The Enduring Legacy of the Darkness: An Interview with Dan Hawkins
It’s hard to believe that The Darkness, the electrifying rock band known for their catchy riffs and flamboyant style, burst onto the scene with their debut album, Permission to Land, over two decades ago. Initially met with skepticism due to their flamboyant lyrics and soaring falsetto, critics often dismissed them as a mere glam rock spoof. However, 23 years later, the band stands tall with three BRIT Awards, two Kerrang! accolades, and a discography that boasts eight albums.
Recently, we caught up with Dan Hawkins, the band’s guitarist and producer, during a classic rock workshop hosted by WaterBear – the College of Music.
First Guitar Memories
what was your first guitar?
My father owned a couple of budget Les Pauls, which sparked the musical journey for both me and my brother, Justin, who is also the frontman of The Darkness. When I envision an electric guitar, the iconic shape and heft of a Les Paul immediately come to mind. I only got one as Justin had earned some cash from an IKEA commercial.
We visited a shop in west London, and I pointed to a guitar saying, “That one looks cool, I’ll take it.” Justin chose a sleek black model.
Influences and Inspirations
Thin Lizzy is known for their Les Paul sound. Did they influence your guitar style?
People are frequently enough surprised to learn that Eric Bell is my favorite guitarist from Thin Lizzy. It contrasts sharply with my appearance and choice of gear. I believe Whiskey in the Jar showcases some of the finest guitar work ever.
I dare you to shuffle through an entire band’s discography and see how it carries you through a weekend-except for The Beatles, of course. Their catalog is rich with diverse rhythms and styles.
Guitar Gear and Setup
What does your stage setup look like?
I utilize a substantial pedalboard crafted by the late Mike Hill. I prefer a 100-foot cable, which is quite unusual, connecting directly to a Marshall 100-watt Super Lead. I have a few distortion pedals, primarily vintage Tube Screamers.
Honestly, I’m not sure why I even use pedals; the output from my les Paul Standards is so powerful that it distorts the amp’s sound. It feels like I’m just layering effects unnecessarily, but it gives me something to stand on!
Streaming and Its Impact
How has streaming changed the music landscape for your band?
There was a pivotal moment when the industry shifted. our second album sold around 100,000 copies, which was considered a flop back than. Today, I’d be thrilled with those numbers! Each album used to generate around £16, but now it’s a fraction of that.
On the bright side, the rise of streaming and the trend of sharing experiences through social media has significantly boosted the gratitude for live music. You can see this reflected in ticket sales and the prices fans are willing to pay.
Reflections on Musical Journey
what’s the most challenging decision you’ve faced as a musician?
There’s a response I wish I could share, but it’s not legally permissible. Sometimes, tough choices arise regarding band dynamics.We had to pause for Justin’s recovery, which I entirely understand. After rehab, he ventured into solo projects, leading to some tension.
It’s a miracle that our band has remained intact through it all. The pressures of being in a band can take a toll on mental health,but I believe I’ve made sound decisions over the years,and I’m currently in a great place.
memorable Experiences
What’s your most unforgettable encounter with another guitarist?
I once shared the stage with Brian May while performing Tie Your Mother down at Hammersmith Apollo.I was taken aback when I realized he was doing the rock triangle. I had never attempted it before and thought,’If I move,he might topple over!’
This was before he was knighted,so perhaps it would have been better if I had taken him out before that happened. If he survived, he might have had me executed in the Tower of London-those are the perks of being a Sir!
Supporting Legends
You recently opened for Iron maiden at Knebworth. What was that experiance like?
In the early days of our career, we played alongside legends like The Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, and metallica. I’ve performed at shows were the first few rows were either hurling bottles at us or turning their backs with fingers in their ears. But with Maiden, the energy was electric, and it was absolutely incredible.
