October 30th 2024.
A rock star from the early 2000s was recently spotted in London, catching the attention of fans and media alike. This rock star, who moved overseas after leaving his famous band 18 years ago, was seen during a quiet public outing. For six years, from 2000 to 2006, Justin Hawkins was the lead singer and guitarist of the English rock band The Darkness, alongside his brother Dan Hawkins, Frankie Poullain, and Rufus Tiger Taylor. Their debut album, Permission to Land, was released in 2003 and sold over 1.3 million copies. The following year, they won three Brit Awards for Best British Group, Best British Rock Act, and Best British Album.
Despite their initial success, Justin made the decision to leave the band a year after the release of their second album in 2006. While many speculated that his drug and alcohol addictions were the main reason, he later revealed that he was simply tired of the repetitive and tedious process of recording, promoting, and touring for extended periods of time. The band's poor album sales and Justin's departure led to their label dropping them, but the remaining members went on to form another band, Stone Gods. Justin, on the other hand, formed the band Hot Leg, but they went on hiatus after just one year due to a reunion of The Darkness.
In addition to his music career, Justin has also competed in Eurovision, produced an album for Saving Aimee, and played a burnt-out rock star in the movie Psychosis. Most recently, he appeared on The Masked Singer as Chameleon, ultimately being voted off in the third episode. Now 49 years old, Justin lives in rural Switzerland with his ex-wife Sarah and their daughter, a far cry from his partying days as a rock star.
The once iconic long-haired, catsuit-wearing front man of The Darkness was seen in London this week with a new, shorter haircut and clean-shaven face. He opted for a more low-key look, wearing a black hoodie, leather jacket, jeans, and trainers, and carrying a khaki green Celine rucksack. Last month, The Darkness announced a new album and a UK tour for next year, coinciding with a viral moment at the US Open where Taylor Swift was caught singing along to their hit single from 2003, "I Believe In A Thing Called Love."
Although Justin left the band in 2006, he eventually returned when they reunited in 2011. During an appearance on Lorraine earlier this year, he shared a letter he received from Taylor, in which she declared his song as "the greatest ever written." In a previous interview with Metro, Justin also talked about the passionate fans who would throw items on stage during their performances, including bras, knickers, wallets, shoes, and even chewing gum. While he appreciated the enthusiasm, he also found it "disgusting."
Despite the ups and downs of his music career, Justin Hawkins remains a beloved figure in the rock world. And as evidenced by his recent sighting in London, he continues to live his life in a more subdued manner, far from the flashy and flamboyant days of his youth.
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