Epic Jam Session: Dan Hawkins Recalls the Thrilling Moment He Shared the Stage with Brian May!
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Unforgettable Moments: Dan Hawkins Reflects on Jamming wiht Brian May
In a thrilling collaboration, Brian May and The Darkness recently contributed to the soundtrack of the new Masters of the Universe film, but their musical journey together began long before that. Dan Hawkins fondly recalls a memorable night from 2011.
After a five-year break, The Darkness made a triumphant return to the stage at London’s iconic Hammersmith Apollo. It was here that thay welcomed the legendary Brian May, guitar in hand, to perform the classic Queen anthem Tie Your Mother Down.
A high-Energy Performance
During the performance, it was evident that May was fully immersed in the moment. At one point, he and Hawkins played back-to-back, creating an electrifying atmosphere that resonated with the audience.
“I thought, ‘What is Brian doing?’” Hawkins shared in an interview with Guitar World. “Then it hit me-he was doing the rock triangle. I was like,’Oh my god,I’ve never experienced this before. if I move, he might topple over!’”
Despite Hawkins’ initial nerves, the performance went smoothly. However, video footage from the show reveals that while May appeared at ease, Hawkins, wielding a burst Les Paul, seemed to carry a hint of apprehension.
A Night to Remember
“It was before he was knighted,” Hawkins joked. “If I had accidentally harmed him, I might have faced execution in the Tower of London! Those are the kinds of privileges that come with being a Sir.”
This unforgettable evening was a celebration of musical camaraderie,as The Darkness performed the Queen cover sandwiched between their own tracks,Bareback and the iconic I Believe in a Thing Called Love. Before launching into the latter, May took a moment to address the crowd.
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The Darkness & Brian May – Tie Your Mother down – Hammersmith Apollo – 25/11/11 - YouTube
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“I just want to express how thrilled we are that The Darkness is back and taking the world by storm again,” he exclaimed.
in March, May made another guest appearance, this time supporting Benson Boone during a surprise collaboration at Coachella 2025. Meanwhile,hawkins has moved past his public disagreements with Yungblud.
The complete interview with Dan Hawkins will be available on Guitar World soon.
Epic Jam Session: Dan Hawkins Recalls the Thrilling Moment He Shared the Stage with Brian May!
Epic Jam Session: dan Hawkins Recalls the Thrilling Moment He Shared the stage with Brian May!
The Legendary Collaboration
In a remarkable moment that fans still talk about, Dan Hawkins of The Darkness had the opportunity to share the stage with the iconic Brian May of Queen. This epic jam session took place during a live performance at the Hammersmith Apollo in London back in 2011,marking a meaningful highlight in Hawkins’ musical career.
Setting the Scene
The Darkness had just reunited after a five-year hiatus, and the energy in the venue was electric. The band was eager to showcase their new material, but the surprise guest appearance by brian may took the night to another level. With his signature red Special guitar in hand, May joined The Darkness to perform the classic Queen hit, Tie Your mother Down.
What Made This Jam Session Special?
Iconic Venue: The Hammersmith Apollo is renowned for hosting legendary performances, making it the perfect backdrop for this collaboration.
Musical Chemistry: The synergy between Hawkins and May was palpable,creating a memorable experience for both the artists and the audience.
Fan Engagement: The crowd’s reaction was overwhelming, showcasing the power of live music and the connection between artists and fans.
Behind the Scenes: Dan Hawkins’ Perspective
Reflecting on that unforgettable night, Hawkins shared his thoughts during an interview with Guitar World. He recalled the moment he realized he was about to jam with one of his musical idols:
“I thought, ’What is Brian doing?’ Then I realized he was doing the rock triangle. I was like, ‘Oh my god, I’ve never done this before. If I move, he will fall over.’”
The Rock Triangle: A Unique Experience
The “rock triangle” is a term used to describe the dynamic interaction between musicians on stage. In this case, it involved Hawkins and May playing back-to-back, creating a visually and sonically captivating moment. This unique positioning not only showcased their individual talents but also highlighted the collaborative spirit of rock music.
Video Footage: A Glimpse into the Performance
For those who missed the live performance, video footage captures the essence of this epic jam session. Fans can witness the excitement and energy that filled the Hammersmith Apollo that night.The video serves as a reminder of the magic that happens when two legendary guitarists come together.
Benefits of Collaborating with Musical Legends
Sharing the stage with established artists like Brian May offers numerous benefits for emerging musicians:
Networking: Building relationships with influential figures in the music industry can open doors for future collaborations and opportunities.
Increased Exposure: Performing alongside well-known artists can significantly boost a musician’s visibility and fan base.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Musicians
if you’re an aspiring musician looking to create memorable moments on stage, consider the following tips:
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is essential for honing your skills and building confidence.
Seek Collaboration: Don’t hesitate to reach out to other musicians for potential collaborations. You never know what magic can happen!
Engage with Your Audience: Make an effort to connect with your audience during performances. Their energy can elevate your performance to new heights.
Case Study: The Impact of Iconic Collaborations
Many musicians have experienced significant career boosts after collaborating with legends. Here are a few notable examples:
Artist
Collaboration
Impact
John Mayer
Eric Clapton
Gained recognition as a top guitarist and songwriter.
Shawn Mendes
Justin Bieber
Boosted his profile and expanded his fan base.
Ed Sheeran
Justin Bieber
Collaborative single topped charts worldwide.
Frist-Hand Experience: The Thrill of Performing Live
For musicians, performing live is an exhilarating experience. Hawkins described the adrenaline rush of sharing the stage with Brian May:
“It was a night to remember, linking up with one of my foremost influences. The energy was unbelievable, and the crowd was electric.”
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Final Thoughts
Dan Hawkins’ experience jamming with Brian May serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in music. Whether you’re an established artist or just starting, the lessons learned from such epic moments can inspire and propel your musical career forward.
