Hawkins returns from the darkness of addiction with new band

Hawkins returns from the darkness of addiction with new band

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 9:55p.m.

When it came to 1980s throwbacks The Darkness, you either loved them or hated them.

The band’s ex-frontman Justin Hawkins is out of rehab and back with a new band, Hot Leg.

‘I’ve Met Jesus’ is the song Hawkins hopes will re-launch him back onto the charts.

It has been two years since Hawkins walked out on The Darkness, the band which sold more than 4 million albums and put glam rock back in fashion. And while Hot Leg may look like The Darkness, that is where the similarities end.

“It’s similar to The Darkness in that I sing for it,” says Hawkins. “I’ve gathered together a collection of musicians, focussed and on the same page, not some guy in a catsuit and guys in jeans and t-shirts. It’s a step up from The Darkness, I’m really confident and happy.”

In 2003 The Darkness’ debut album Permission to Land went straight to number one. What followed was a rock n roll cliché – three years of relentless touring followed by the lead singer checking into rehab for drink and drug addictions.

“It’s a much easier situation to tour when not hungover, high or drunk,” says Hawkins.

It is a very different experience for other reasons too. This time around, Hawkins has chosen to stay away from the major record labels, instead sharing his music through Musicglue, an online music distribution company set up by New Zealander Mark Meharry.

Hawkins says being in control and being able to communicate directly with his fans means anything is possible.

“I hope to do two albums in 2009,” says Hawkins.

The album will be released in New Zealand early next year with plans to tour soon after.

3 News NZ