Tribute bands

The Darkness Tribute Band:

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

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.

History

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, their catsuits, pyrotechnic guitar solos, and over the top attitude soon brought them fame. They have always insisted that they take their music seriously, despite popular opinion that the whole getup is a joke.

Frankie Poullain left the band on May 23, 2005 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.
Lead singer Justin Hawkins.
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Lead singer Justin Hawkins.

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.

The band won three Brit Awards in 2004, including Best Group, Best rock group and Best album. They also won two Kerrang! awards in 2004 for best live act and Best British band.

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.

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 28 November 2005. The first single, "One Way Ticket", was released on 14 November. In October 2005, Hawkins won an Ebay auction for a copy of One Way Ticket to Hell...And Back for £350 under the username 'turbogunhawk'. He did this so that he could track who leaked the digitally-marked album and try to prevent it from happening again.