Haunting Final Post from Disgraced Rockstar Ian Watkins, Formerly an Opener for Metallica and Slipknot, Before Dying in Prison

In 2013, Ian Watkins was sentenced to 29 years in prison for multiple child sex offenses

Warning: This article discusses child abuse, which may be distressing for some readers.

The chilling final social media post by disgraced rockstar Ian Watkins, made before his arrest, has resurfaced online after his death in prison.

The 48-year-old, who once performed alongside metal giants Metallica and Slipknot, was killed in prison on Saturday (October 11) following a brutal attack now under investigation as a murder.

The former Lostprophets frontman was serving a 29-year sentence at HM Prison Wakefield in Yorkshire, northern England, when he was attacked. Emergency crews responded, but despite their efforts, Watkins was declared dead at the facility.

Formed in Pontypridd, Wales, in 1997, the band quickly rose to international fame, selling millions of records. However, it all fell apart in 2013 when the band disbanded immediately after Watkins’ conviction.

In 2013, the singer gained infamy for being convicted of 13 sexual offenses, including the attempted rape of a baby, multiple assaults involving children, and possessing extreme pornographic material.

His appalling crimes, described in court as 'plunging into new depths of depravity', shocked the world.

Disgraced rockstar Ian Watkins performing on stage with Lostprophets in 2011

Following his death, a chilling final message from his Twitter account has come to light again.

Posted on December 16, 2012 - just a day before his arrest - it stated: "Well......that escalated pretty quickly......I do apologise...."

Though the context of the message is unclear, earlier tweets indicated he might have been discussing a film at the time.

This was one of 22 tweets he posted since first tweeting at 10:22 pm on December 12, 2012: "Turns out the 'Home n Away esque movie with really s**t CGI and worse acting' that's on TV right now is actually one of those Twilight films."

Four years later, the account caused controversy when it unexpectedly became active again, sharing links to music on Soundcloud.

Authorities claimed Watkins didn’t have access to a phone, but he was later found with one in 2018, resulting in an additional 10 months in prison.

The assault that led to his death wasn’t the first time he had been attacked in prison. In 2023, he was taken hostage and stabbed by fellow inmates in an attack that left him hospitalized with serious injuries.

During his time with Lostprophets, Watkins opened for Metallica during the European leg of the Madly in Anger with the World Tour in 2004, sharing the stage with bands like Slipknot.

Ian Watkins was sentenced to 29 years in prison in 2013 for multiple child sex offenses (South Wales Police)

Today (October 13), police announced that Rashid Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, have been charged with the murder of Watkins and are scheduled to appear in court later today.

"Detectives have initiated a murder investigation following the death of a man at HMP Wakefield. Officers were alerted by prison staff at 9:39 am this morning (Saturday, October 11) about a serious assault on a prisoner," the force stated in their initial report.

"A 48-year-old man was discovered with severe injuries. Despite receiving medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Two men, aged 25 and 43, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently in police custody.

"Detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are leading the investigation, and enquiries are still ongoing."

After the revelation of his crimes, Watkins' former bandmates completely severed ties, forming No Devotion with singer Geoff Rickly, leaving behind both their frontman and their previous name.

A spokesperson for the Prison Service informed LADbible Group that they could not provide further comments while the police investigation is underway.

If you have been affected by any of these issues or wish to speak confidentially about a child's welfare, the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) is available 24/7 and accepts calls from the United States, Canada, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico.