Frontman for glam rock group "The Darkness" quits, citing coke addiction

Grimmlok · October 12th, 2006, 02:13 PM

Quote:

The lead singer of glam rock band The Darkness is leaving the group after a battle with drug addiction, it has been confirmed.
Justin Hawkins, 31, spent nine weeks in The Priory clinic in a bid to kick his cocaine addiction.

The singer, famous for his catsuits and high-pitched vocals, said the band would be "damaging" to his recovery.

The Darkness, who dominated the Brit Awards in 2004, is set to continue. Hawkins is still reviewing his options.

The group scored a major hit with their first album, Permission To Land, which sold 1.5 million copies.

Band 'shocked'

But the pressures of fame, including press attention and constant travelling, led Hawkins to cocaine use.

He told the Sun newspaper: "I became secretive, volatile and verbally abusive, a really unpleasant person to be around. There were lots of periods I don't even remember, blackouts.

"I couldn't even tell you how much I was drinking - it was all day when we were on tour. My weapon of choice was vodka.

"It has affected every aspect of my life, with the band and my girlfriend Sue."

He said he would continue to visit The Priory and "would love to become a counsellor".

The band were reported to be "in a state of shock" having hoped to have changed Hawkins mind about leaving the band.

Despite their early success, the Darkness notched up disappointing sales for their second album One Way Ticket To Hell And Back.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6043810.stm

Oh well, they were a flash in the pan anyway

buttmunch · October 12th, 2006, 02:14 PM

Well, considering he's the reason to listen to them I'm not sure where they'll go from here. I loved the first album. It just cracked me up, especially 'Get your hands off of my woman, motherfucker'.

LynnieD · October 12th, 2006, 02:14 PM

<----needs to get a life because I have never heard of them....

Hope he gets the help he needs. Peace!

fatguyinalittlecoat · October 12th, 2006, 05:42 PM

Nooooooooooo! I am sorely, most completely, utterly devastated--even IF I never really got around to buying that second album

Grimmlok · October 12th, 2006, 05:44 PM

It appears neither did anybody else

FLASHIN ZEPAN!

mistify · October 12th, 2006, 06:00 PM

Who????????????????????????????????????

Sojiita · October 12th, 2006, 06:24 PM

But the pressures of fame, including press attention and constant travelling, led Hawkins to cocaine use - that is not what a person in recovery would say..the reason he used was HIM..plenty of people are under pressure and do not choke on coke or drown themselves in vodka.

Laurent · October 12th, 2006, 06:26 PM

The only song I think I've ever heard of there's was that song "I Believe in a Thing Called Love". Wasn't that them? They had that whacko video on a spaceship or something.

misskris · October 12th, 2006, 06:40 PM

This band is so silly. I wouldn't want to be a part of them either.

darksithbunny · October 12th, 2006, 10:56 PM

I love the song on the second album. I can't remember the title but the chorus is goes......"And I love what you've done with your hair...yahhhhhhh. I just love what you've done with your hair....alll yahhhhhhh!"