'WE WERE LIKE BROTHERS'

FRESH FROM THEIR 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR, WE TAKE A LOOK AT STEREOPHONICS' ROCKY ROAD TO SUCCESS

- ANGELA HAGAN

Two decades ago, three musicians hopped into a cab in San Francisco Bay and briefly chatted to the driver. He moaned to them about how he hated San Francisco and its tourists. He ended the journey with a flat and ironic, “Have a nice day.”

Welsh rock band Stereophonics went on to immortalise the cabbie’s words as lyrics in their subsequent hit of the same name that appeared on their third album, Just Enough Education To Perform.

The album – which also included Mr. Writer and Handbags And Gladrags – brought worldwide fame and accolades for the members (Kelly Jones, Richard Jones and the late Stuart Cable), who have recently wrapped up a tour celebrating the 20-year birthday of the record.

But behind the group’s success lay drama, tragedy and heartache.

The sleepy, former mining village of Cwmaman, near Aberdare in Wales – which boasts a population of just 1,000 residents – was woken in the early 90s by the brash beats of three young boys. It all started in 1989 when gravel-voiced singer and lead guitarist Kelly and drummer Stuart, who lived on the same street, began jamming together as teens. After going their separate ways, they reunited a few years later, bringing in neighbour Richard Jones as bass guitarist.