Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones has paid tribute to the band’s former drummer Stuart Cable, who has died aged 40.

Cable, one of the group’s original members, was found dead at his home in Aberdare, Wales on Monday morning (June 7).

Jones, who was in the town for the funeral of a friend, told the BBC he was in “total shock”.

“It was about 8.30am and I was getting ready to go to my uncle's funeral when Stuart's brother Paul rang,” the newspaper quoted him as saying.

"I was going to see Stuart today for a pint and wish him happy birthday as well."

Jones added that the pair had maintained regular contact since the band sacked Cable in 2003.

The drummer’s death came just two days after Stereophonics played a homecoming gig at Cardiff City stadium.

Tributes have poured in from across the world of music and celebrity via Twitter.

(by Jason Gregory)