Kelly Jones

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This article is about Kelly Jones the singer. For information on the tennis player of the same name, see Kelly Jones (tennis player).

Kelly Jones (born 3 June 1974) is a Welsh musician and lyricist, and the lead singer of the band Stereophonics.

Contents 1 Background and early work 2 Criticism 3 Discography 4 Trivia

[edit] Background and early work

He lived in the former pit village of Cwmaman, near Aberdare, where he became friends with neighbours, Stuart Cable (former drummer of the Stereophonics),and Richard Jones (bass guitarist, also not related!) and they formed a covers band together. He is a perceptive lyricist, and considered being a scriptwriter before being a musician. The BBC showed an interest in some of his early work but, as the band progressed from a covers band to writing their original material, Kelly decided to use his narrative side more towards writing lyrics.

Kelly also flirted with the idea of boxing, and was a successful boxer at youth level, but his creative lyric writing talent proved more fruitful. Much of his early life is documented in the Stereophonics debut album, including his account of his teen years on a market stall. These are wryly documented in "More Life In A Tramps Vest" from the Stereophonics first album, Word Gets Around.

[edit] Criticism

Kelly Jones has attracted media attention in recent years due to a number of his public criticisms. He has a wry view of fame, and is somewhat cynical of the happiness or popularity it brings. He has made some scathing remarks about some famous musicians, such as public school educated Thom Yorke of Radiohead, whom semi-seriously see themselves as 'hard done by'. He publicly described Yorke as a "miserable twat" and has described Matthew Bellamy of Muse as being "up his own arse".

Jones has also publicly criticised pop reality shows such as Popstars and X Factor and manufactured pop bands such as Hear'Say who he believes make no contribution to music and are regarded as "a joke".

In January 2005 he performed a solo set at the Tsunami Relief Cardiff charity concert at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, the biggest live music charity concert since 1985's Live Aid.

Kelly scored something of an own goal with the ladies in December 2004 by introducing Javier Weyler to the band. The Argentinian has proved to be more of a hit, bringing a host of new female adoring fans to the band.

[edit] Discography

For his discography with the Stereophonics see Stereophonics Discography

[edit] Trivia

• Kelly supports Leeds United A.F.C..
• If his life were turned into a movie he would want to be played by Johnny Depp.
• Has a daughter called Lolita Bootsy.
• He is not related to Richard Jones.
• His eye was used for the Australian Big Brother
• He writes screenplays and is currently working on a piece called '23'
• He wears Italian designer clothing and sunglasses.