Tag Archives: The Darkness

Not so crazy Darkball

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Travel travails over, the ladies at the ground were happy to sort things out and let me in with a nice black paper wristband. The pitch was split into four as always, but one of them (bottom right corner from a bird’s eye view) was used for kickabouts and press. That meant that for a long period, only one touchline of the bottom left pitch and behind the goal on top right were available to press. I’ve only got a small digital camera, but the professionals were pretty upset about it as even they couldn’t get good pics on the top two pitches. One guy even refused to come in when he heard. They did relax it a tiny bit when it got to quarter-final time, but it wasn’t great. Still, I got some, and they’ll be along when I can get home and sort them out. I do have a team photo proving that they all were in kit!
To the football, then. Three games in the group stages. First up, East 17, who were no match for the dark skills of the lads in blue and black. TD looked a solid team, fully competent and more than a sprinkling of talent. It wasn’t long before the scoring got underway, both Hawkins boys finding the net and Justin scoring about 5! Job done. Next up were the Hunks (……) who were a different kettle of fish and much more physical. An injury to John Quinn in that game. Again though, Hawkins was the dominant name. In these first two games I felt that Dan played well but didn’t see as much of the ball, and seemed to unconsciously back off a little. Justin bore the palm in the first two, out of the brothers, but the whole team was good -Greenwood, Quinn and goalie Yousuf Rab especially. Justin’s goal celebrations drew mention amongst the press- ‘glad he’s doing some cos no fucker else is!’ 3-2, the score, a much much closer game and was only decided late on with the lead swapping back and forth. Next! Omid Dajalili. Apparently David Baddiel, Dave Gorman and Lee Mackenzie were in that team but I was too busy watching TD’s play to notice! This was on the bottom left pitch, the only one with a decent view, so I was running up and down the line a lot. Another good game, Justin still on fire and Dan really coming alive in this one. He showed a lot of determination and grit on top of those skills. The game went to 2-2 before second half goals settled the game at 4-2.
A bit of a break then while the other groups were settled, TD safely through to the quarter finals. I must admit that when Dan and Justin are on the same pitch, hair flying under identical headbands, they don’t half look like each other, especially now Justin has darker hair. More than once the wrong one got cheered. Ooops. The beard doesn’t help if the lad concerned has his back to you running the other way! It was great to see them getting on so well. Obviously things were patched up long ago, but it’s the first time we’ve actually seen it. During an interview the two gave, each said the other was better at football.
Umm… Where was I… Oh yes.
Quarter finals, against Tinchy Stryder. That was another hard fought game with sterling performances from everyone. Both Dan and Jus on the score sheet again, and worthy winners. Don’t ask me the score, I was too busy cheering. There wasn’t anyone you could get the scores from, tbh!
Semifinals came up straight after, as the tournament was running late. A bit of a buggers for our lads, as they had about 3 minutes to catch breath before playing again. Waterloo Road’s team were the opponents, and seemed to be a lot of young lads. Shouldn’t be allowed, in my opinion. Although they weren’t really the better players, they still won 3-1. To cap it all, the rain started with the game and it was a soggy TD and OI that left the field, beaten but unbowed. Justin was awarded top scorer for the day. I’d say it was a pretty good afternoon’s fun all round, and worth getting wet for.
Photos will follow.

Travel travails are not yet done. A cancelled train, a late and then further delayed one mean I won’t be home for another hour or so – but I’ve had plenty of time to write this. Cheers to everyone involved – it was by far the best Soccer Six I’ve been too, with the great atmosphere, standard of football and seeing TD. Three things that make for a fabulous afternoon in anyone’s book.

Team List:

Dan Hawkins

Justin Hawkins

Frankie Poullain

Ed Graham

John Quinn

Keith Dublin

Yousuf Rab

Simon Greenwood

Ean Gooding

 

Darkball Crazy

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For the fourth time, I’m off to see Celebrity Soccer Six, because The Darkness are playing. Twice I’ve seen Justin play, this will be twice for the whole kit and caboodle. Memories of Goodison Park, 7 years ago, when the first ever article for OI was written. That was a great day. Darklings as far as the eye could see, a special Darkling hymn book written for the occasion, and a victory for our flame shirted heroes. Dan did scuff a horrendous penalty in the shoot out competition, but you can’t have everything. So, will victory be theirs again? The tournament has changed quite a lot since 2004. The teams take it more seriously (being mostly lads) and glamour is much more in evidence. Ladies, playing in false lashes and full slap isn’t cool. Making an effort and not squealing every time the ball comes near you will help, honest.
I’m on the train now, wondering how it will all go. Will Frankie and Ed make it out onto the pitch this time? Actually playing might be a step too far.. 😉 WIll the kit be like the last one? Who else is on the team? Will Lovesports have organised the press passes any better? For the third time running I’m going without any idea whether I’ll get one or not, because they don’t seem to reply to emails. I’m sure the staff at Charlton will be lots less snooty than some at Chelsea were, but that wouldn’t be too tricky…
Updates will follow. Lots of train changes to do.

