**Stereophonics’ Kelly Jones Embraces Healthier Lifestyle on Tour**
Kelly Jones, the distinctive voice and songwriter behind Welsh rock band Stereophonics, has revealed a significant change in his backstage habits, prioritising health and wellbeing over the indulgences of his earlier years. The singer-songwriter, who is now 51, openly discussed the evolution of his tour rider—traditionally a list of snacks and drinks a band requests for their dressing room—now reflecting a greater commitment to fitness and nutrition.
Speaking candidly ahead of Stereophonics’ much-anticipated appearance at the Isle of Wight Festival, Jones reflected on how the wild atmosphere of the 1990s contrasts sharply with his current touring lifestyle. “The nineties were a totally different social situation; it really feels like another planet now,” he remarked when speaking to The Sun. The frontman acknowledges that habits which once seemed harmless, such as ordering dozen boxes of pizza and crates of lager, are less sustainable as the years go by.
Jones admits: “When your jeans stop fitting you, you realise you need to make a change. The requests we had in our twenties simply don’t work when you’re 50.” In an effort to stay in shape and keep his wardrobe intact, he’s substituted the standard fare of beer, wine, and fast food for organic snacks and healthier options backstage.
It’s not just the snack table that has seen an overhaul. Gym equipment has now made its way into the band’s backstage area—a far cry from the chaotic parties of their early days. While he acknowledges that, sometimes, the weights serve more as a coat rack, the presence of such amenities marks a clear shift in priorities. “There’s actually gym gear backstage now—like a weight bench and stuff,” Jones quipped, “that definitely wasn’t there in the nineties.”
Despite these changes, the camaraderie within Stereophonics remains a constant. The band, along with their long-standing crew, continues to travel together by bus, dine out as a unit, and, occasionally, enjoy a drink after the show. “Thankfully, we all get on,” Jones noted, highlighting the rare family-like atmosphere that’s developed over a career spanning more than two decades. “Not every band does—and we’ve had the same crew for 25 years, so it’s a family-orientated vibe.”
This healthier approach to life on the road mirrors a broader trend within the music industry, as many veteran artists become more conscious of their physical and mental well-being. While some might lament the passing of a more hedonistic era, Jones’ remarks underscore the necessity of adapting to new realities, particularly as the demands of performance remain high.
In addition to opening up about such lifestyle changes, Jones has also spoken recently about his relationship with the band’s fan culture—and with those who pay homage through tribute acts. Earlier this year, he revealed with amusement that he declined an invitation to see a Stereophonics tribute band featuring a frontman named ‘Belly Jones’. Despite considering it an honour to have their music covered by others, Jones shared that he preferred spending his Easter holiday quietly with family, resisting encouragement from relatives to attend a gig at a local working men’s club.
Reflecting on this, the singer told Absolute Radio’s Dave Berry Breakfast Show that he routinely receives videos of fans singing his songs at weddings, pubs, and bars. “It’s a privilege when people cover your stuff,” he said. Yet, when approached by his cousin to watch ‘Belly Jones’ lead the tribute band, he politely opted to stay home, even as his wife and children urged him to go along for a good time.
Through both his evolving backstage preferences and his warm connection to fans and family, Kelly Jones presents a portrait of an artist who values balance, longevity, and genuine relationships. As Stereophonics continue to tour and inspire audiences, it’s evident that a new chapter has begun—one marked by healthier habits and a grounded sense of community, both on and off the stage.