Lee Gaze, co-founder of Lostprophets, has spoken out after his former bandmate Ian Watkins was killed in prison. Watkins, 48, was serving a 35-year sentence for horrific child sex crimes when he was attacked and fatally injured inside HMP Wakefield. Two inmates have now been charged with his murder.

Gaze, who helped form Lostprophets with Watkins in 1997, shared his feelings online, responding simply: “Onwards and upwards.” He thanked fans for their support, clarifying that none of the band knew about Watkins’ crimes. “Had any of us known, he’d never have made it as far as prison,” he wrote.

The guitarist admitted the band’s downfall still hurts. “It’s been 13 years since my band ended in unimaginable circumstances, and it’s still painful,” he said. Lostprophets split after Watkins’ conviction, later reforming under the name No Devotion.

Gaze and Watkins grew up together in Pontypridd, Wales, chasing fame before everything collapsed. As Gaze reflected, “Things could’ve been so different.” His words remind fans how one man’s darkness destroyed the dreams of many.