19th March 2002 - Phonics to headline V2002!
It has been confirmed that the Stereophonics will be one of the headliners of this year's V2002 festival, along with Travis. The festival takes place on August 17th and 18th, but it is yet unknown which band will headline which evening at the two locations - Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Stafford. Other confirmed acts include the Chemical Brothers, Ian Brown, The Beta Band, Elbow, Supergrass, Badly Drawn Boy, Groove Armada, Starsailor, Primal Scream and Stereo MCs over a total of four stages.
17th March 2002 - New site additions
Today sees not only the addition of the Stereobase section, but I have made a number of updates to the Special Features section. You can now listen to the band chatting about JEEP, its influences and their favourite tracks. Also, due to popular demand, I have added a photos page to the section as well. It contains images taken from an interview with the band before JEEP was released, and also from Kelly Jones's JEEP Acoustic Preview tour. The future may see this section develop into a full section within this site. Watch this space!
17th March 2002 - New site partnership
As you will notice on the front page, this site now has a 'Stereobase Collectors Centre'. Take a look at the section which gives you all the info you'll ever need on collecting Stereophonics releases.
16th March 2002 - Cerys joins Phonics at Scala gig.
On April 18th the band will be performing at a gig in London's Scala in memory of the legendary radio and TV 'plugger' Scott Piering who died in 2000 from cancer. Also playing will be Embrace, Placebo, Pulp, Teenage Fanclub and most recently announced Cerys Matthews formerly of Catatonia.
10th March 2002 - Vegas Video
The video for 'Vegas Two Times' is available to view in the 'Stereo Club' section of the official website. It's made from live footage of the Cardiff Millennium Stadium gig last year. It precedes the release of 'A Day At The Races', which is released on April 8th. Some fans may feel ripped off by the fact that the single will provide four audio and one video track from the release of the gig. Not many details are available about the Video/DVD e.g. track list, bonus features, etc, but I'll bring you the news when I have it.
3rd March 2002 - Vegas artwork!
Here's the Vegas promo cover artwork. Let's hope it is used for the release. It's similar to the Word Gets Around 'collage' style artwork. I think it's great!
19th February 2002 - Vegas + DVD info!!!!
As I reported last week, Vegas Two Times will be the final single from JEEP, and will be released on the 1st April. Rumors over what what would be on the acoustic CD have been proved wrong with the release of a DVD instead of a CD2. The promised bonus CD should therefore complete the acoustic collection. Disappointingly, no new B-Sides will be included with the single, but the good news is that a collection of live tracks from the Millennium Stadium will be included.
The CD will feature 'Mr. Writer' and 'Watch Them Fly Sundays' live, while the DVD will feature a 'Radio Edit' of the single and both 'Vegas' and 'Roll Up And Shine' live tracks, along with the video of 'Vegas' and four live video clips.
The week later, a DVD and video of the two summer 'Day At The Races' gigs will be released, with '16 songs played live, backstage documentary footage, a photo gallery (DVD only) and more besides'.
13th February 2002 - Next Single
Not much news recently, but Amazon.co.uk have got Vegas Two Times down for release on April 1st. This has not been announced by V2 yet, but Amazon are usually quite accurate with their pre-release dates. Remember where you heard it first!
22nd January 2002 - Website Update.
Today sees a major revamp of the releases section. All releases can now be accessed from the same page, and the design has been improved. If you have any comments to make about the changes, get in touch!
On Sunday the album held on to the Number 1 space, but the single dropped from the top 10. Six weeks in the top 10 for the single, and an album climbing back to the top for a few weeks nine months after it was released cannot be bad!
15th January 2002 - Brit Nomination
The Stereophonics are up for 'Best Band' in this years Brit Awards, facing competition from Travis, Radiohead, Gorillaz and Jamiroquai. Gorillaz have the most nominations this year being nominated in a massive six categories!
Stuart Cable has pulled out of part of the bands Japanese tour due to family reasons. He will be replaced by Owen Hopkin of The Crocketts for those dates.
As announced on Sunday, the album is back at the top of the charts, but it is now known to have sold over a million copies.
As well as adding the new audio track to Special Features I felt that it was time to add something different. Take a look at the new 'Video Animation', with more planned for the future.
13th January 2002 - Number 1 Album!
