**Former Lostprophets Guitarist Lee Gaze Breaks Silence After Years of Pain Over Ian Watkins Scandal**
Lee Gaze, the former guitarist of the Welsh rock band Lostprophets, has spoken publicly for the first time in years about the emotional fallout following the conviction of the band’s ex-frontman, Ian Watkins, for appalling child sex offences. Gaze, now aged 50, addressed the deeply traumatic episode and its enduring impact, making a series of heartfelt posts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
The Lostprophets, who hailed from Pontypridd and formed in 1997, enjoyed massive commercial success during their career. The group, co-founded by Gaze and Watkins after their previous band, Fleshbind, disbanded, quickly rose to fame, selling millions of albums worldwide. Their rise was cut short in 2012, however, when Watkins was arrested on charges that would later devastate his bandmates and fans alike.
Watkins’s crimes, which included the attempted rape of a baby and multiple other counts of child abuse, stunned the music world. He maintained his innocence until the day of his trial in 2013, where he ultimately pled guilty. In the aftermath, authorities described him as a “determined and committed paedophile,” a verdict that sent shockwaves through the industry and the wider public.
Until now, the surviving members of Lostprophets have largely refrained from public comment regarding the band’s sudden implosion and Watkins’s actions. In a rare moment of candour, Gaze reflected online about the band’s tragic downfall, writing: *“It’s been 13 years since my band ended in the most unimaginable circumstances and it’s still painful to think about. Things could’ve been so different.”* Gaze continued, expressing that he had dedicated his life to the band, describing its abrupt end as an “ultimate punishment,” despite having himself done “nothing wrong” in his life.
Gaze’s posts prompted an outpouring of support, with fans and fellow musicians rushing to share messages of sympathy and encouragement. One fan commented: “I wish you a big success with your new project. Thanks for the music and memories.” Another added: “I’m really sorry you’re still carrying that pain. Everything should have been different. But fate is a cruel joke. You didn’t deserve it.”
In response to these messages, Gaze admitted that he still struggled to make sense of the events, remarking, *“Hard to make sense of it all, even after all these years.”* Many noted not only the gravity of Watkins’s crimes but also the profound collateral damage suffered by Gaze and the other band members, whose careers and personal lives were irrevocably altered.
Others reflected on their own memories of the band, discussing the deep connection they felt with Lostprophets during their formative years. Suggestions even emerged from supporters that the musicians reclaim their legacy by re-recording their work with a new vocalist, a notion highlighting the lasting attachment fans still feel for the band’s music, distinct from the actions of its disgraced frontman.
Today, Lee Gaze remains active in the music world as a member of No Devotion, a band he formed with former Lostprophets bassist Stu Richardson and American singer Geoff Rickly, best known for his work with Thursday. Other past Lostprophets members, including rhythm guitarist Mike Lewis, drummer Luke Johnson, and keyboardist Jamie Oliver, also participated in the project, though some have since stepped away.
Gaze’s willingness to speak openly after years away from the spotlight has reignited discussions about the wider impact such scandals have—not only on victims, but also on those inadvertently caught in the fallout. His reflections underscore the enduring wounds left by one man’s actions, and the difficult journey faced by those who must pick up the pieces.
As fans and former bandmates continue to process the legacy of Lostprophets, Gaze’s recent words have served as a poignant reminder: while the past cannot be changed, there remains a community of support for those who suffered from events beyond their control. The hope, for many, is that honesty and dialogue will pave the way for healing and, perhaps, new creative beginnings.