We say our goodbyes to tragic Stuart

The Seasonsonline team, along with millions of others across the world were left reeling yesterday, with the tragic news that ex-Stereophonics drummer, Stuart Cable had been found dead at the age of 40.

Articles emerging today indicate that Stuart died in the same way as many other rock & roll stars, literally drinking themselves to death.

Of course none of us know whether the Stereophonics’ homecoming concert in Cardiff the day before drove him to last weekend’s particular binge drinking session, but we do know that he was one of the wild men of rock, by his own admission, leading the stereotypical musician’s lifestyle and taking copious amounts of drink and drugs.

Stuart was the drummer with the Welsh band until 2003, when he was sacked by childhood friend and lead singer, Kelly Jones, for his unreliability, and increasing dependence on cocaine. However, the two quickly made amends, and Stuart went on to become a radio and TV presenter for BBC Wales, as well as forming a new band, “Killing for Company”.

He was found at 5.30am yesterday, after visiting a local pub over the weekend and then playing host to what was thought to be a 48 hour party at his large detached home near Aberdare.

During the next few days, investigations will continue, although police say there are no suspicious circumstances, and friends are saying that he simply choked on his own vomit.

Sound familiar? If so, Stuart can now join the ranks of other late and great rock & rollers including Bon Scott (ACDC), Jimi Hendrix, John Bonham (Led Zeppelin) and, most recently but probably much more surprisingly, Stephen Gately of Boyzone.

Those who knew him say that he was amazed at actually reaching 40 only last month, and that he would be pleased at going the way he has.

Meanwhile, we in the Seasonsonline office, feel for his two children, who have been left without a father and his mother, who has lost her child. Despite the so-called “glamour” of Stuart’s death, these are the people who are left to pick up the pieces and are expected to simply get on with their lives, in the absence of a much loved family member, who was simply prone to excess and unable to settle down to the life he experienced before he became an international celebrity. Whilst the world mourns this happy go lucky musician, let’s not forget those for whom this truly is their darkest day.