The Unforgettable Journey of The Darkness: 20 Years of Permission to Land
From Outrageous Beginnings to Rock Stardom
From the heavens they descended, clad in catsuits and dripping with an aura that screamed Queen meets Austin Powers. The Darkness, seemingly from another space and time, emerged from the UK to take the world by storm in 2003. They were loud, brash, firmly tongue-in-cheek, and wildly innovative in a music landscape dominated by sameness.
A Retro-Driven Sound Amidst the Nu-Metal Wave
In an era where Linkin Park, Evanescence, and 3 Doors Down ruled the radio rock charts, the bombastic outfit of brothers Justin and Dan Hawkins, bassist Frankie Poullain, and then drummer Ed Graham unleashed a retro-driven sound reminiscent of the late ’70s and ’80s. Justin Hawkins reflects, “I would say that we didn’t have an eye on the scene. We weren’t thinking about the other bands and what they were doing, really.”
The Birth of The Darkness
Emerging from the remnants of a previous band called Empire, which Hawkins described as “progressive in the Radiohead sense,” The Darkness sought to create music that existed “in its own world.” Their madcap cocktail of outrageous color, boundary-pushing antics, and guitar-driven rock was epitomized by Hawkins’s flamboyant stage presence.
Influence and Image
Justin Hawkins shared that his mother played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s image. “When I was 15, she was like, ‘You’ve got to look different. You can’t just look like you’ve just walked in off the street. You’ve got to make an impression.'” This advice became a cornerstone for The Darkness’s theatrical and vibrant persona.
The Road to Recognition
Success was not instantaneous for the Lowestoft natives. “Nothing was happening for us in England,” Hawkins noted. Despite a growing following and interest from record companies, they struggled to find a label that would sign them. “They said they were keeping a close eye on us to see what we achieved under our own steam,” he recalls.
South By Southwest: A Turning Point
After self-financing an EP featuring tracks like “I Believe in a Thing Called Love,” the band was hopeful about their prospects in the U.S. “We were like, Okay, so maybe America’s our place,” Hawkins reflected. However, after performing at South By Southwest, they returned to England without any immediate success.
DIY Spirit and Breakthrough
Determined, they completed their debut album in just two weeks, funded by Hawkins’s work in advertising jingles. Their DIY ethos paid off when their singles gained traction on national radio, leading to an opening slot on tour with The Wild Hearts. “Then we went on tour with Def Leppard,” Hawkins recalls, noting how their high-energy performances set them apart.
The Rise of “Permission to Land”
The band’s next single, “Growing On Me,” reached number 11 on the UK Charts as an independent release, igniting a bidding war among major labels. Eventually, they signed with Atlantic Records, releasing their iconic debut album, Permission to Land, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2023.
A Lasting Legacy
“Nothing feels like that first record,” Hawkins reflects. The album’s lead single, “I Believe in a Thing Called Love,” became a massive hit, earning platinum certification in the UK and gold in the U.S. The journey had its ups and downs, including Hawkins’s struggles with substance issues, but he expresses gratitude for the wild ride. “I wouldn’t change a single thing,” he states. “You can’t look back with anything other than, Wow, I’m so glad we experienced that stuff because it was just madness.”
Commemorating 20 Years of Rock
The band is set to re-release Permission to Land under the title Permission to Land … Again, featuring live recordings, demos, and B-sides, alongside a world tour kicking off this October. Hawkins fondly reminisces about the album’s beginnings, recalling a family holiday in Turkey where they listened to the demos. “All those demos have been remastered and stuck on this collection,” he shares, reflecting on their humble start.
Conclusion
The Darkness’s journey from obscurity to rock stardom is a testament to their unique sound, theatrical flair, and unwavering determination. As they celebrate 20 years since the release of Permission to Land, the band’s vibrant history serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians everywhere, proving that with belief and hard work, anything is possible.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of “Permission to Land”?
Permission to Land is The Darkness’s debut album, released in 2003, which catapulted them to fame and is celebrated for its retro-driven sound and theatrical style.
2. Who are the members of The Darkness?
The Darkness consists of brothers Justin and Dan Hawkins, bassist Frankie Poullain, and drummer Ed Graham (former member).
3. What are some of The Darkness’s biggest hits?
Some of their most notable songs include “I Believe in a Thing Called Love,” “Growing On Me,” and “Love Is Only a Feeling.”
4. When is The Darkness’s anniversary tour?
The anniversary tour begins in October 2023, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Permission to Land.
5. Will there be new music released?
The band is re-releasing Permission to Land under the title Permission to Land … Again, featuring remastered demos, live recordings, and B-sides.