After many weeks of climbing, JEEP has finally reclaimed its place at the top of the album charts, 9 months after its release! The album and single both stand above Robbie Williams, who released both after the Stereophonics. The single managed to hang in the top 10 at Number 10, while the Christmas season's biggest seller Robbie Williams slipped to Number 12. In Special Features you can listen to a track from 'Substitute', The Who tribute album.
10th January 2002 - Latest news
The single has stuck at number 5 again this week, making it the 5th week in the top 5. The albums popularity has also been revived with it currently at Number 2! Also, the planned 'Day At The Races' DVD/Video is likely to be released in April.
Many of you will have heard about the tragic suicide of Feeder's drummer Jon Lee, who died on Monday. This has shocked many people, and the Stereophonics have made the following statement:
"We wish to offer our condolences to the family and friends of Jon Lee, drummer with Feeder. Last year we toured together in both Europe and the UK and had a great time. Jon was always the life and soul...always up for a party, so it is a great shock to hear this tragic news."
31st December 2001 - Happy New Year!
Just like to wish you all a happy new year. The single has stuck at Number 5 this week, making it the 4th week in the top 5! Also, due to the reduced sale prices in many places and the popularity of the single, the album has climbed back into the top 10 and is currently at Number 4!!!! Lets hope this success will continue into the new year.
23rd December 2001 - Merry Christmas!
Firstly, 'Handbags & Gladrags' slipped just one place this week making it in the Christmas Top 5. This means that the single has sold extremely well and is good news for the band. Robbie Williams stayed at the top, with Gordon Haskell pushing last week's 2-4 down a place.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all visitors to this site a very happy Christmas. Thanks for all your support throughout the year, and I'm sure that the band would want to thank you for your continued support, and I would like to wish them all the best for 2002.
18th December 2001 - Another week at Number 4!
This week the Stereophonics managed to sustain their Number 4 chart position with 'Handbags & Gladrags'. This is an excellent sign as to how it is selling, seeing as this time of year has the biggest singles sales. At any other time of year they would surely have been placed higher with that number of sales. It also means that a lot of people who would not normally buy a Stereophonics single have bought it as most fans buy within the first week. It will be interesting to see where it ends up in next week's big 'Christmas Chart'.
9th December 2001 - Chart Position
'Handbags & Gladrags' entered the UK Singles Charts at No.4 this evening. It has fallen from its midweek prediction of No.2, as I suspected due to fans buying the song earlier. It is, however the bands 2nd highest chart position, below 'The Bartender and the Thief' which made it to No.3. The success of the single is a good step for the band following their last chart position, and hopefully the next single, rumored to be 'Vegas Two Times' will build on this success.
This website has been awarded 'Site of the month' by 'Standing At The Bus Stop', one of the more well known fan sites. Thanks to the owner, and you can visit the site by clicking on the link below.
5th December 2001 - The new single
The new single 'Handbags & Gladrags' was released on Monday, and is currently at Number 2 in the midweek charts. If they can sustain sales, they could keep the position for Sunday's charts giving them their highest chart position yet. Midweek sales are often misleading, however as most fans will buy releases as soon as possible. I've added the song to the 'Special Features' section to listen to if you still need convincing to buy it!
1st December 2001 - Single released Monday
The single 'Handbags & Gladrags' will be released this Monday (3rd). I should have it up in the Special Features section to listen to early this week. Go out and buy it and get the band the chart position that they deserve. There are no huge releases that week, as the big Christmas songs are out the following week, so hopefully they'll stand a fair chance. For those of you wondering about the 'Day At The Races' video/DVD due for release around this time, it is now due to be released sometime in the new year.
20th November 2001 - The Tour
I, along with many other fans, was lucky enough to catch the Phonics on their current tour, at Wembley Arena on Sunday night. The performance was excellent, as usual, and I'll hopefully write a review for it when I recover from my recent lack of sleep. If anyone was present at any of the gigs, especially Sunday's, and would like to talk about it, feel free to get in touch via the Contacts page. As far as I know, the release of Handbags and Gladrags has been changed to 3rd December, but I will confirm that as soon as possible.
Thanks to everyone for their continued support of the site. The updates have been a little slow lately, but I hope to add new content soon. It's good to know that phonics fans out there are continuing to support it, and if you have any suggestions feel free to get in touch.
