News

"Hello again everyone, hope you’re all dandy. Welcome to another weekly riff. This weeks riff comes from one of my personal guitar heroes and one that I covered a few weeks back in the Hero Worship post, Justin Hawkins. It comes from The Darknesses first album, Permission To Land. It was released twice, once in 2002 and then re-released as a third single from the album in 2003. It is an instantly recognisable riff and probably the Darknesses most recognised song, reaching number 2 in the British charts. The song, of course, is that amazing guitar song, I Believe In a Thing Called Love. "

http://www.lickthatriff.com/weekly-riff-i-believe-in-a-thing-called-love/

| 24 Mar 2010 |

Yes, It's Justin Hawkins' Birthday today! Many happy returns Justin, and hope you have a great day, great!

| 17 Mar 2010 |

| 13 Mar 2010 |

Aside from Foxy Shazam, Nally co-wrote a song on Meat Loaf’s new album, “Hang Cool, Teddy Bear.” He shares the title with Justin Hawkins of The Darkness, an artist Nally’s vocal prowess has drawn comparisons to.

Foxy Shazam’s self-titled album drops April 13 on Sire Records. You can find out more at their recently launched Web site, foxyshazam.com, or at myspace.com/foxyshazam. Follow them on Twitter @foxy_shazam.

Click read more for more on the band.

Read more | 12 Mar 2010 |

Meat Loaf returns with concept album about dying soldier.

The rocker will release Hang Cool Teddy Bear in May (US, UK in April 19), and he reveals the whole album is about a mysterious military man.

The concept album features tracks written by former The Darkness star Justin Hawkins, who is now part of Meat Loaf's band, and guest spots from guitar greats Steve Vai and Brian May and American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, who co-wrote and sings on If I Can't Have You.

Read more | 12 Mar 2010 |

Among the pictures that cover the walls of this wonderfully kitsch little Indian restaurant on the edge of Whittington Park are music maestros The Darkness, controversial Tory Ann Widdecombe, Princess Diana and celebrity chef Anthony Worall Thompson.
And, Royalty apart, all the rest have played a part in the enduring success of what lays claim to be London's oldest curry house.

The Darkness loved the food at the Red Rose so much that they flew the chef out to cook for them when they were touring America in 2004, and there is no doubting this is a curry house with pedigree.

Read more | 11 Mar 2010 |

Comic Hugh Laurie spends most of his time these days playing grumpy doc Gregory in Sky 1 medical drama House.

But the former Blackadder star has also found time to let loose his inner rock beast - playing piano for a track on Meat Loaf's new album.

The song, If I Can't Have You, is a duet between Loaf and the American Idol judge and singer-songwriter Kara DioGuardi, with Hugh thumping the ivories throughout.

He and Meat palled up when the rocker guested on Hugh's US-made show last April.

Meat's 11th studio album, Hang Cool Teddy Bear, is released next month.

It also features appearances from The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins, comic Jack Black and Queen Lord Brian May.

www.thesun.co.uk

| 02 Mar 2010 |

Guitar blog 'Lick That Riff' has chosen this week's Hero Worship - none other than Justin Hawkins.

"I know a lot of you will not appreciate Hawkins’ as a musician because he doesn’t take himself too seriously, but I challenge any of you to listen to Permission To Land; without all the leotards, big hair, and spangles - and actually come back and say it isn’t a great guitar album. It can’t be done, as said in the report above, it is a guitar masterclass."

Read more or go to lickthatriff.com/hero-worship-hawkins/

Read more | 01 Mar 2010 |