Bring Me The Horizon Frontman Backs Ex-Lostprophets Members

December 20, 2013

Bring Me The Horizon frontman Oliver Sykes has posted a statement following this week’s sentencing of Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins of 35 years prison time after he plead guilty to a string of horrific child sex crimes.

Sykes took to the Twitlonger site yesterday to demonstrate his support for the other Lostprophet band members, who he rather untactfully suggests, “are in some ways the biggest victims of this nightmare.” He goes on to say that the convicted pedophile and former Lostprophets singer Watkins destroyed the legacy of one of his favourite bands.

“When your band ends you want to be able to look back at all the good times, listen to the songs you made, reminisce, but that is no longer an option,” wrote Sykes. “He [Watkins] has made it extremely difficult for them to continue their love of music and art without people treating them differently because of one mans actions.”

Sykes urged followers to pledge their support for the rest of the former band members in their future careers and draws specific attention to the artwork of former Lostprohets keyboardist Richard J Oliver. “What ever they choose to do in the future we should support them 110% and not let one nonces life ruin 5 good peoples lives,” said Sykes.

Lostprophets officially announced their breakup in October this year and earlier this month, the former band members issued an official statement, in the wake of Watkins’ guilty plea. The band said they were unaware of Watkins’ actions and were “heartbroken, angry, and disgusted at what has been revealed.”

South Wales Police are currently investigating whether Watkins also committed offences in Germany and the US.

Photos: Bring Me The Horizon, Of Mice & Men, Crossfaith – The Marquee, Brisbane 05/10/13

Photographed by Rebecca Reid

The full Oliver Sykes statement reads:

So Watkins was sentenced & justice was served, wether you think it was too short a stretch or not. My heart goes out to all the victims effected, but I would like you all to consider the impact and destruction watkins has inflicted on his band, and see how them themselves are in some ways the biggest victims of this nightmare. He destroyed the legacy of Lost Prophets (which were my favourite band ever back in the day) -when your band ends you want to be able to look back at all the good times, listen to the songs you made, reminisce, but that is no longer an option. He has made it extremely difficult for them to continue their love of music and art without people treating them differently because of one mans actions. What ever they choose to do in the future we should support them 110% and not let one nonces life ruin 5 good peoples lives. Which brings me to Richard J Oliver’s Incredible art. He recently asked to paint a picture influenced by me, which is awesome, and he is a truly gifted artist. go add him on twitter- @RJOliverfineart and check out his work. and check out the painting he did influenced from a picture of me! (ABOVE THIS TWEET) rad!