Lee Gaze, former bandmate of disgraced rockstar Ian Watkins, speaks out after Watkins’ death in prison. The singer’s murder has reignited painful memories for Gaze and the Lostprophets band.
Warning: This article contains discussions of child abuse and may be distressing to some readers.
Former Lostprophets guitarist Lee Gaze has spoken out following the shocking death of disgraced rockstar Ian Watkins in prison. The 48-year-old, who was serving a 35-year sentence for multiple child sex offenses, was found dead in his cell at HMP Wakefield on Saturday, October 11. Reports suggest that Watkins was attacked shortly after inmates were released from their cells, sustaining fatal injuries, including a throat wound. Despite attempts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The death of Watkins, once a global star who performed alongside bands like Metallica and Slipknot, has led to a murder investigation. Two inmates, 25-year-old Rashid Gedel and 43-year-old Samuel Dodsworth, have been charged with the murder. A spokesperson for the Prison Service declined to comment further while the investigation continues.
Bandmates React to Watkins’ Death
The news of Watkins’ death has reopened painful memories for his former bandmates. Lee Gaze, who co-founded Lostprophets with Watkins in 1997, has been vocal about his shock and devastation over the revelations about Watkins’ criminal actions in 2013. The band disbanded after Watkins’ conviction for 13 child sex offenses, including conspiring to rape a baby, which was described as “plunging into new depths of depravity” by prosecutors.
On social media, Gaze responded to fans offering condolences, with one fan expressing sympathy for the band, saying they understood the trauma Gaze had endured. Gaze simply responded: “Onwards and upwards.” In another post, Gaze thanked fans for their “kind words” while clarifying that the band had no knowledge of Watkins’ crimes.
“I can assure you had any of us known, he’d never have made it as far as prison,” Gaze wrote, referring to a disturbing video where Watkins made jokes about his predatory behavior. He expressed his disbelief at how the bandmates, who all had children of their own, were unaware of the singer’s actions.
The Impact of Watkins’ Crimes on the Band
Gaze has shared before the emotional toll of discovering Watkins’ crimes. Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, he explained the band’s shock: “There were two sets of it [shock] because there were the accusations – which was one thing. And then there was the actual, ‘Yeah I did do it,’ which was a year later.”
Gaze also highlighted how unimaginable it was to believe Watkins’ crimes without direct disclosure. “How could you know? Who would disclose such a thing to five people, who between them have eight children? You just wouldn’t because they would be killed on the spot,” he added.
After the band split, Gaze and other members formed a new band, No Devotion, with a new singer.
A Dark Legacy
Watkins’ death marks the end of a dark chapter in rock music history. The former Lostprophets frontman’s once-promising career was overshadowed by his criminal actions, which came to light after his 2013 arrest. His case remains a painful memory for many, including his bandmates, who have struggled to move forward after the trauma.
Support for Abuse Victims
If you or someone you know has been affected by these issues, it’s important to reach out for support. The Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453), offering help and guidance for those in need.