Live Nation Give In

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Following complaints and concerns that Download ticket holders  (who would be seeing TD anyway)  would be the only ones to purchase the warm up gig tickets for Leamington Spa and London, Live Nation have put those tickets on general release NOW. TD have posted on Facebook to say they agreed with the fans’ concerns and sorted it out with Live Nation. Good on yer.

http://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/the-darkness-tickets

Hurry. Norwich has already sold out.

:Edit: I’m sure those weren’t the only concerns, or the only reasons TD contacted Live Nation – but it was said, whether it’s agreed with or not.

Warming up and moving out on the road

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The Darkness are playing three warmup gigs prior to their Download appearance on 10th June.

Live Nation announced earlier today that advance tickets go on sale tomorrow – Friday 13th May -for the following gigs. To qualify to buy, you will need a code that will have been emailed to you, and seems to be for Download ticket holders. General sale will be 5 days later and links go to Ticketmaster.

ON GENERAL SALE NOW!!! For the London gig, the best link is direct to venue – http://www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk/

Monday 6th June – The Assembly, Leamington Spa

Wednesday 8th June – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

Also announced by the  UEA ticket office:

Sunday 5th June – Waterfront, Norwich

That gig goes on sale Friday 13th May at 9am but there don’t seem to be any advance buying criteria. THIS IS NOW SOLD OUT

So. Festivals are lovely and TD will get huge exposure  – what we all want for them. There’s nothing nicer though than a venue gig – packed, sweaty, hot and bouncy. The angst of waiting to get tickets, the travel planning, who to go with, timings, money, work getting in the way.. it’s all starting here and now. Already has, here. I’m plotting and planning, not knowing if I’ll even manage to get a ticket!

I will be there. It might cost blood sweat and tears (though they might not be mine) and there could be hell and high water. It’ll be like coming home.

Not quite 30 years of hurt – only 5, and my god, there was hurt – but The Darkness and the Darklings are coming HOME.

Soccer Six Title Defence

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Well, ok, the title was won in 2004 (that tournament was the first event covered by OI!) but a title defence is a title defence.  The organisers are The Lovesport Group  and the event takes place on Monday 30th May 2011 at Charlton Athletic FC (let’s hope they’re friendlier than Chelsea…). Tickets are available via the link on that page or direct to Ticketweb .

I believe in a thing called football. And by then, the Canaries will either be promoted or… playoffs.

Darkwatch #1

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I thought we’d have a bit of a round up of recent Darklife. Not that anyone has missed anything, I’m sure, but someone might pop by who wants to know what the Lowestoft Four are doing.

So, the last time I posted, the new TD website was in a holding pattern, and breath was being held. Then one lovely Sunday morning, new things appeared. Contact details, and  MERCHANDISE. A brand new vintage Tshirt, based firmly on the classic logo/stage plan one from 2003. Ten minutes later, mine was all paid for and I was nearly in trouble for not paying attention to the males of the household demanding lunch. They duly arrived during that week – all lovely soft cotton and perfect logo. Smiles all round as realisation sets in – this isn’t a replica, or a reprint, or a nostalgia buy. It’s real. NEW. The first tangible thing. Mind you – have said it already elsewhere – they are cut slightly on the generous size, even for men, surely? Will be wearing my new TD dress as soon as possible! I’m sure we’ll get some that are more in tune with the female form in due course, as TD were alway pretty good with merch before.

Next up, and two days later… there had been a lot of speculation about whether they’d play Download, way before the official ‘we’re baaaaaack’ announcement. Every lineup announcement scrutinized. Finally, though, early last Tuesday morning, Download’s announcement came through and a little later, TD’s own. The Darkplace buzzed, plans made, day tickets wished for, weekend tickets bought. Precious belongings were sold (I assume games console thingies are precious?) to finance trips. Back on stage – a nice big one – right back where they should be.