13th November 2001 - JEEP Re-Release
As the forthcoming single 'Handbags & Gladrags' was not originally on JEEP, the album is to be re-released on the same day as the single release. This may or may not be a popular decision, and many loyal fans will feel ripped-off as this is a blatant cash in for Christmas. It is also likely to affect the sales of the single. Many people without the album may chose to buy it with the single on it, but it could lead to a reasonable boost in album sales. Also, the new version will contain the 'Have A Nice Day' B-Side 'Surprise', according to Audiostreet. The track was originally set to be on JEEP, but was later dropped, but is a great song, and is very popular with fans. You can buy this new version of JEEP from the shop.
17th October 2001 - More Handbags & Gladrags!
Finally, I can bring you the full details for the forthcoming single Handbags & Gladrags. It's released on November 26th, and you can find the coverart and tracklistings in the releases section. As well as the first Stereophonics single to be a cover version, it's also the first to be released on DVD!!!! As ususal CD2 will form part of the Acoustic Collection. The song was recorded with Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, as was the Roberta Flack cover 'First Time I Ever Saw Your Face', featured on CD1 along with a live cover of John Lennon's 'How'. I'll try to get an audio clip as soon as possible, and don't forget this was the first site to tell you about the song being released, 2 months ago!
9th October 2001 - Q Awards Nominations
The band have been nominated for 4 Q Awards, the most nominations for one artist this year. The nominations are for: Best Album - JEEP, Best Single - Have A Nice Day, Best Live Act, Best Band. You can vote for the band at www.q4music.com.
7th October 2001 - Handbags & Gladrags confirmed
Handbags & Gladrags, the Rod Stewart cover, has been confirmed as the next single. Although it's not on the current album CD2 will form part of the JEEP Acoustic Tour collection, as it was first sung on the tour. The release date is set for November 26th 2001, but this may change. The single will be backed with a cover of John Lennon's 'How' and a cover of Roberta Flack's 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face'. I'll bring you more details when they are available.
30th September 2001 - Chart Position
Today, 'Step On My Old Size Nines' entered the charts at Number 16. This is quite disappointing for the band and fans, and is the lowest chart position since Traffic back in 1997. The song may not have been the most popular choice for a single with the fans, but with its great set of B-Sides and funny video it looked likely to attract a few more buyers. The next single is rumored to be 'Handbags and Gladrags', but many think it will be 'Vegas Two Times', which may also be a successful choice.
24th September 2001 - SOMOSN Out Now + Shop Update!
Today sees the release of 'Step On My Old Size Nines'. It's available on 2 CDs, and you can find the coverart for both in the releases section. You can listen to both B-Sides from CD1 in the Special Features section, and I'm sure you won't be disappointed. CD2 contains excellent live acoustic tracks, and the video for one of them. Another addition to the site today is the launch of my new partnership with Espirit International. You can access a wide range of rare and deleted material for Stereophonics and many other artists, along with all of the latest releases. Check it out by following the link below, or from the shop section.
22nd September 2001 - Listen to new track now!
You can now listen to new track 'Shoeshine Boy' in the Special Features section. The track is taken from CD1 of the single 'Step On My Old Size Nines', which is released on Monday (24th). You can preview the track now, before it is released along with 'I'm Only Sleeping' which will also be on the CD. The version on the single is the live version recorded for last year's 'Shine On' television show on Channel 4, featuring Noel and Gem from Oasis. The coverart should be available soon, and although I have both CDs (arrived today!) I don't have a scanner to put them up on the site.
20th September 2001 - Latest News
Sorry there haven't been many updates lately, but here's some of the latest news. As you may have heard, the Stereophonics' American tour has once again been cancelled due to last week's terrible tragedy. The band felt it inappropriate at such a hard time for America, and I'm sure fans hoping to see them will understand. In other band news, look out for the new single 'Step On My Old Size Nines' on Monday. You may have been expecting it this week, but the release date was pushed back. I've added a section for the single, but the official coverart is as yet unavailable, so I have used the promo art. The pictures will be added as soon as possible. You can still find a live version of new B-Side 'I'm Only Sleeping' (Brought to you HERE a month before release), and I'll try to get a stream of 'Shoeshine Boy' up as soon as I get it. Finally, look out within the next week or so for a change to the shop section. I'll be giving you the chance to get hold of a wide selection of Stereophonics CDs, along with an extensive artist catalogue.
