25/02/07 - Kelly makes Phonics revelations on the DVD
Credit: Karen Price, Western Mail

Stereophonics front man Kelly Jones has revealed that he was happiest before the chart-topping band hit the big time.

As the trio struggled to get a record deal, Kelly, along with drummer Stuart Cable and guitarist Richard Jones, would spend weeks travelling from gig to gig in the back of a small, cramped van and sleeping on the floors of strangers' houses. Although they went on to worldwide fame after signing a deal with V2, then owned by Sir Richard Branson, Kelly says nothing could beat those early days.

Kelly makes the revelations in a new DVD that celebrates 10 years of the Stereophonics' success - from the early days in their home town of Cwmaman to their performance at Live 8 which was televised around the globe.

The DVD - to be premiered in the West End in London - also reveals how Kelly has never read a book in his life, why they had to sack Stuart Cable as drummer, and how Richard once smashed up a hotel room. The Stereophonics, who started life as the Tragic Love Company, spent most of their time during the early years roughing it as they tried to hit the big time.

But Kelly says he has fond memories of those days. 'We had a good crack driving around in the back of vans and sleeping on people's floors,' says Kelly, now a father-of-one.

'We would wake up next to a gas fire in someone's house who we'd never met before. There was that weird feeling of not knowing where you would be next. No one knew who we were so we could get away with anything.'

Kelly also reveals how he would post gimmicks such as takeaway cartons and shoes to record labels in a bid to make them take notice of the band's demos. 'We had hundreds of rejection letters. I kept sending 12 tapes away every Thursday. The woman in the Post Office must have thought we were nuts.'

But after signing to V2, the Stereophonics became one of the UK's biggest bands and had hits like More Life In A Tramp's Vest, Hurry Up And Wait, Have A Nice Day and Mr Writer. They also amassed a number of awards, starting with the Best Newcomer gong at the Brits in 1998.

In the DVD documentary, Rewind, Kelly says his song-writing was initially inspired by every day observations he made while working on a fruit and veg stall. 'We're not very big readers - I admit I've never actually read a book,' he says. 'The songs are about observations. Since I was 14 I have been watching people. I started getting lots of ideas working on the market as I was fascinated with people's dialogue.'

After securing their record deal, the band enjoyed partying with other celebrities, like Noel Gallagher and Tom Jones, and Richard even received a bill for almost £7,000 after allegedly damaging a hotel room - something he admits he cannot remember as he was drunk at the time.

But several years ago there was concern the Stereophonics would split after Kelly embarked on a solo acoustic tour. 'I wanted a bit of a break from things,' he says. 'Stuff in the band started going a little bit weird and stuff in my personal life.'

Then in 2003, Kelly and Richard parted company with their childhood friend Stuart after he started pulling out of shows.
Kelly says, 'All the crew were there but our drummer wasn't there - it got completely ridiculous.' Since Stuart's departure the remaining pair have gone on to further success and they are now recording an album with new drummer Javier Weyler.

Stereophonics - Rewind is released on April 2. The documentary will be premiered at the Prince Charles Theatre in London on March 6

Famous fans on the Phonics sound

'There's all these mixes of styles, that's what you get with the Stereophonics.'
- Roger Daltry

'They sent me a copy of their first album and I thought it was great. I liked the lyrics. It made me think of a small town style of writing. It made me think of the Jam lyrics, suburban images. I found it refreshing. There are very few people doing that now.'
- Paul Weller

'The Stereophonics don't sound of any particular time - they sound of any time.'
- Jools Holland

'They sound great. They are fine lads. I've put my money on them.'
- Richard Branson