Stay

Album: Permanence (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This beat-driven track is the debut single from No Devotion, a band formed by the remaining members of Lostprophets after singer Ian Watkins was jailed for 35 years in December 2013 for a string of child sex offenses. Bassist Stuart Richardson said: "We didn't know if we would ever make music again or if people would look us in the face. Everything felt like it was over."
  • Watkins is replaced by Geoff Rickly, formerly of Metal band Thursday and current United Nations member. The original plan was for Rickly to make a documentary about Lostprophets' former members' efforts to start a new band. "Then," Rickly recalled to Billboard magazine, "I went to dinner with their manager and she was like 'No, you should sing for the new band.'"

    Unsure at first, some instrumental demos lured Rickly with a sound he'd never tackled before. "In Thursday we were never known for hooks," he told Billboard. "But the lyrics are totally one hundred percent autobiographical. I guess that's the one thing I've carried over from Thursday… United Nations is dark humor about politics; this is very sincere and heartfelt."
  • The song was mixed by Mercury Rev and Flaming Lips producer Dave Fridmann.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

dUg Pinnick of King's X

dUg Pinnick of King's XSongwriter Interviews

dUg dIgs into his King's X metal classics and his many side projects, including the one with Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.

Jon Anderson

Jon AndersonSongwriter Interviews

Jon Anderson breaks down the Yes classic "Seen All Good People" and talks about his 1000 Hands album, which features Chick Corea, Rick Derringer, Ian Anderson, and many other luminaries.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.