There has been a fair amount of press attention, and most of it positive – even the NME joining in! Well done that lad wot wrote it. A few little snippets of interview, on the local telly  – a great start. Hopefully TD are pleased with the reception of the news. Much better to start with the good vibes flowing than having to withstand flak before even a note is heard. I have a feeling that there won’t be so much vitriol and dismissal this time around. Perhaps those first notes will be listened to with a tad more respect? And if not by people holding kindly disposed attitudes, at least they might be more willing to listen first with open minds? One can but hope.

So far, so good. One Tshirt, One gig, One very hairy photo.

 

Oh, and Frankie is looking for

Anyone interested in selling, lending or renting out a Gibson Thunderbird Bass Guitar?

So do seek him out on Facebook if you have.

 

Rebirth, Relaunch, Rededicate

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I asked recently for fans’ thoughts on the Rebirth of The Darkness, so it’s only fair to do some work myself!

So… well. Oh LORD… we are so close to the Relaunch. So fucking close. Every time I think of it, it gives me a little shiver. I have a bounce in my step, a wide grin. My colleagues are already sick to death of hearing about it – either that or I’m getting patted on the head affectionately (well I hope so).  My husband has had fair warning and is still smiling.  Cats are a bit puzzled, but they sense something big is afoot.

Does it seem like a dream? Well, kinda. At the moment it’s all anticipation and preparation and planning of all kinds – much like the band themselves, I guess.  Work isn’t dreaming. Websites aren’t castles in the sky. The dream moment when I have to pinch myself will be at the first gig I can get to, standing there in the moments before they come on stage, just before the intro music. Oh, please,  RockGod, let it be ‘Arrival’!  Then, it will be time for a ‘quiet’ moment of ‘is this REAL? Say it is, say it is… ‘ and I KNOW I will have a lump in my throat. Every nerve will be on alert. I’ll have been nervous on the way, praying for everything to go right. If it’s the actual first gig, it’ll be a such a special night. Those nights for SG and HL were very special as well, but this? This will be… something more than that. Double that, and double again.  I’ll be an emotional wreck, and not ashamed.

We’ve all come a long way since October 2006, and so much has happened. Change and settling and rebuilding. That’s got to be a good  place to start from.

Everything in this household is ready to go again. For the love of the rock they brought,  I’m ready to go. I thought a lot about whether I could work for TD in the way I’ve done before, supporting SG and HL, giving everything I had time to give. I can’t physically do another Temple!  – there are other sites that can and will carry on in that vein. I can do this, though. I lay OI at the shrine of Lowestoft Rock, worship, hope, and wait patiently for miracles to happen (overblown metaphors a speciality, k?).

 

I can’t write this without some thank you’s for the rock we’ve had in the interval:

Robin Goodridge – for drumming so spendidly.

Stuart Cable (RIP)  – for stepping in to help.

Pete Rinaldi – for guitar, but mainly for being such a lovely guy.

Sam Stokes – for rocking hard and also being lovely.

Darby Todd – for being as cool as fuck, dude.

Johnny Haskett – for hugs, cake and splendidness.

Nick and Katy Brine – for just being ACE.

Toby Macfarlaine – for wit, elegance and charm.

Someone who deserves so many good things said about them – Richie Edwards.  You fronted SG so damn well, and are one of the nicest people anyone would ever wish to meet. We ALL salute you. I can only wish there had been one last time to ‘see you down the front.’  Maybe one day, Richie. xxx

 

Oh dear. Sniffle. See? Emotional already.  I am such a GIRL.

It’s time.

Permission to take off?

 

Granted.

 

 

Jo

 

The Darkness – 2011

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The official website has a holding page – As Promised. The mailing list is up and running. The Facebook page is adding likes by the minute.

THEY’RE BACK.

All those months and years spent wondering- and lately, waiting – are nearly over. Rumours have been floating about for a very long time, and dismissed… but it’s true. There will be a Second Coming of the Saviours of Rock.

There have been mighty fine compensations. Stone Gods and Hot Leg have filled the gaps in bloody GREAT style. Stone Gods’ second album is still eagerly awaited and very much wanted.

But… but… there ain’t NOTHING like walking in the valley of Darkness.

Welcome back.

