The power of rock and roll shines bright with The Darkness. Formed in 2000, the band – consisting of Justin Hawkins on vocals and lead guitar, his brother Dan Hawkins on rhythm guitar, Frankie Poullain on bass, and then-drummer, Ed Graham – blew up with their 2003 album, ‘Permission To Land.’ With singles “I Believe In A Thing Called Love,” “Growing On Me,” and “Get Your Hands Off My Woman,” The Darkness resurrected a power-metal/hard rock sensibility in a time of downturned guitars and nu-metal angst. While successful in the U.S. (‘Permission To Land’ went Gold), the group found more love and glory in the England. Their debut went 4x Platinum, and won them three Brit Awards in 2004: Best British Group, Best British Rock Act, and Best British Album.
The rush of success had a negative effect on the band. Frankie left after extensive touring wore him down. Justin had to depart from the group in 2006 due to substance abuse. The rest of the band continued on as Stone Gods, before The Darkness reunited in 2011. Ed left the band in 2014, and after a short stint with Emily Dolan Davies, Rufus Tiger Taylor took over drumming duties in 2015. The band continues to record and perform. Long live rock!
(L-R) Frankie Poullain, Justin Hawkins, Dan Hawkins and Rufus Taylor of British rock group The Darkness
