Stereophonics star, 40, dead

Stuart Cable, the band's former drummer, was found at home...

09:57 07 June 2010

The original drummer for the Welsh rock band Stereophonics has suddenly died, aged 40, reports suggest.

Stuart Cable was a founding member of the 'Have a Nice Day' group. He was discovered dead at his home Llwydcoed near Aberdare, Cynon Valley, in the early hours of Monday morning.

South Wales Police have not confirmed the cause of death but have stated that there are "no suspicious circumstances at this stage" and that the death was sudden.

While the death has not been officially confirmed, his mother Mabel was quoted by Wales Online as saying: "Stuart has travelled all over the world with the band and I have worried myself silly. He is now settled down and then this has happened. It has not sunk in yet."

Cable's brother Paul added: "The family has no further comment to make at this stage. It is in the hands of the police."

The Stereophonics were formed in Cwmaman near Aberdare in 1992 by school friends Kelly and Richard Jones as well as Cable, who was four years older.

They quickly found fame and within five years were supporting acts such as The Rolling Stones and U2 on their world tours.

Cable was allegedly planning to leave the band before he was fired from it in 2003. He went on to form a new band called Killing For Company. They were due to play at Donington Park on Saturday, and their album is due for release soon.

Cable also fronted a BBC radio show and wrote an autobiography released last year, entitled 'Demons and Cocktails', which detailed his clashes with Stereophonics vocalist Kelly Jones.