Frankie’s Strictly Come Darkness

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 ddfrankie

Frankie Poullain has been missing presumed shaved for some time. But lo! Is that a book I see before me? Frankie MUST be alive, to have a cleaner… Rejoice therefore, for darkpirate musings will soon slip themselves smoothly into your stockings, which is not where you usually find wit and wonderings OR a little torch shining into Darkness. Christmas ahoy!

 

Slightly more serious *ahem* – it did cause some turmoil when Frankie left TD, and there are still many who are wondering and waiting for – anything. The book evolved over time – no point rushing these things, right? It isn’t intended as an exposé. Frankie is clear that it is meant to be lighthearted and like TD – not totally serious or sensible, raising eyebrows and laughs along the way.

  

There were a few things that one needed to know:

 

You left 3 years and 5 months ago. What bloody time do you call this to roll in? 


41 months later, and I’m now 41, it all adds up if you just pay attention. I thought you were supposed to be a school teacher?


Did the pirating with your dad give you Darknessing skills?


It gave me enough money to buy a guitar and move to London, where I met Dan in 1995.


What IS your hair doing? How much grooming did the tache need? HOW do you look ten years younger these days?


Standing on end, I find interviews electrifying …. tache  was a bit tricky to groom with a hangover, if truth be told. That’s why it kept changing shape. Ten years younger than band days you say? Why, that would make me 25 … moustaches make people look older obviously. Even more so on a woman.


Was the book an opportunity that arose for your cleaner? Or was it something always in the back of that busy mind?


I discovered her drawings in the cupboard of my kitchen in France and that inspired the book. The original title was hers too: An Autistic Guide To Fame And Misfortune, but the publishers wouldn’t bite. It evolved from there to the concept of “A retired rocker fixes your mental problems” – made me laugh that.


Is that it, for music and being in a band? Are you all growned up now?


Who knows, no point in planning anything, just keep piecing together god’s (whatever that is) clues.


Have you played tennis with Justin yet?


No, we both keep bottling it. New balls please!


If someone gave you a bow, some cowboy boots and asked you to name a kitten, what would be the correct etiquette in dealing with the situation?


Depends if it was a cross bow or not. AIDS apart, I quite like the idea of diseases as names – malaria, hepatitis, gangrene …. that’s not a disease though is it? But you get the idea.


What does your cleaner think that the future holds for the TD lads?


She’s only met Ed, but she liked him. She’s not paid to think!


Can I borrow her for a bit?


Yes, anyone can, just go to:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dancing-Darkness-Frankie-Poullain/dp/184454544X

 

Frankie knows how not to be a Rock Star – and lots of other things as well. How not to clean?

 

Website – www.dancinginthedarkness.net

 

 

 

The Darkness -‘Platinum Collection’

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It’s out now, then, this… *Best Of* ? As if by magic, 18 months after the demise of The Darkness, this arrives. Both albums and the Christmas single are on it. Question is, WHY? Lots of questions, actually.

  • Who is it aimed at? Not the faithful. It’s not a collectors’ item, not got anything unusual on it, nothing special. If it was aimed at us as a moneyspinner, it missed, big time. If it was aimed at Joe Public – well, who knows what they’re going to buy, but I have my doubts. In any case, there’s been no marketing, we found out by accident about this one, and spread the news ourselves.
  • What could have made it WOW? B-sides. Bareback. Fan’s favourites. A bit of thought? Special inserts? ASKING what we’d like? Although, of course, if not aimed at us then that’s a bit irrelevant. Actually, as someone pointed out, we’re still waiting for the Live DVD that never made it. THAT would have been massive!
  • Front cover? No logo. Why? Legal reasons? Or because Justin’s gone and he designed it? And WHY, for the love of rock, would you put TD posing as the iconic Queen image on the front of a TD celebration CD? Something very wonky with THAT. In fact, it reinforces the feelings of those out there who only ever wrote them off as a Queen rip-off. Plus it isn’t actually the best photo of them.
  • No PR/Marketing? Well, that we know of. Why not? Am I missing something? Why would it be kept quiet?
  • Whodunnit?Prime suspects are Atlantic/Warner, to recoup (written off) losses. However, if this is a money making thing, then there’s no sales push. Can’t see that the record company would give a monkey’s about Stone Gods’ feelings on intruding on their nascent fame… so no need to keep quiet on that front. Do they not have approval from those four lads? Would they care? Is it necessary? Who was asked, if anyone? If it isn’t the record company – that leaves the TD lads. They might be tied in to doing this as part of a losses deal. Money? There might be other reasons of which no one will ever be aware, on both sides of the coin. Legal ownership of the songs is another issue. If Party A owns them, then does Party B then have no say? And if Party B owns them, then some sort of deal between the two is likely. Where do Justin and Frankie fit into agreements?

