This Pontypridd, Wales-based post hardcore outfit was formed in 1997 by Ian Watkins (drums) and Mike Lewis (guitar) following the break-up of their former band Public Disturbance. They were subsequently joined by Lee Gaze (guitar) and Mike Chiplin (drums), with Watkins taking over as lead vocalist. A series of well-received demos and a burgeoning reputation as a live act attracted the attention of the independent label, Visible Noise Records. Thefakesoundofprogress, released by Visible Noise in October 2000 and featuring new bass player Stuart Richardson, offered a welcome home-grown antidote to the wave of American nu metal bands riding high in the UK charts. This assured and engagingly melodic collection earned the band a US recording contract with Columbia Records, and support slots with Pitchshifter, Linkin Park and the Deftones. By this point, the band had added keyboard player and turntablist Jamie Oliver (b. Richard Oliver) to their line-up. Thefakesoundofprogress was remixed by Michael Barbiero and re-released in America in autumn 2001.
The Lostprophets built on the success of their debut with constant touring throughout Europe and America. The fruits of their labour were reaped both in the notable improvement in band dynamics and the maturing of Watkins' vocals. Their second album, Start Something, gatecrashed the UK Top 5 and US Top 40 in February 2004. Chiplin left the band the following June, leaving the remaining members to complete work on their third album. The Lostprophets progress to the forefront of the UK rock scene was confirmed when Liberation Transmission debuted at the top of the charts in summer 2006.
