"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. The song reached number 51 in 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 in 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

Charts

Certifications

Other versions