All as clear as mud – headache on its way. Whatever’s going on, it’s not a very popular move, from what I see and hear. I’m loath to buy anything official that hasn’t got TD’s logo on it.

The Likeness

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by Laura

The Likeness are 4 men from my home county of leafy Cheshire. Simon Hall (Who is a hypnotherapist in his other life and goes by the moniker ‘Psy’) plays Justin, Chris Connolley is Dan (and has a guitar uncannily similar to the one JH claims ‘some cunt stole’ by the way……), Bryn Bardsley is Frankie (the group prefer the first Darkness album and base their shows and appearance around The Darkness of that era. Plus maybe Bryn doesn’t want to shave his head). Jamie Muncaster takes Ed’s place behind the drum kit.
Shamefully I had never even heard of the group until around Christmas 2006 when I came upon their website while googling something Darkness related that I can’t recall now. (Need to get on myspace guys!) With The Darkness themselves in a bad way as it were, The Likeness seemed to have followed suit and didn’t gig for about 6 months before, out of the blue, announcing a gig in a Macclesfield pub for 30th March this year. Jumping at the chance to turn back time, see my favourite songs performed live, celebrate handing in my last EVER university essay or at the very least have a good laugh, I decided to go. It wasn’t all plain sailing from there however. The first problem was to find someone to go with me. You would not believe how many people told me ‘I wasn’t into The Darkness so I definitely wouldn’t go to a tribute band to The Darkness.’ How rude! Finally I found a friend (with a car to drive the hour or so to Macc) and we were off. Well nearly. For rock star impersonators, even for pub rockers, The Likeness proved rather elusive and seemed to want to make attending their gigs more difficult than necessary. They didn’t post the times of their appearances on their websites nor any details such as whether it was paying entry. Nor did they reply to emails to their site or send out any information to the mailing list members as claimed. Eventually a telephone call to the pub landlord revealed that the band would be playing from ‘about 9/9:30’ and there was no entry fee.
In reality Dave and I arrived just after 9 (after walking straight past the pub and about half a mile in the wrong direction) and sat for an hour or more listening to strange bangings, laughter and microphone feedback from behind a huge white sheet that was stretched across half of the cleared pool hall area of The Old Millstone, ‘The Likeness’ projected onto it in the style of The Darkness’ name logo. Through the sheet we watched the band, in silhouette form, tune up their instruments, drink and get changed. Frequently one or other of them would come out from ‘backstage’ and stand around talking with significant others drinking and mumbling about the amps and the bass-line, how it wasn’t coming right and how Psy wouldn’t stick to the set list. Then came the ominous words from behind the sheet ‘Ok everyone we’re going to do a sound-check. Don’t worry- we always fuck it up.’ Laughter from the assembling audience, which consisted of already very drunk boys in their late teens – early 20s, a few older middle aged couples and a couple of die hard Darkness fans (I include myself here) wearing obnoxiously bright t shirts that proclaimed their love for said band and silently challenging The Likeness to live up to their music. I must admit that I half had it in mind to try and make The Likeness slightly uncomfortable by requesting something more obscure from the early days of The Darkness such as Hell’s Gazelle or a personal favourite, Dune Patrol. Maybe even a British Whale cover? But the band got in there first and immediately won my respect when their sound-check track, blasted out at stadium rock sound levels in the little pub, proved to be British Whale’s version of This Town Ain’t Big Enough For The Both Of Us. Well half of it anyway. As Psy’s glass shattering falsetto screamed through the highest notes like a banshee, I felt the proverbial shiver down my spine. This man can really sing. He may not be Justin Hawkins himself but he’s sure as hell the next best thing.
After a little more clattering around The Likeness came to the conclusion that they were ready. The lights went down and the audience stood up. As Bareback began to blare through the room, a dry ice machine began to spew out clouds and clouds of smoke and the white sheet finally came slowly down and was bundled away by the band’s ‘crew’ of wives/girlfriends. Looming out of the mist and ripping the hell out of their instruments, full of attitude and audacity, The Likeness made a stunning first impression.
