Joanne Mjadzelics, the former partner of disgraced Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins, has spoken publicly following reports of his death in prison — and she hasn’t minced her words.
“I am relieved,” she said. “I feel like a weight has been lifted from my head.”
Mjadzelics revealed that she had first gone to the police back in 2008, after discovering vile messages from Watkins expressing his desire to abuse children. Despite her efforts, police failed to investigate properly, reportedly dismissing her evidence as “malicious.”
It wasn’t until 2012, when officers raided Watkins’ home on a drugs warrant, that the full extent of his horrific crimes came to light. The former singer was later convicted of a string of child sex offences that shocked fans and the wider rock community to its core.
Mjadzelics’ comments come amid widespread anger and debate about how the system failed to act sooner, leaving many asking — how many warnings were missed before justice was finally served?
Watkins’ name has been erased from much of Welsh music history, but his actions left permanent scars — not just on his victims, but on the fans who once idolised him and the bandmates who were blindsided by his depravity.
💬 “Surprised he wasn’t killed sooner,” Joanne added bluntly. “That’s the world we live in.”
Watkins’ downfall remains one of the darkest chapters in British rock — a chilling reminder that fame can hide monsters in plain sight.
⚠️ If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse, please reach out for support:
- NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
- Childline (under 19s): 0800 1111
- Rape Crisis England & Wales: 0808 500 2222
- The Survivors Trust: 0808 801 0818
No story, no fame, no legacy is ever worth the silence. 💔
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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