on the British rock and punk circuit before signing to major labels. The band released a series of commercially successful albums in the 2000s before ending in 2013.

Discography

The band released five studio albums: The Fake Sound of Progress, Start Something, Liberation Transmission, The Betrayed, and Weapons. Several of these releases reached the UK Albums Chart top 10.

Breakup

Lostprophets disbanded after Ian Watkins was arrested in 2012 on multiple sexual offence charges. The remaining members later continued music in a new project, No Devotion.

Legacy

The band’s musical output and earlier mainstream success remain documented, but public discussion of Lostprophets is heavily shaped by the crimes and conviction of Watkins.

Key facts

  • Lostprophets were formed in Pontypridd, Wales, in 1997 by Ian Watkins and Lee Gaze.
  • The band released five studio albums during its career, with their final album, Weapons, released in 2012.
  • Lostprophets split in 2013 following Watkins’ arrest on sexual offence charges.
  • Former members later formed No Devotion without Watkins.
  • The band’s legacy is overshadowed by Watkins’ criminal conviction.
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Canadian context

Lostprophets had international rock radio and festival visibility, so Canadian readers may know the band through UK alternative-rock coverage and streaming-era catalog access.

Frequently asked questions

Where were Lostprophets from?
Lostprophets were from Pontypridd, Wales.
When were Lostprophets formed?
The band was formed in 1997.
How many studio albums did Lostprophets release?
They released five studio albums.
Why did Lostprophets split up?
They disbanded in 2013 after singer Ian Watkins was arrested on sexual offence charges.
What was Lostprophets’ final album?
Their final studio album was Weapons, released in 2012.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lostprophets
    Supports: formation date, origin, founders, lineup, discography overview
  2. BBC Wales Music — https://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/lostprophets/pages/biography.shtml
    Supports: band biography, breakup following Ian Watkins’ arrest
  3. BBC Wales Music — https://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/lostprophets/
    Supports: band overview and split in 2013
  4. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Devotion
    Supports: former members forming No Devotion after the breakup
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Watkins
    Supports: Watkins’ role in the band and conviction context