24th August 2001 - More H&G News!
After being the first website to bring you the exclusive news about the next single (see below) some more news is available on the release. Amazon.co.uk are now listing the single, with a release date for November 26th. They also list a 'Just Enough Education to Perform' DVD for release on November 5th. It is unknown as yet what this will feature, but some are saying it will be based upon Kelly Jones' acoustic tour last November, from which the CD2 Single tracks are taken. Also, there are rumors saying that the single will be a Double-A Side with Vegas Two Times, while others say that it will be with Lying In The Sun. As soon as there is any more news, or anything official I will bring it to you here.
16th August 2001 - Exclusive news!!!!
In an interview on MTV Daily Edition, Kelly Jones revealed that the band have recorded a studio version of the Rod Stuart song 'Handbags and Glad rags', played by Kelly on the Acoustic tour. He said that it will be released in November as a Christmas single. The song, which does not appear on the new album, is likely to include the acoustic version on the second CD. This news is a surprise, as it has not been announced officially, and they have yet to release 'Step On My Old Size Nines', which is released on September 14th.
14th August 2001 - New B-Side Preview!
As announced before, the Stereophonics will be covering 'I'm Only Sleeping' by the Beatles. In the Special Features section you can exclusively listen to a previous live performance of this track with the extra assistance of Noel and Gem of Oasis. The version on the single may be different to this version, but it is an excellent performance and will give you a preview of the track. Enjoy!
9th August 2001 - More Single details
In addition to the tracks listed below, CD1 will feature the video for the single, which is well worth seeing if you haven't yet. CD2 will feature the live video for 'Everyday I Think Of Money'. Also, you can now vote for me in the DotMusic website awards, please click on the link from the main page to vote.
7th August 2001 - New single and UK tour
Details of the third single to be taken from 'Just Enough Education to Perform', 'Step on my Old Size Nines' are now available. CD1 will feature the new song 'Shoeshine Boy', along with a cover of the Beatles' 'I'm Only Sleeping'. As usual, CD2 will feature acoustic material from last year's tour, and will feature the single, along with 'Everyday I Think Of Money' and 'Just Looking'. The single will be released on September 17th. Also, a series of UK Arena shows will take place in November as follows:
29th July 2001 - New Section
Donnington/Cardiff section is now up and running, although more content should be on its way soon. Just follow the link from the homepage. I'm going on holiday for a week, and the new section should be up and running soon after I return. Sorry for the delay, and any more contributions would be welcome.
22nd July 2001 - Gig Updates
Anyone attending last night's Cardiff gig will know what a great evening it was. Likewise, last week's Donnington gig was equally superb. I will shortly be adding a section dedicated to these gigs, with reviews and photos. Anyone who has anything to contribute to the section, especially photos, can get in touch with my via the email link below. I would greatly appreciate any contributions, and all providers of material for the site will be credited.
18th June 2001 - Chart position
Have A Nice Day entered the charts this week at Number 5. This is one of their best positions, but is disappointing compared with the midweek position of Number 3. The next single from the album is rumoured to be 'Step On My Old Size Nines'. Also, go to Special Features to hear another B-Side.
11th June 2001 - Have A Nice Day OUT NOW!
The second single from 'Just Enough Education to Perform' is released today. Go out and buy it, and help the Phonics achieve a well deserved Number 1 single. Details of the B-Sides can be found in the releases section, along with the coverart.
3rd June 2001 - New support act announced
The Crocketts have been added as another support act for the Donnington and Cardiff gigs this summer. The band have supported the Stereophonics in the past, including the huge gig at Swansea's Morfa Stadium in 1999. The other support acts are Proud Mary, Ash and the Black Crowes. Proud Mary release their debut album 'The Same Old Blues' on June 18th through Sour Mash Records.
26th May 2001 - Special Features updated
Some of you have commented about how you enjoyed hearing an old B-Side in the Special Features section, so I have put up a different one for you to hear. The track 'Raymonds Shop' was featured on the 'More Life In A Tramps Vest' single, and a live version can also be found on CD2 of 'The Bartender And The Thief'. The track was recorded at the band's 1998 Cardiff Castle gig, which has recently been released on DVD.
