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Hot Leg
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Hot Leg were an English rock band led by The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins. The band consisted of Hawkins, Pete Rinaldi (of Anchorhead), Samuel SJ Stokes (formerly of The Thieves) and Darby Todd (from Protect the Beat). Their debut album Red Light Fever was recorded in London in early 2008, and was released on 9 February 2009 by Barbecue Rock Records.[1]
Key Information
Career
[edit]Hot Leg released the song "Heroes" as a free download, but the track did not appear on their album, Red Light Fever. Appearing on their official Myspace profile was Hot Leg's debut single, titled "Trojan Guitar", which was released digitally as a free download on 20 October 2008. A medley of other songs due to appear on Red Light Fever were posted on the band's Myspace page, titled "Mega Mix 1". "Automatic" and "Cupboard Love" (additional tracks from the "I've Met Jesus" EP) were also posted. After the release of Red Light Fever, tracks from the album were uploaded.
Hot Leg conducted their first full tour of the United Kingdom in October 2008 including a sold-out show at the Tunbridge Wells forum. During this tour, notably the band's Edinburgh date, Hawkins mentioned the band had a Christmas single entitled "I've Met Jesus", an unlikely contender for the UK Christmas number-one. Via their MySpace blog on 21 December 2008, the Leg announced that "I've Met Jesus" had hit the Christmas number-one slot in the "Man Rock" charts.[1]
In November, Hot Leg toured the UK in support of Alter Bridge but pulled out of three dates giving Hawkins's throat infection as the reason. Hot Leg also toured in November with Extreme. Hawkins and Rinaldi guested with Extreme on the final date in London, singing a medley of Queen songs. Hot Leg made a guest appearance on the Sky One programme, Guinness World Records Smashed, which aired on 27 November 2008.[2]
In late February 2009, their song "Take Take Take" became available for download from their website, but did not feature on their debut album.
In late 2010, it was announced that Hot Leg were on hiatus, along with Stone Gods, which led to rumours of a possible The Darkness reunion in 2011. This was confirmed on 15 March by an announcement on a new The Darkness website. Because of this, the future of Hot Leg is unclear.
'Red Light Fever' was originally planned as a Justin Hawkins debut Solo album, with a tentative title of 'Panther', before Hot Leg were formed.
Discography
[edit]All chart positions are based on UK entries.
Albums
[edit]| Year | Album details | UK Albums Chart |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Red Light Fever
|
81 |
Singles
[edit]| Release date | Song | Album | UK Singles Chart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 October 2008 | "Trojan Guitar" | Red Light Fever | - |
| 15 December 2008 | "I've Met Jesus" | 135 | |
| 2 March 2009 | "Cocktails" | - |
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Hot Leg". Myspace.com. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
- ^ "Hot Leg Interview". Sky1.sky.com. Retrieved 27 March 2009.
External links
[edit]
Hot Leg
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Hot Leg was an English hard rock band formed in 2007 in Lowestoft, Suffolk, by Justin Hawkins, the lead vocalist and guitarist of The Darkness, following the latter band's initial breakup.[1] The group consisted of Hawkins on vocals and guitar, Pete Rinaldi on guitar, Samuel SJ Stokes on bass, and Darby Todd on drums.[1]
Hot Leg's music blended flamboyant glam rock elements with heavy riffs and theatrical flair, echoing Hawkins' style from The Darkness while exploring new songwriting directions.[2] The band debuted with the single "Heroes," offered as a free download in early 2008, followed by "Trojan Guitar" later that year as the lead single from their sole studio album, Red Light Fever, released in February 2009 via Barbecue Rock Records.[1][3] Additional singles included "I've Met Jesus" in December 2008 and "Cocktails" in March 2009.[4] Red Light Fever featured 10 tracks, including "Chickens," "Ashamed," and "Prima Donna," showcasing Hawkins' falsetto vocals and guitar prowess amid themes of humor, excess, and rock excess.[5]
The band toured extensively in 2008 and 2009, including a summer outing titled Hands Up Who Loves Hot Leg, but went on hiatus in late 2010 amid Hawkins' personal challenges and a return to The Darkness in 2011.[1] Hot Leg remains on indefinite hiatus, with its output limited to one album that has garnered a cult following for its unapologetic energy and Hawkins' distinctive presence.[2]
[30]
The album was made available in CD and digital download formats, with a limited-edition red translucent 12-inch vinyl pressing offered through the band's official store.[30][61]
Following the release of Red Light Fever in February 2009, Hot Leg issued no additional singles, as the band entered a hiatus shortly thereafter.[18]
Formation and Members
Origins
Justin Hawkins departed from The Darkness in October 2006, primarily due to struggles with cocaine and alcohol addiction that had escalated during the band's touring and recording periods, leading to secretive and volatile behavior.[6][7] He entered rehabilitation at The Priory clinic in London for nine weeks to address these issues, which he later described as having created an unsustainable lifestyle filled with triggers that necessitated leaving the band's infrastructure entirely.[8] Additionally, Hawkins cited creative stagnation within the group, noting that they had ceased being innovative and were instead focused on replicating past successes, which contributed to internal tensions.[9] Following his recovery, Hawkins formed Hot Leg in 2007 in his hometown of Lowestoft, Suffolk, England, initially conceiving it as a solo project to explore new musical directions away from The Darkness.[2] This endeavor evolved into a full band as Hawkins recruited collaborators, marking a fresh start after an unsuccessful bid to represent the United Kingdom at the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest with a duet entry alongside Beverlei Brown.[10][11] Hawkins envisioned Hot Leg's sound as "man rock," a term he coined to describe a bold, hook-driven style blending glam rock energy with heavy metal influences, distinct from the theatrical pomp of his prior work by emphasizing raw, impressive masculinity in its riffs and stage presence.[12] The project quickly progressed to recording, with initial sessions for the debut album Red Light Fever taking place in early 2008, culminating in mastering later that year.[13]Line-up
Hot Leg's lineup during its active years from 2007 to 2010 consisted of four core members, with no changes occurring throughout this period. All members contributed to the band's sole studio album, Red Light Fever (2009).[14][15] Justin Hawkins served as the band's founder, lead vocalist, and guitarist. A prominent figure in the UK rock scene, Hawkins previously fronted the glam rock band The Darkness, where he gained recognition for his high-pitched vocals and guitar work before the group's 2006 disbandment.[14] Pete Rinaldi handled lead guitar duties and provided backing vocals. Previously a member of the rock band Anchorhead, Rinaldi was recruited by Hawkins for his distinctive rock guitar style, as highlighted in the band's early press materials.[15][12] Samuel "SJ" Stokes played bass guitar and contributed backing vocals. With a background as a session musician in London following his time with the band The Thieves, Stokes brought experience from various rock projects to Hot Leg.[16][15] Darby Todd was the drummer. Known for his work with multiple rock and jazz-funk acts, including as the permanent drummer for Protect the Beat, Todd added a versatile rhythmic foundation to the band.[17][15]Musical Style
