Former Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable found dead

Former Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable has been found dead at his home in south Wales. The 40-year-old's body was discovered at his house in Llwydcoed, Aberdare, at 5.30am today.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances. However, sources close to the investigation revealed that empty bottles of alcohol were found at the scene.

Cable was a founder member of the band but was sacked in 2003 after arguments about his alleged lack of focus. Known as a party animal who drank heavily and used drugs, he once said fame had turned him into a "coke-taking zombie".

A sell-out crowd of 30,000 turned out for the band's latest return to their native south Wales on Saturday night when they played at Cardiff City stadium. Cable's mother Mabel, 79, said she was struggling to come to terms with his death. "Stuart has travelled all over the world with the band and I have worried myself silly," she told the Western Mail newspaper in Cardiff. "He [had] settled down then this has happened. It has not sunk in yet."

Stereophonics' lead singer, Kelly Jones, who lived in the same street as Cable in Cwmaman, south Wales, during their childhood, said: "I sent him a text last week to say happy birthday and he replied: 'I never thought I'd make it to 40.' I texted him back and I said: 'You will live to be 100 mate.' I think that was quite strange really.

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

Jones said he had patched up his differences with Cable. He said: "We have been speaking to each other for the past five years. When people break up in bands no one really knows what it's all about. But, between me and Stuart, all our disagreements were solved within one year. There were no regrets."Tributes flooded in for Cable today. Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles said he was "very shocked". "He was always lovely when we met. Love to his family and friends. RIP," Moyles said.

Mike Peters, the lead singer with the Welsh bandThe Alarm, said: "I will remember him as someone who was so alive. He was always smiling and laughing and great to be around. He had lots of energy and couldn't wait for the next day to come around."

The Welsh comedian and television presenter Rob Brydon, who saw Stereophonics at the weekend, said: "Terribly sad news about Stuart Cable, such a lovely, warm, funny, talented man."

Cable had become a hugely popular presenter with BBC Wales, and made guest appearances on comedy and sports programmes. Steve Austins, editor of Radio Wales, said: "He was an extraordinary man. He was well loved by both colleagues and listeners and he will be deeply missed."

People who lived close to Cable's Tudor-style home said he had been a lovely and friendly neighbour. Geraint Hill said: "Stuart was a lovely neighbour and lots of fun. I can't believe he has gone – it is a terrible tragedy."

Terry Davies said: "Stuart was amiable as a neighbour. He would always stop and have a chat if he saw you in the street. It wasn't just music, he would talk about golf and rugby too. We would sometimes hear him on his drums with his new band. But that was very nice. He used to play with his son on the lawn and he was a very caring father. He was always willing to help."

Cable's new band, Killing for Company, had been due to play at Donington Park on Saturday.

In a statement the Welsh band Manic Street Preachers said: "Whenever you met Stuart, you always walked away with a massive smile on your face. Such a gigantic personality which was reflected in his drumming."

Throughout the day fans left floral tributes outside Cable's house and by this evening his black Chrysler car, parked at a local pub, was covered in flowers.