"Local Boy in the Photograph" is the first single by rock band Stereophonics. The song is taken from their debut album, Word Gets Around and was released on 17 March 1997. It reached number 51 on the UK Singles Chart. On 9 February 1998, the song was re-released and reached number 14 on the same chart.
Title and lyrics During an interview with Sky Arts HD after his performance at the Hay Festival in June 2010, Kelly Jones explained the meaning of a few of his songs and said that "Local Boy in the Photograph" was based on the true story of local boy Paul David Boggis, who was killed by a train travelling between Cwmbach and Aberdare. All the songs on the album are about people and events in the Aberdare area.
Stuart Cable Following the death of former Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable, a campaign was launched on Facebook to get the song to number one on the UK charts. On 13 June 2010, it re-entered the UK charts at number 60.
Track listings All music written by Kelly Jones, Richard Jones and Stuart Cable. All lyrics composed by Kelly Jones, except where indicated.
Initial release (1997)
Re-release (1998)
Personnel Stereophonics Stuart Cable – drums Kelly Jones – vocals, guitar Richard Jones – bass guitar
Charts Chart (1997)Peakposition Chart (1998)PeakpositionEurope (Eurochart Hot 100)74 Chart (2010)Peakposition
Certifications
Other versions A live version was included on the "Traffic" single, live from Belfort Festival. A semi-acoustic version recorded for Radio One was released on the "Just Looking" single. A live version was included on the "Moviestar" single, recorded at SECC, Glasgow. A live version was included on the band's first live album, Live from Dakota.
References
External links Local Boy in the Photograph at Stereophonics.com