21st May 2001 - Single Coverart
The coverart for the new single 'Have A Nice Day' has been added to the releases section, along with the confirmed tracks as listed below. Sorry about the lack of updates recently, due to exams, but I will try to ensure that most news stories are covered when possible.
7th May 2001 - Have A Nice Day
Finally, news has come through about the release of the second single from 'Just Enough Education to Perform'. The single will be released on June 11th, on the usual formats, and CD tracklistings are as follows: CD1 - 1. Have A Nice Day 2. Surprise 3. Piano For A Stripper CD2 - 1. Have A Nce Day (Live Acoustic) 2. Heart Of Gold (Neil Young Cover) (Live Acoustic) 3. I Stopped To Fill My Car Up (Live Acoustic). The track 'Surprise' was originally going to be included on the album, but was removed shortly before the album's release for unknown reasons. As soon as coverart is available, I will add the single to the releases section.
29th April 2001 - Jeep slips down the charts
Sorry about the lack of updates this week - I'm back from my holiday and ready to bring you the latest news once again. Last week JEEP managed to stay at Number 1 in the UK album charts, despite the (pathetic) threat of Emma Bunton. This week they've fallen to Number 3, behind new entries from Janet Jackson (Number 2) and Ash (Number 1). At least there isn't another pop group at Number 1. You can buy the new Ash album from the shop by following the links, and also the new album from Feeder, which entered the charts at Number 5. Also available from the shop is the new Stereophonics book 'Just Enough Evidence to Print'.
20th April 2001 - Caravan Holiday
I'm off for a caravan holiday (hopefully without the rain) for seven days (sound familiar?). During this time there will not be any news updates. For the latest news, I suggest you take a look at some of the websites in the Top 50 Stereophonics Websites. Follow the link from the homepage. More news when I get back!
18th April 2001 - Chepstow gig moved!
It is now official. The 'Day at the races' gig due to be held at Chepstow racecource has now been moved to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium due to Foot and Mouth. The gig at Donnington Racecourse is unaffected, and tickets for both events will be sent out very soon. The following advice has been given to those who have ordered tickets for Chepstow:
Those who have already booked a ticket for the Chepstow Show will be able to take advantage of an exclusive booking period from today until close of business on the 20th April to upgrade or exchange their existing Chepstow voucher for a reserved seating place through their point of purchase. Chepstow vouchers will be valid for pitch standing and pitchside seating without any exchange and tickets will be issued shortly to voucher holders. Refunds are also available from point of purchase for those unable to attend the relocated date. Please note, regrettably as there are no camping facilities at the Millennium Stadium refunds for camping vouchers are also available from the individual's point of purchase.
Ticket for the relocated show will be available from 9AM
Saturday 21st April through the following outlets, priced £30
for reserved seating (mid tier), £25 for reserved seating (upper
tier) and for pitch standing and unreserved seats (pitchside)
subject to booking fee on:
24 Hour Credit Card Hotline: 0115 912 9143
Buy online at: www.buyupfront.com
Priority Club Members: www.musicmastercard.co.uk
15th April 2001 - JEEP HITS THE TOP SPOT!!!!
Congratulations to the Stereophonics for going straight in at Number 1, and knocking this year's "Pop Sensation" Hear'Say from the Number 1 spot after just two weeks of being there. Despite some bad reviews, the Stereophonics have proved that they can still produce good music, and have proved it by getting to the top. Many feared that the already huge Hear'Say fanbase would be a threat to the 'Phonics, but they have proved the critics wrong! Well done lads!!!
14th April 2001 - More added!
As part of my ongoing improvement of the site, I have added a full length RealAudio version of 'Have A Nice Day'. You'll find it in the 'Special Features' section. The single will be released on Monday 11th June 2001, and as soon as more details are available they will be posted on the site. Have a nice day!
13th April 2001 - New Look Site!
My new look site has finally been launched. I hope you like the new style - the old one was getting a bit boring. Hopefully, I'll be updating this news section as regularly as possible. Let me know what you think of the new style by leaving a comment in the guestbook, or e-mailing me through the Contact section. Follow the links from the home page. In other Stereophonics news, the Chepstow gig will almost certainly be held in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. Check back soon for more news on the matter.
