The Darkness — See Photos Of The Band Helping Keep Rock Alive & Fun

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November 18, 2021 10:38AM EST

Do you believe in the ultimate power of rock and roll? Then you must believe in The Darkness, so take a look at the rock band that’s bringing sex, sci-fi, and rock to the minds and hearts of fans everywhere.

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The Darkness

The Darkness
Classic Rock Magazine/Future/Shu

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

November 18, 2021, 10:27AM
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The Darkness Rocks

The Darkness Rocks
Classic Rock Magazine/Future/Shu

Dan Hawkins, Rufus Taylor, Justin Hawkins, and Frankie Poullain of British rock group The Darkness, performing live on stage at Chantry Park in Ipswich in 2019. The band released ‘Easter Is Canceled’ that year, but was forced to cancel dates due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. 

November 18, 2021, 10:27AM
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The Darkness In The Daylight

The Darkness In The Daylight
Classic Rock Magazine/Future/Shu

Fore! Or, four? Dan Hawkins, Rufus Taylor (on top of the golf cart), Justin Hawkins and Frankie Poullain all take in some scenery while ontop of a cart. 

November 18, 2021, 10:27AM
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The Darkness Continue To Rock

The Darkness Continue To Rock
Rmv/Shutterstock

Dan Hawkins, Justin Hawkins, Rufus Taylor and Frankie Poullain perform at Brooklyn Steel in 2018. That show was amazing. You should have been there. 

November 18, 2021, 10:27AM
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The Darkness Is Fun

The Darkness Is Fun
Classic Rock Magazine/Future/Shu

Dan Hawkins, Frankie Poullain, Rufus Taylor and Justin Hawkins — the one flying — pose in 2019. The band is known for adding humor in music, which is needed more than ever. 

November 18, 2021, 10:27AM
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The Darkness…in Darkness

The Darkness…in Darkness
Kevin Nixon/Future/Shutterstock

Justin Hawkins, Dan Hawkins, Frankie Poullain, and original drummer Ed Graham pose for a The Darkness band photo. Look how young the lads are. 

November 18, 2021, 10:26AM