Press: Stereophonics @ WelshBands

23/07/98 - Bassist Badly Beaten (N.M.E.)

Stereophonics bassist Richard Jones had to have 18 stitches in his face after being attacked in Aberdare. He was also left with a broken nose and 3 broken fingers following the assault on July 4. A source close to the band said that Richard had been walking home with his girlfriend after a night out at a local pub when the attack happened.

The source said: "As they were walking along, some bloke shouted at Richard asking him if he spat on his car. The guy came out of his house and just started laying into Richard. His girlfriend ran across the road to get help, 'cos this bloke was really huge, and some people came and pulled the bloke off, then they called for an ambulance. He was unconscious when it arrived."

He was taken to the local hospital where he was treated for his injuries and kept in overnight. He has since seen a specialist about his facial injuries. Despite the attack, Richard managed to play their T in The Park performance at the weekend. Police are investigating the incident.