Genre Characteristics
Hot Leg's music embodies the glam metal and hard rock genres, distinguished by soaring falsetto vocals delivered by frontman Justin Hawkins, intricate guitar solos, and expansive anthemic choruses that evoke high-energy arena rock.[2][18] The band's sound prioritizes bold, riff-heavy structures reminiscent of 1980s hair metal, with Hawkins' piercing wails cutting through dense layers of electric guitar and driving rhythms.[19] This combination creates a theatrical, over-the-top vibe that blends raw power with melodic hooks, setting Hot Leg apart as a revivalist act in the British rock scene.[13] Signature elements of their style include high-octane guitar riffs that propel tracks forward with relentless momentum, often drawing comparisons to classic hard rock outfits like Whitesnake and Foreigner for their unapologetically bold and "stupid" catchiness.[19] Lyrically, Hot Leg incorporates humorous and satirical themes, delivering foul-mouthed, irreverent commentary through exaggerated narratives that poke fun at societal taboos.[13] Visually, the band embraced 1980s-inspired aesthetics in their music videos and artwork, featuring poodle perms, spandex outfits, and campy posturing that amplified their mock-metal persona.[13] These traits underscore a playful yet potent identity rooted in glam rock excess. The production on their debut album Red Light Fever (2009), overseen by Justin Hawkins himself, yields a raw, guitar-driven sound that captures the immediacy of a live band performance, with minimal polish to highlight the instrumental interplay and vocal acrobatics.[20] Recorded in London during early 2008, the album's straightforward approach emphasizes crunchy distortion, prominent solos, and a punchy rhythm section, fostering an organic feel that aligns with the genre's emphasis on stage-ready bombast.[21] Compared to contemporaries like The Darkness, Hot Leg's output leans more overtly into hair metal tropes, amplifying the flamboyance and satire while retaining a core of hard rock vigor.[22]Influences and Songwriting
Hot Leg's music drew heavily from classic rock and 1980s glam metal traditions, with frontman Justin Hawkins citing influences such as Queen for their theatrical harmonies and ambitious arrangements, AC/DC for their raw, riff-driven energy, and bands like Mötley Crüe for their unapologetic excess and showmanship. Hawkins emphasized a desire to create fun, unpretentious rock that celebrated these elements without the ironic detachment he felt had crept into later Darkness material, aiming instead for straightforward homage to the genre's exuberant spirit. This is evident in tracks like "Chickens," which reviewers noted for its overt AC/DC-inspired swagger, and the album's overall nod to Queen's operatic flair in vocal layering.[23][24][13] The songwriting process for Hot Leg was primarily led by Hawkins, who composed the bulk of the material during the final days of The Darkness, even as he prepared for that band's dissolution and his own stint in rehabilitation. Many songs on debut album Red Light Fever originated in this period, reflecting a transitional phase where Hawkins channeled personal experiences into the band's sound, with collaborative input from guitarist Pete Rinaldi particularly on guitar riffs and structural elements to enhance the rock-oriented drive. Described by Hawkins as a "four-way thing" involving the full band, the approach prioritized melodic hooks and harmonies, evolving from The Darkness' style by embracing direct hair metal tributes over layered irony, resulting in a more earnest celebration of rock tropes.[13][25] Lyrically, Hot Leg's songs blended themes of excess and humor—such as phallic imagery in "Trojan Guitar" and irreverent anthems—with threads of personal redemption, drawing from Hawkins' recovery from addiction. Tracks like "You Can't Hurt Me Anymore" incorporated autobiographical elements of transformation and regret, juxtaposed against fictional rock excess like wizardry and conquest in "Some Kind of Wizard," creating a narrative that merged Hawkins' real-life introspection with exaggerated, playful rock mythology. This fusion allowed for conceptual depth while maintaining the band's commitment to lighthearted, trope-filled escapism.[12][26]Career
Early Activities and Debut
