This band is my family says Kelly Jones as Stereophonics chase another number one

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Stereophonics have unveiled their latest album, with lead singer Kelly Jones expressing confidence that the record “ticks a lot of boxes” for both longtime followers and new listeners of the band that originated in Cynon Valley.

Speaking to WalesOnline ahead of the album’s release, the 50-year-old frontman reflected on his enduring friendship with fellow band member Richard Jones, a fellow native of Cwmaman who joined him and founding member Stuart Cable in the mid-1990s. Kelly shared insights into the new album, Make ’em Laugh, Make ’em Cry, Make ’em Wait, whose title draws inspiration from a former art school teacher in Pontypridd.

Kelly described the album as a blend of classic Stereophonics sounds and a reflection of where the band stands in 2025. “I just wanted to make a record that was like a classic Stereophonics album, but in an album of us in 2025,” he said.

He emphasized that the album includes elements from all their styles while capturing his current life perspective, adding, “But I think if you’re a Stereophonics fan from the beginning to now, it ticks a lot of boxes. It got a lot of anthemic stuff and it’s got a very melodic stuff.”

The deep bond between Kelly and Richard, who have been best friends since they were three, remains the foundation of the band. Kelly paid a heartfelt tribute to Richard, saying, “He’s like John Wayne, you know, he’s the kind of bed that I lie on, you know?”

He described Richard as the band’s rock and recalled how Richard often kept him and Stuart Cable in check during their younger days. Kelly continued, “I don’t ever want to do anything without Richard, even if I want to do other things, and it’s called something different. I still want him to be there with me. He’s a true friend and he’s a brother, really.”

The trio officially became Stereophonics in the mid-1990s after years of rehearsals and several name changes, signing with Richard Branson’s V2 label in 1996 before releasing their debut album Word Gets Around in 1997. The band continued after drummer Stuart Cable left in 2003; Cable passed away in 2010 at the age of 40.

Having achieved eight number one albums, Stereophonics are hopeful that Make ’em Laugh, Make ’em Cry, Make ’em Wait will become their ninth chart-topper. The album is out via EMI, and the band is set to perform at the Principality Stadium on July 11 and 12.