Stuart Richardson is a Welsh musician, best known as the bassist and a founding member of the rock band Lostprophets. Following the dissolution of Lostprophets in 2013, he co-founded the band No Devotion with fellow former Lostprophets members and American singer Geoff Rickly.
Early Life and Career Born in Pontypridd, Wales, Stuart Richardson developed an interest in music during his youth. He became active in the local music scene, which eventually led to him meeting his future bandmates.
Lostprophets (1997–2013) Richardson co-founded Lostprophets in Pontypridd in 1997. The original lineup included Ian Watkins (vocals), Mike Lewis (rhythm guitar), Lee Gaze (lead guitar), Jamie Oliver (keyboard, turntables), and Mike Chiplin (drums). As the bassist, Richardson was a core component of the band's rhythm section, contributing to their distinctive blend of nu-metal, alternative rock, and new wave influences.
Lostprophets released five studio albums:
- Thefakesoundofprogress (2000)
- Start Something (2004)
- Liberation Transmission (2006)
- The Betrayed (2010)
- Weapons (2012)
The band achieved considerable commercial success, earning multiple awards, headlining major tours, and performing at international festivals. Richardson's bass work was integral to the band's sound, characterized by its often melodic yet powerful foundation.
Dissolution of Lostprophets and Aftermath The band's career came to an abrupt end in late 2013 following the arrest and subsequent conviction of frontman Ian Watkins for multiple child sex offenses. Richardson, along with the other band members, publicly condemned Watkins' actions and announced the immediate dissolution of Lostprophets, stating they could not continue under the circumstances. The event had a profound impact on Richardson and his bandmates, leading to a period of uncertainty regarding their musical futures.
No Devotion (2014–present) In 2014, Richardson reunited with former Lostprophets members Lee Gaze (guitar), Mike Lewis (guitar), Jamie Oliver (keyboards, turntables), and Luke Johnson (drums, who had joined Lostprophets in 2009) to form a new band called No Devotion. They recruited American singer Geoff Rickly, known for his work with Thursday and United Nations, as their vocalist.
No Devotion released their debut album, Permanence, in 2015, which was met with critical acclaim for its blend of new wave, post-punk, and alternative rock sounds. The band's musical style marked a distinct departure from Lostprophets, embracing a more melodic and atmospheric approach. No Devotion released their second album, No Oblivion, in 2022.
Musical Style and Contributions Throughout his career, Richardson's bass playing has been noted for its robust tone and ability to create compelling rhythmic and melodic textures. His contributions have been fundamental to the sonic identities of both Lostprophets and No Devotion, showcasing adaptability across different rock subgenres.