The Darkness

The Darkness are a glam rock band from the United Kingdom, comprised of brothers Justin (lead guitar and vocals) and Dan Hawkins (guitar), Ed Graham (drums) and Richie Edwards (bass).

Related Topics:
Glam rock - Band - United Kingdom - Justin - Lead guitar - Vocals - Dan Hawkins - Guitar - Ed Graham - Drums - Richie Edwards - Bass

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Justin Hawkins and Dan Hawkins found themselves in London where they met up with Frankie Poullain and Ed Graham, childhood friends, and 'The Darkness' was born. Playing at first only in pubs, soon their catsuits, pyrotechnic guitar solos, and over the top attitude brought them fame. They have always insisted that they take their music seriously, despite popular opinion that the whole getup is a joke.

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Frankie Poullain was the bass player until May 23 2005, when he left during recording of their second album, apparently due to "musical differences". Frankie has disputed this version of events, claiming he was "frozen out" and forced to leave the band. On June 13 2005, The Darkness announced that Richie Edwards, formerly Dan's guitar technician, had replaced Frankie as bass player.

Related Topics:
Frankie Poullain - May 23 - 2005 - June 13 - Guitar technician

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Their single "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" reached number two in the UK music charts, and their album Permission to Land, which sold over a million copies, was shortlisted for the 2003 Mercury Music Prize. Their Christmas single "Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End)" was narrowly beaten to the 2003 UK Christmas number 1 slot by "Mad World" from Michael Andrews featuring Gary Jules.

Related Topics:
Music charts - Permission to Land - 2003 - Mercury Music Prize - Christmas - Michael Andrews - Gary Jules

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They are considered to be influenced by 1970s rock bands like AC/DC, Def Leppard, Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy, Van Halen, Queen, T. Rex and Led Zeppelin. Hawkins' soaring falsetto makes them immediately distinguishable from other present-day rock bands.

Related Topics:
1970s - AC/DC - Def Leppard - Judas Priest - Thin Lizzy - Van Halen - Queen - T. Rex - Led Zeppelin - Falsetto

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The band won three Brit Awards in 2004, including Best Group, Best rock group and Best album.

Related Topics:
Brit Awards - 2004

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They also won two Kerrang! awards in 2004 for best live act and Best British band.

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In 2003 The Darkness opened the Glastonbury Festival, and in 2004 headlined the Carling Festivals in Reading and Leeds along with The White Stripes and Green Day.

Related Topics:
Glastonbury Festival - Carling Festivals - Reading - Leeds - The White Stripes - Green Day

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The Darkness are currently working with legendary rock producer Roy Thomas Baker (known for his work with Queen) on their second album, which is titled One Way Ticket To Hell...And Back, due to be released 28th November. The first single, One Way Ticket, will be released on 14th of November. In the meantime Justin Hawkins has recorded an album under the pseudonym British Whale.

Related Topics:
Roy Thomas Baker - Queen - British Whale

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