The Darkness Now

The pressures of touring and internal friction culminated in 2006 when Justin Hawkins checked into rehabilitation for alcohol and cocaine abuse. Shortly after, he announced his departure from the band, leading to an indefinite hiatus. During this period, the remaining members formed the band Stone Gods, while Justin formed Hot Leg. Reunion and Continued Career

Their debut album, Permission to Land , was released in 2003 to massive critical and commercial success. Driven by the infectious, chart-topping single "I Believe in a Thing Called Love," the album went quadruple platinum in the UK. Justin Hawkins became an instant icon with his skin-tight catsuits, operatic falsetto, and high-energy guitar solos. Success, Struggles, and Hiatus The Darkness

The band was formed after Dan Hawkins saw his brother Justin perform a spectacular karaoke rendition of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" on New Year's Eve 1999. Recognizing Justin's incredible vocal range and natural showmanship, they formed The Darkness with bassist Frankie Poullain and drummer Ed Graham. The pressures of touring and internal friction culminated

The success of Permission to Land was consolidated at the 2004 Brit Awards, where the band won Best British Group, Best British Rock Act, and Best British Album. They quickly became one of the most prominent live acts in the world, known for Justin's habit of riding through the crowd on the shoulders of a security guard or a giant suspended platform while playing guitar. Reunion and Continued Career Their debut album, Permission