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Lostprophets last toured America in 2006. For a band in which more than half the members live in California, that fact is hard to fathom. While US fans may have felt the absence a great deal, Lostprophets has always remained connected to the States. Much of the writing for the band's fourth studio album, 'The Betrayed' (2010), took place in America. Unfortunately, the album itself never made it to these shores (unless you count copies imported by the band's devoted fanbase). With no label to support them here, Lostprophets turned their focus overseas and spent the past six years growing their presence there tremendously.
After triumphant tours across the UK and Europe which saw them playing in front of tens of thousands of fans, headlining festivals and arenas alike, Kerrang! Magazine chose Lostprophets as 2010's recipients of the Classic Songwriters Award.
A few months later, they were invited to participate in what may have been the most surreal night in Lostprophets history (thus far). Golf's most prestigious event, The Ryder Cup, was held in the band's native Wales that year. Lostprophets were asked to play the opening ceremony... alongside Catherine Zeta Jones, Shirley Bassey and Katherine Jenkins. Their audience included some familiar names - like, say, Tiger Woods. And Michael Jordan. And Prince Charles, who had quite a few questions... about the band's tattoos.
Immediately following the Ryder Cup festivities, the band decamped to a private home in the UK to begin writing their fifth album.
Shortly thereafter, Lostprophets moved back to the more familiar turf of Los Angeles to work on developing their existing ideas and creating even more impressive ones. Studio work began in February 2011 at North Hollywood's NRG Studios. The new album, 'Weapons', was produced by Ken Andrews, whose previous credits include work with A Perfect Circle and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
Lostprophets is a band whose members have known each other since their school days in Pontypridd, South Wales, a group that were friends long before they became band mates and colleagues. Through their four previous albums - 2000's 'fakesoundofprogress', 2004's 'Start Something', 2006's 'Liberation Transmission' and 2010's 'The Betrayed' - the band has grown, both in songwriting and success, stacking up a dozen or so top 40 singles and selling over 2 million albums worldwide. They have become one of the UK's biggest rock bands without compromise or flirting with musical fashions, instead choosing to stick with what they believe in and constantly striving to do better, more creatively challenging things.
Now this includes a long-awaited return to America, both on the road and on record. 'Weapons' will be released stateside in 2012, with tour dates to follow.
Lostprophets were formed in Pontypridd, South Wales, in 1997. Their line-up is Ian Watkins (vocals), Jamie Oliver (keyboards, turntables, and vocals), Stuart Richardson (bass), Mike Lewis (guitars), Lee Gaze (guitars) and Luke Johnson (drums). |
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