In July 2008, Justin Hawkins, the former frontman of The Darkness, publicly announced the formation of his new band, Hot Leg, as they completed work on their debut album.[27] Prior to the announcement, Hot Leg had released the song "Heroes" as a free download in early 2008, though it did not appear on their album. This marked a significant step following Hawkins' personal challenges, including the dissolution of The Darkness and his recovery from drug addiction, which he described as a period of soul-searching that inspired a fresh musical direction.[28] Hot Leg's debut single, "Trojan Guitar," was released on 20 October 2008 as a digital download through Barbecue Rock Records, an independent label founded by Hawkins and distributed by Universal Music.[28] The track, described by Hawkins as a "medieval epic" blending glam rock elements with his signature falsetto, did not enter the UK Singles Chart but generated early buzz through announcements and behind-the-scenes footage from its music video shoot at a castle near Bath, which faced production issues but highlighted Hawkins' theatrical style.[12][29] Early press coverage emphasized Hawkins' rehabilitation journey and his intent to evolve beyond The Darkness' shadow, positioning Hot Leg as a platform for more experimental rock songwriting.[28] Interviews around the single's launch portrayed the project as Hawkins' confident reinvention, free from past pressures, and focused on delivering high-energy performances rooted in his recovered personal stability.[27]Album Release and Promotion
Hot Leg's debut album, Red Light Fever, was recorded in London during early 2008 and released on 9 February 2009 through the band's independent label, Barbecue Rock Records.[30][21] The album peaked at number 81 on the UK Albums Chart.[31] It featured ten tracks characterized by high-energy rock arrangements, with standout songs including the lead single "Cocktails," released on 2 March 2009, which did not enter the UK Singles Chart but captured themes of urban partying and the exuberant rock lifestyle through lyrics depicting nights out in upscale London venues like Harvey Nichols and Claridge's, indulging in drinks such as Mai Tais and Singapore Slings.[32][33] This followed the earlier single "I've Met Jesus," released in December 2008. Promotion for Red Light Fever centered on Justin Hawkins' return to the music scene after his time away from The Darkness, with efforts including music videos for key singles like "Cocktails," directed by Richard Mitchell and filmed at London's Classic Car Club, emphasizing the band's glamorous, high-spirited aesthetic.[34] The campaign involved radio sessions and extensive press coverage in outlets like Sky News and The Mirror, where Hawkins discussed his recovery and the new project's "Man Rock" ethos.[35] These activities aimed to reintroduce Hot Leg as a fresh yet familiar force in British rock, leveraging Hawkins' falsetto and showmanship to generate buzz ahead of the album's launch. Critical reception to Red Light Fever was mixed, with reviewers praising its infectious energy and over-the-top production while critiquing its close resemblance to The Darkness' sound. The Independent highlighted the album's "jubilant falsettos, crashing crescendos, and ludicrously layered arrangements," calling it a bold continuation of Hawkins' style without apology.[36] Conversely, Drowned in Sound noted that while it delivered "histrionic falsetto with oversized riffs" for remaining Darkness fans, it felt like a direct extension of their previous work, lacking broader innovation, and awarded it 4 out of 10.[37] AllMusic echoed this ambivalence, rating it 3 out of 5 for its spirited glam rock revival but pointing to derivative elements.[5]Tours and Performances
UK and European Tours
Hot Leg's first headlining tour was a short summer outing titled Hands Up Who Loves Hot Leg in August 2008, consisting of four dates that began on August 6 at Proud Galleries in London.[38] This mini-tour helped build early buzz for the band ahead of their expanded live schedule. The band followed with a 10-date headlining tour across the UK in October 2008, performing at intimate venues to build anticipation for their debut album. The run included stops in Exeter's Cavern, Cardiff's Bogiez, Swindon's 12 Bar, and a sold-out performance at the Forum in Tunbridge Wells on October 30, which highlighted the band's growing fanbase and energetic stage presence.[39] Additional shows took place in cities such as Peterborough's Club Revolution on October 31, drawing enthusiastic crowds for previews of upcoming material.[39] In late 2008, the band expanded their live exposure by supporting American rock outfit Alter Bridge on the European and UK legs of their Blackbird Tour, starting in the fall. This high-profile slot allowed Hot Leg to share stages with established acts across multiple countries, though the band withdrew from three UK dates in November due to frontman Justin Hawkins suffering from a throat infection.[40][41] Venues included the Carling Academy in Glasgow on November 5 and Manchester Academy on November 18, where Hot Leg delivered opening sets that showcased their raw rock sound to diverse audiences.