Justin Hawkins, The Darkness, Hot Leg, British Whale and Projects. Latest News and information. Tours and releases.

The Guardian: The Darkness, they're back and Gaga approved

"Also, the Darkness' songs are amazing. If you don't sing along to Get Your Hands Off My Woman while alone, in your car, or in the shower, then it's official: you have no joy in you. Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End) is one of the only Christmas songs that doesn't make you want to call the whole thing off. And when Justin Hawkins popped up in this year's Samsung Superbowl ad, performing I Believe In A Thing Called Love, probably upwards of 10 out of the 10 million viewers thought: "I love that song"."

The Music: The Darkness, UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney

While getting the subtleties of the lyrics when played live is always a bit of a challenge, this writer is sure she heard one that featured the phrase “pussy galore” sung loud and fast and with a great beat and while Justin Hawkins thanked us for “being so attentive” with the new, unfamiliar stuff, it was hardly a chore.

He even thanked the bouncer down the front who ‘overlooked his duty’ and allowed a topless girl up the front to keep her pride of place, rewarding him - and her - with a song dedication and a shower of plectrums.

Faster Louder: The Darkness at Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane

They certainly didn’t disappoint with their old material - running through oldies Get Your Hands Off My Woman, Love is Only a Feeling and Friday Night to screaming approval.
The crowd was quick to eat it up, with the mosh pit churning like a shark tank and the odd girl showing off what Hawkins described as the lovely “breasts of Brisbane.”

A cover of Radiohead’s Street Spirit (Fade Out) put the lead vocalist’s amazing falsetto into electrifying light, while I Believe in a Thing Called Love and Is it Just Me proved he can be quite the guitar hero with his Halen-style licks and shakes.

Ed's Australian Photo Diary

Ed Graham from The Darkness has been taking some photos whilst the band are in Australia - Check them out on The Darkness' Official Facebook Page

The Age (Australia): Time to shine once again

''MY ADVICE would be: don't listen to or read anything that comes out of my mouth,'' a contrite Justin Hawkins says in response to an NME headline that quoted him describing the Darkness' forthcoming third album as wavering between AC/DC and ''extreme metal''.

Hawkins doesn't deny saying it - he just can't recall why. ''There's no extreme metal on there,'' he says, laughing. ''I think I just said it as a throwaway, stupid thing and it became a headline. That's my life.''

...So where do the Darkness - the campy British outfit he formed in 2000 with guitarist brother Dan, bassist Frankie Poullain and drummer Ed Graham - fit in?

''We're certainly not envelope-lickers - we have people licking them for us,'' Hawkins says, joking. ''Actually, I think I might've extended that metaphor past its sell-by date.''

Hot Cakes To Be Released 20th August 2012

The Darkness have announced that their much anticipated 3rd album will be titled 'Hot Cakes' and will be released 20th August 2012!

As stated on The Darkness' Official Website, the Date will vary to the nearest usual release day to this date.

The Darkness on their way to Australia

Dan filmed Justin and Ed on the way to the Airport as they fly to Australia for their tour.

Maitland Mercury (Australia): The Darkness Go To Hell and Back

Part of Hawkins’ desire to get The Darkness back together was the opportunity to perform their catalogue of rock anthems again.

“That was one of the reasons why we wanted to [reform] - playing those songs for people,” Hawkins says.

“For me, a particular favourite is Growing On Me. When we play that one and you hear people singing it back, it’s a great feeling."

"The way the first verse is, it’s really sparse - it’s just drums and voice when the riff cuts out. When you hear the crowd singing it back to you, you think, ‘F--- yes. Awesome.’"

“You feel like a million dollars. It’s a proper moment."