Early years (1997–2000)

The band formed in 1997 in the Welsh town of Pontypridd, 12 miles north of Cardiff. Lostprophets formed with two members of Public Disturbance, which featured singer Ian Watkins and guitarist Mike Lewis. Neither member initially left Public Disturbance, although Watkins quit as soon as 1998. With Watkins on vocal duties and Lewis (who did not leave Public Disturbance until 2000) playing bass, the band also included guitarist Lee Gaze and Mike Chiplin on drums.

Lostprophets started out as part of the fledgling South Wales scene — originally calling themselves "The bum mules" — playing gigs at venues across Wales including T.J.'s in Newport. From there, they went on to tours on the UK's circuit. The band recorded three demos during this time: Here Comes the Party, Para Todas las Putas Celosas, which translates as "For all the jealous whores", and The Fake Sound of Progress. These were produced by Stuart Richardson, who joined the band as bassist for the latter recording. Mike Lewis at this point switched to rhythm guitar. The Fake Sound of Progress also included the addition of DJ Stepzak, who would remain with the band for around a year. The first three tracks from their third demo were refined and re-recorded for the release of their debut album of the same name: the title track, "MOAC Supreme" and "Stopquote" — the latter two were renamed "A Thousand Apologies" and "Awkward", respectively. All of the EPs are out of print, and are very rare.

The band caught the attention of the two music publishers Kerrang! and Metal Hammer magazines both giving them glancing reviews. In 1999 they signed in with Independent label Visible Noise.

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