Liverpool Summer Pops 2006

JUSTIN HAWKINS QUITS THE DARKNESS

Justin Hawkins has let it be known that he is quitting The Darkness, due to his previously reported drink and drug addictions. Following a recent stay at The Priory, Hawkins told The Sun: “I feel bad for the others. It will be an upheaval. But it’s time for me to move on. It would be damaging to my recovery to stay on. I’m not blaming the band for my problem - I am an addict. There are people who can be in bands and stay clean, but I’m not one of them.”

Speaking of his addiction to cocaine, he continued: “I feel like I’ve lost three years of my life. I’m only just coming to terms with what has happened because I was always off my face. I became secretive, volatile and verbally abusive, a really unpleasant person to be around.” The Darkness will continue with bassist Richie Edwards, who replaced Frankie Poullain, taking over the role of vocalist. Hawkins says he is going to concentrate on solo work and music for films.

The news of his departure will floor fans; Justin Hawkins was The Darkness for the vast majority of them. During Summer 2006 we covered the band’s performance at The Liverpool Summer Pops event, although our target for the night was support Roadstar, a new band with a bright future. We now realise that The Darkness performance we witnessed was its last with Justin up front (and possibly for ever), and therefore has some historic musical import. On the night Justin was not looking the best and we understand booked into rehab the following day. So here’s the exclusive review of the band’s last performance with Justin, including exclusive photos that you can download from both here and the gallery.

Ed

Many people keep telling me that it’s over for The Darkness after they released their second album which did not exactly set the world on fire. Strange as it may seem, I love the second album; the songs are short, sharp and cut to the chase; get pissed, get home, fuck like a animal, have a coke and smile! But reports were coming in that the band’s arena tour was less than full! That must mean it’s over, right… wrong! Sure the fickle element of the public that got into this band have left for others, but fuck em’ they can go, did we ever want them in our gang anyway? No!

So I was at the Pops to do a piece on rising (and this year’s D!) Roadstar, and with my photographer around thought I might as well stay and check em out! After watching a rousing set from Roadstar which certainly proved that they are better live than on record (no easy task as their album is a cracker!), the p.a. system played some fantastic songs from AC/DC, Van Halen, and a whole host of ‘Rock Classics’ that were designed to get the crowd going, and achieved just that!

Then without a by or leave, bang The Darkness are live and loud, opening with One Way Ticket. The band sound hungry, raw and full of beans - we have to get the obvious out of the way - when you go on tour normally you start off a little out of shape! Then you get fit and by the end you should be a lean, mean, singing machine! But it seems like lead singer Justin has done this in reverse. Gone the slim all-in-one leotard-wearing rock god who just could outdo David Lee Roth in the rock god stakes, and in his place a slightly overweight, unkempt version. Should it matter? Err… well kinda’ this is Rock & Roll where image is all. Just as Mr Roth lost the plot post Halen (mid-life crisis) Justin seems to feel he can get away with being overweight and still wearing the same pants, somebody should really tell him! Or maybe he really does not give a fuck…

**page*



If that’s true, good on him, but this is a band that is based on the music and the image going hand in glove, when one drops out, the other has to be able to carry the band. But wait, I hear you cry, what about the ‘other’ brother, surely this ain’t no one-man-band; this is four blokes, one band; tell that to drummer Ken and bass player Ken! The loss of original bass player Frankie has created a void that still feels empty; often tonight this strays from Rock N’ Roll into Cabaret! It’s a fine line, and sometimes the band walk the line so close that they cross over to the other side; it’s more ‘Summertime Sensation’ than ‘Rock The Nation’ and I’ll put that down to this being the end of a gruelling tour, but it’s something they need to look at.

But I digress, even with a faceless drummer, over-active bass player, this band has an amazing guitarist who makes it seem like there are two not and not just one of them, and for all Justin’s failings he still has one of the most amazing voices in Rock and can deliver in a live arena - just like he does in a studio - which is why he gets compared to the mercurial Freddie more than any other artist. He possesses the ability to create vocals that fit his band’s music just perfectly and then be able to step onto a stage and deliver in spades. When you consider this band has a suitcase full of fantastic songs that just stay with you forever; songs from the bands first album sound just as fresh tonight as they did the first time I heard them; the audience tonight are lapping this up, they are standing on their seats, clapping their hands, singing along to every word. As this is the last date of the band’s tour, they play everything and the kitchen sink! They even throw in a fantastic version of Highway To Hell before swaying into A Thing Called Love, and then with a flash and a bang it’s goodnight from me, and it’s goodnight from them.

The Darkness is at the crossroads; do they change? Do they become what they are not to pander to record sales? Or should they take the advice given by Bob Dylan and Tom Petty: “Just because it sells does not mean it ain’t good, just cause’ it doesn’t don’t mean it sucks.” They have made two great albums so far and number three has the ability to become their SLIPPERY WHEN WET, or maybe they will just disappear up their own arse, but either way, they are safe in the knowledge that they can always put on a great live show! The end result tonight is flawed, but often Rock N’ Roll is, so for now the future’s bright, the future’s Darkness!

Jj – 2006.