Psy on a white Gibson Les Paul (what else?!) with long hair flowing free and outrageously terrible trousers was topless to display the Justin-esque flame tattoo adorning his lower midriff. Chris was going hell for leather on his own Les Paul wearing the tightest of tight trousers, obligatory Thin Lizzy t shirt and wristbands with his hair flying around his face in classic Dan Hawkins head banging head banging tradition. Bryn appeared, legs splayed and head swathed in bizarre but outstandingly accurate headscarves to make him appear scarily Frankie-ish. Behind Psy was Jamie, battering away at the skins of his ‘Likeness’ emblazoned drum kit, looking for all the world like Ed Graham at his most serious.
After this stunning entry The Likeness never looked back and steamed through an hour long set of Darkness tunes with barely a foot wrong. There were a few tiny lyrical discrepancies that only the most nitpicking purist would point out. (‘We’re not the same as we used to be’ in Love On The Rocks….. and a stumble over the exact positions of the extracurricluar activities in Friday Night. I think the infamous ‘need a wank on Thursday’ may have featured as well but I cannot be sure….)
The band had obviously done their homework and set was a faithful reproduction of a vintage Darkness gig with Psy strutting around harassing the audience, kicking Jamie’s cymbals, hugging the pillars, sprawling on tables and asking for a choice between the clean and dirty versions of Get Your Hands Off My Woman. They even included a gloriously extended version of Love On The Rocks With No Ice, complete with arm swaying, audience sing backs and a seamless meander into Queen’s We Will Rock You and back out again.
The Likeness’ bias was made apparent early on when Psy declared ‘One Way Ticket. That was point I realised That The Darkness, and we, could go no further. Let’s return to the first album and more familiar territory!’ The whole performance was punctuated with other such cheeky, good natured jibes from the front man – ‘I always used to say this is what the Darkness will look like in 10 years’ time. And this is where they’ll be playing too. I didn’t know how right I would be!’ And when Bryn retaliated to his comment that ‘ Frankie’s put on weight hasn’t he?!’ Psy retorted ‘Hey if you saw Justin at the start of the last tour I’m bloody sylphlike!’
After brilliant and faithful performances of such songs as Givin’ Up, Is It Just Me? and Love Is Only A Feeling, The Likeness crescendo-ed with I Believe In A Thing Called Love then finished with a spectacular rendition of the Darkness’ cover of the Radiohead song Street Spirit (Fade Out).
The only shame was that Psy didn’t dust off one of the catsuits that are apparently languishing in his attic. He explained as his band mates launched into the long version intro to Stuck In A Rut ‘At this point I would usually do a costume change but there’s nowhere to get changed here without showing you everything and trust me you don’t want to see that! So these guys are just going to play you a tune while I have a drink.’
After the last Darkness song the band retired for a drink and set list discussion while a dazed and grinning audience flocked as one to the bar. But the evening was far from over. After 15 minutes or so The Likeness were back on ‘stage’ looking less Darkness-like (Psy had put on a vest and Bryn had gone through a dramatic de-Frankie-fication by removing his facial hair and headscarves and changing his shirt). Declaring that they could no longer get away with 2 and half hours of The Darkness the band launched into 90minutes of sing-and-dance-along songs from the likes of Hendrix, Bowie, The Cult, Tenacious D and even Wheatus and Orson (‘The only new song we’ve learnt this year’ according to Psy).
The pool hall turned into a dance floor and whenever he was free of guitar playing Psy capered about amongst us with his microphone, dancing with whoever was closest to him and thrusting the mic at whoever took his fancy at opportune moments. (Incidently, guess who was singled out to sing the female part in Wheatus’ Teenage Dirtbag?!)
It was after 1am when The Likeness finally reverted to type and rounded off almost 3 hours of high quality entertainment with (of course) I Believe In A Thing Called Love. The ‘dance floor’ was suddenly filled with screaming air guitarists and the night definitely ended on a high note. (Pun intended sorry, couldn’t resist).
There are certainly those (The Likeness themselves included) who wonder how much demand there will be these days and in the not too distant future, for a tribute act to a band dismissed by many in their hey day as ‘novelty.’ A band who no longer even exist and whose popularity is apparently fast waning. But as far as I’m concerned there will always be a place for Darkness tributes if they are as much fun and as true to life as The Likeness. If they feel the need to add in some songs by other acts in order to retain their popularity and pull larger audiences that’s fine by me. And to be honest if you pay to see a band you might get an hour long set; ninety minutes tops. Getting nearly 3 hours of your favourite songs that you will never be able to hear live any other way, for free, has got to be worth another look. They’re playing next Sunday. I intend to go again…

