Hot Rock Acts Claim Stage Again

Not so long ago Justin Hawkins was packing out enormo-domes across the world as the charismatic, if misguided, lead singer with retro pomp rock chart toppers The Darkness.

A dangerous drug habit and reliance on the mega star’s crutch of choice – alcohol – served as the catalyst for the band’s demise but these days Hawkins is sober and starting over.

New band Hot Leg entered the album charts with Red Light Fever at a modest 81 last month and headlining Newcastle’s 02 Academy II is a far cry from the heydays of arena sell-outs.

But Hawkins has lost none of the verve and vivacity which made him such an endearing individual first time around.

“People are going to look at the chart position and ask whether I’m disappointed because of where I once was,” says Hawkins. “But it’s not disappointing at all.

“In fact we’re getting T-shirts printed for the tour with 81 splashed across them.

“The music from 1981 is probably the closest to what Hot Leg does anyway so it’s really quite fitting.”

Tickets are still on sale for Hot Leg’s gig at Newcastle’s O2 Academy on Friday, March 6.

Full article at www.journallive.co.uk