A musician who previously toured with Lost Prophets shared details about his unusual encounter with the disgraced Ian Watkins backstage. Watkins, a convicted sex offender, passed away in HMP Wakefield following an alleged assault in his cell.
Josh Friend, a member of the band Modestep, revealed insights from the tour, stating that during the six-week stint, it was evident that something was amiss with Watkins. Friend described a peculiar incident where Watkins, often distant, would wear a Parka and sunglasses on stage, sitting motionless while the band performed.
Friend recounted a singular unsettling interaction with Watkins, highlighting the frontman’s apparent drug use. At a crucial moment before a show in Cardiff, Watkins approached Friend, offering reassurance before walking away, leaving Friend perplexed by the brief exchange.
The Cardiff concert occurred on April 28, 2012, preceding Watkins’ conviction in December 2013 for multiple child sex offenses, including the attempted rape of an infant. Watkins’ disturbing actions led to a severe condemnation from Mr. Justice Royce, who remarked on the case’s extreme depravity.
Reflecting on Watkins’ behavior during the tour, Friend remarked on Watkins’ detachment and odd conduct, noting that Watkins remained isolated from the rest of the band, exhibiting erratic behavior on stage. Watkins’ tragic demise prompted murder charges against fellow inmates, with additional arrests made in connection to the incident.