(We did do a review of The Likeness back in the paper copy days – nice to see them back in OI. Jo)

Jeff Collins

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Rockfield Rocks in Print

by Jo

Something of a departure, this. I don’t think we’ve done anything book related before, have we? TADAAAA.. the first, and a special one it is. ‘Rock Legends at Rockfield’ charts the history of this famous rock studio – famous for its successes and excesses. Interviews with said legends crammed in to give a glorious insight to something we never see, and several things we might not ever want to! The place that looks like the décor is unchanged from the 70’s, and probably unchangeable. Where the vibe in the studio makes you shiver, whether you thought it existed or not. Detailed and exclusive, photos aplenty, this is something you need to have. It’s plain that author Jeff Collins loves his subject, knows bucketloads, and his heroes are all here too. His history and Rockfield’s are intertwined, being almost of an age… Watch out for the TD extract at the bottom.

Out 15th September, links to Amazon, Waterstones, W H Smith and Welsh University Press at the bottom. £13.99, a snip.

I spoke to the lovely Jeff via the wonders of msn messenger, and barring the football gossip, this is the result:

Jo: You’ve got a lot of journalistic experience, of which I’m very jealous. It’s predominately on the presenting side, not the written form. Was this project always going to be a book, or is there a documentary in the offing as well?

Jeff: Well when I was working at BBC Wales I was a sports presenter on BBC Choice Wales, the digital channel. As such the editor of the channel was always asking us for ideas and I thought Rockfield would be a good subject for a documentary. As I explain in my opening chapter, the book is like a journey. As a teenager I always wondered why these great records had “made at Rockfield, Wales” on them. So the book starts out as a journey to discover how Rockfield was able to compete with the giants like abbey Rock, Record Plant, Air Studios etc. So I proposed it but the TV commissioners went cold on the idea. Next I proposed it for an article for Classic Rock magazine
My editor said she’d consider it. In the three months she spent mulling over this idea, I’d interviewed Lemmy, Paul Carrack and the Tokyo Dragons and realised that there were so many interesting and funny stories that this would make a great book. So it took off from there really (And Classic Rock eventually appeared to lose interest though they did later publish my day at Rockfield with Robert Plant as a lead story!)

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We think it’s all over – it is for us

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by Lucie and Jo

Jo’s bit.

Having agreed with pretty much all of what Lucie said below, here’s my very personal take..

So, this is it. It’s all over. The final act of this long running tragi-comedy has been played out, leaving us tired, emotional, thoughtful, and, if truth be told, a little unsatisfied by the dénouement.. The Darkness was finally vanquished by the blinding light of the unLadylike Miss Celebrity’s torch – her beautiful but deadly shooting stars of Fame, Fortune, Drink, Drugs and Strife piercing the flaming heart of all that was good.

The shock wasn’t as bad as it could have been. Since Justin went into The Priory, there has been a wave of silence, dampening all hope. I’m not counting that scandalous interview with the Scum. THAT was meant for the wider world, not for us, who didn’t matter anymore. Silence as a conscious act, silence enforced by legal issues, and self imposed to prevent leaks. Well, that didn’t work, did it? Please… when the new band arises from the mess of fallout, get a better PR/customer services desk. Or just get one at all.

I’ve written so many words about The Darkness. All of them heartfelt, sincere and honest, though I must admit that there’s some information I never gave you, because it wouldn’t be right. There are some things you just shouldn’t reveal, even for a scoop. I’d never make a real journalist! What can I possibly say that I haven’t already? You’ve experienced the joys with me. We’ve all laughed and cried, argued, criticised, hoped and loved and defended and annoyed the hell out of our nearest and dearest, for all five of these lads. So many good times. So many bad times, too. I’ve met some really awful people, who care more about their own self glory than the band. I’ve been made to feel less than worthless, by at least two band members, darklings and management. Still, I wouldn’t personally have done anything differently, and that’s my solace. That, and Six, and the glory that is the Darklings. You know who you are, and why. There was no point to all of this without you.

I’m sure I’ll find more to say about them as the weeks go on and more info gets leaked, so don’t wander off.

Goodbye, The Darkness. The last bow was taken some time ago. How fitting that this should come at the end of the year, when all things change. There will be no more bad times with them, there will always be the good memories. When all’s said and done it’s not a bad legacy to have. Oh… and we have the photos as well to keep us happy. Ahem.

