Tributes paid to ex-Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable

Stuart Cable stayed close to his roots in the Cynon Valley

Tributes have been paid to former Stereophonics drummer and BBC Radio Wales presenter Stuart Cable, 40.

Singer Cerys Matthews was "shocked and saddened" at the news of his death adding: "He was such generous company."

Actor Rob Brydon, who used to have his own show on Radio Wales, called Cable a "lovely, warm, funny, talented man".

Cable was found dead at his home near Aberdare early on Monday morning. Police said there appeared to be no suspicious circumstances.

The drummer and his band Killing for Company had been due to appear at the Download rock festival at Donington Park this coming weekend.

Mike Peters, lead singer with The Alarm, said Cable's band had only recently played with them and his death was a "real shock" and a "real tragedy".

"He was supposed to be joining us for Rhondda Rocks. I will remember him as someone who was so alive - I can't believe he's gone. I don't know what the circumstances are but it's a real tragedy.

"He was always smiling and laughing and great to be around. He had lots of energy and couldn't wait for the next day to come around.

"He was a larger than life character who seemed to be a driving force behind the personality of the Stereophonics."

Fellow Welsh group Manic Street Preachers said in a statement issued on their behalf: "Whenever you met Stuart, you always walked away with a massive smile on your face.

"Such a gigantic personality which was reflected in his drumming.

"He really will be missed. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends."

'Generous company'

Cerys Matthews, whose former band Catatonia rose to prominence at around the same time as the Stereophonics, issued a statement saying: "I am very shocked and sad to hear the news about Stuart Cable.

"He was always such generous company and will be missed terribly."

John Brand, of Marsupial Management which looked after Killing for Company, said his thoughts and sympathies were with Cable's family.

He said: "He will be remembered for his big heart and booming voice, his bonhomie and his compassion for those less fortunate than himself.

"I will always remember him as a loyal friend. Someone I shared many of the best and often the funniest times in my life."

Steve Lamacq, who was the first DJ to play Stereophonics on Radio 1, said Cable "loved and craved" music and was great company.

"Here's someone - and this is the highest accolade I could pay to anyone - you wouldn't mind being stuck on a tour bus with for five hours on the way to Germany. It would fly by," he said.

A number of celebrities expressed their feelings via Twitter, including comedian and actor Rob Brydon, who posted: "Terribly sad news about Stuart Cable, such a lovely, warm, funny, talented man."

Singer Katherine Jenkins said it was "tragic news", and her thoughts and prayers went out to his family.

"He was so funny, so full of life and contributed so much to Welsh music," she said.

Radio One DJ Chris Moyles said: "He was always lovely when we met. Love to his family and friends. RIP."

'Sadly missed'

Iwan Griffiths, of The Automatic, said: He was one of the few really genuine people you meet in the music industry when he said he'd come down to a gig he would, and be one of the most enthusiastic people there, which to a bunch of 18-year-olds meant the world."

Pritchard of TV's extreme stunt group Dirty Sanchez said: "Wales and the world has just lost one of its biggest characters. I've never known anyone who can put an instant smile on someone's face like Stuart did."

Singer Martyn Joseph added: "Stuart and I had only recently become friends, having played on his radio show. He was a good and passionate interviewer and had a deep knowledge of music".

Cardiff City FC also issued a statement on the club's website paying tribute to his "full support" for the Bluebirds.

"Stuart will be sadly missed by everyone at the club and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time," said the statement.

There were also tributes paid from other musicians and fans to BBC Wales via email.

Former Wales rugby star Scott Quinnell said Cable was a "top man" and it was a "sad day".

Cable was one of the three founding members of the Stereophonics with fellow Cwmaman musicians Kelly Jones and Richard Jones.

They had four hit albums before Cable was sacked from the group in 2003.

He went on to present on radio and television shows including Cable TV and Cable Rock, and formed a new band.