*pause for sniffles*

*pulls self together*

Right. To work, ready for anything Messrs Hawkins, Graham, Edwards and McFarlaine have to throw at us. Let’s keep the world rocking.

Lucie’s thoughts

Personally, I can’t quite fathom that this is it. That the band I’ve followed blindly, loved, defended, occasionally swiped with claws at and adored for three-and-a-half years is, well, dead. When Frankie went, there was a sense of “worse things could happen” (even if he is the coolest man in Christendom), then when Sir Richard was installed, all the pieces seemed to fit, for me. I thought everything was on the up! Shows what I know. A lot of people are NOW claiming that they knew it couldn’t last, it was all going to end it tears, which was something I saw no evidence for and refused to believe from the beginning.
Then, oh woe, the shit, bollocks and wank hit the fan simultaneously and created an enormous and deeply unattractive mess. Justin was gone. But you know what? I still wasn’t heartbroken. Sometimes it still gets to me that such a showman, such an incredible singer with such a fine arse wouldn’t be in my favourite band anymore, but generally he does irritate the bejebus out of me, so it wasn’t too painful. It’s that I’ll never see The Darkness again, and when it was confirmed that the remaining lads wouldn’t be The Darkness at all anymore, I just couldn’t accept it. Can’t. I wish I’d pushed the boat out and seen them a sixth, seventh, tenth time. But how much I’ve gained since the time in May 2003 that I first saw ‘Growing On Me’ performed on SM:TV, when they were all thinner, more naive, and the catsuits were cheaper, boggles the mind. There’s no way I would have travelled to Norfolk at the age of 16 on my own to meet 5 people I only knew from the internet (original Darkness forum) if not for a mutual love of The Darkness – the six of us morphed into SixSister, and created this ‘zine because of it. I wouldn’t have started the whole music writing thing, or started going to see, review, and interview bands… Or met one of my best friends at my first ever Darkness gig (and first gig full stop) in December 2003… On an escalator in Birmingham New Street station, after he recognised me from the description I posted on the forum of what I’d be wearing, and he declared with wonder, “You’re Dave!”
I’ll always be Dave, to some degree. That’s just how certain people know me. But those people, the ones I’ve known for so long from the original forum, are drifting away. The Darkness haven’t been our little band anymore for ages. The forum isn’t a happy place to be, and SixSister isn’t so stable.
On the other hand, I’m still a Darkling. I HAVE met the most incredible people, fought with some right dickheads, and there’s been some serious heartache in there too, usually when we, who are meant to be so important, find things out last. But, truth be told, I love The Darkness. I’ll continue to wear my tour t-shirts, listen to the music, watch the DVD’s and under no circumstances will I take my posters down. I’m also going to keep the faith and follow whatever incarnation Dan, Richie and Ed reappear as with the new boy. Despite everything, they’ll still kind of be The Darkness in my little world. I can’t help that. The point is being stressed that no one is replacing anyone, I do understand, and yes they’ll have a different name. But it’s still 75% Darkness, and I’m not quite ready to let go. Though I intend to hold the torch of rock aloft for the phoenix that rises from all this. A new start. Oh yes, I have hope, for I am a rocker.

Thank you for the music, the friends, the amazing times, and the bad ones that help us grow. Never stop rocking, because we won’t.

Dan the Saviour

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by Jo

A fanfare for the uncommon man.. Daniel Hawkins, this week the saviour of news- and floof-starved darklings the length and breadth of the universe, blogged, and said universe partied. The boys are back!!! working and playing hard, writing, recording and rocking – doing what they do best for the good of all. And it sounds bloody good! (I guessed, educatedly, i have as much idea as you..) I was holding out for a hero, and lo… It might be uphill, but we’ll carry up to where you all should be, if we have to.

So, the debate now is – to be Darkness or not to be Darkness? (I’ve come over all literary)My tiny small opinion is not. Move on and up.. The Darkness image is too strong. Some would say that Queen managed it after Freddie died, but they’d been around for many years by then and all of them were ingrained in the national psyche. TD haven’t been, sadly. Let’s get Ed, Richie and Dan known by millions, as they deserve. Queen also managed to preserve their iconic sound – whether it’s Richie or someone else singing, TD will find that a tad tricky, so why bother trying? Off with the old, and on with the new. These boys won’t be caught with the Emperor’s Clothes.

Anyway.. let’s go rockrockrockrockrockrock…

Ahem. Where’s the valium? Darklings in need!