[42][43] Following the February 2009 release of their debut album Red Light Fever, Hot Leg embarked on a promotional headlining tour primarily focused on the UK, with select European outings to capitalize on album buzz. The March leg featured 10 shows in major cities, including London's O2 Academy Islington on March 12, Brighton's Concorde 2 on March 14, Portsmouth's Wedgewood Rooms on March 13, and Norwich's Waterfront on March 16, supported by Brighton-based band The Crave.[44][39] These performances emphasized the band's theatrical flair and audience interaction, solidifying their reputation for dynamic live shows.[44] Setlists during the 2008–2009 tours blended tracks from Red Light Fever—such as "I've Met Jesus," "Trojan Guitar," "Whichever Way You Wanna Give It," and "Do It in the Dark"—with high-energy covers including David Bowie's "Heroes" and Billy Idol's "White Wedding," creating a mix that paid homage to classic rock while highlighting Hawkins' soaring vocals and guitar prowess.[45][46][42] The emphasis on vigorous, crowd-engaging deliveries, often closing with anthemic numbers, contributed to memorable experiences that bridged the gap between Hot Leg's new material and the frontman's legacy with The Darkness.[45]Notable Appearances
Hot Leg gained early visibility through a guest appearance on the Sky One television programme Guinness World Records Smashed, broadcast on 27 November 2008, during which the band performed their single "I've Met Jesus" in support of a Guinness World Record attempt.[47] In March 2009, the band delivered an intimate performance at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival in Austin, Texas, marking one of their first major exposures to the American music scene and showcasing tracks from their debut album Red Light Fever.[48] This set, held at venues like Stubb's Bar-B-Q, highlighted Justin Hawkins' theatrical style and helped build international interest ahead of the album's release.[49] The band also featured in regional media spots, including live sessions for Channel M in Manchester during 2008, where they performed songs such as "Chickens" and "Prima Donna" in an acoustic format that emphasized their rock flamboyance.[50][51] These sessions provided a platform for Hot Leg to connect with UK audiences through intimate, broadcast-friendly renditions. Although Hot Leg's festival bookings remained limited during their active period, their SXSW appearance exemplified their strategy of targeting key events for broader recognition beyond standard touring circuits.[13]Disbandment
Hiatus Announcement
In late 2010, Hot Leg announced they were entering a hiatus following the release of their debut album Red Light Fever in 2009 and subsequent promotional efforts, with frontman Justin Hawkins citing the need for a break after an intense period of activity. The band did not formally disband at the time, framing the pause as temporary to allow for rest and potential future endeavors. Their final live performances occurred in late 2009, including a support tour with Extreme in November, culminating on 21 November at HMV Hammersmith Apollo in London, after which they wrapped up loose ends such as promotional commitments and administrative matters.[52][45] The announcement prompted speculation among fans and media about the band's future direction, including possible reunions or new ventures, while expressing disappointment over the group's short career that had barely begun to gain traction. Internally, Hawkins was shifting his priorities toward family life and ongoing personal recovery from earlier struggles with addiction.Reunion with The Darkness
On 15 March 2011, Justin Hawkins officially announced his reunion with The Darkness, including all original members, to work on a new album following the band's five-year hiatus.[53] This development effectively marked the end of Hot Leg, which had entered a hiatus in 2010 with no further recordings or tours.[53] Following the reunion, Hot Leg's other members—guitarist Pete Rinaldi, bassist Samuel S.J. Stokes, and drummer Darby Todd—pursued separate paths in music and beyond. Rinaldi joined the progressive metal band Haken as a live bassist in 2014 and has contributed as a guest guitarist on select tracks thereafter. Stokes shifted focus to entrepreneurial ventures, founding a digital media company and later becoming director of a self-storage business.[54] Todd continued as a prolific session drummer, collaborating with artists such as Devin Townsend, Martin Barre, and Robert Plant.[17] Hawkins has occasionally referenced Hot Leg in interviews as an interim creative outlet during his time away from The Darkness.[55] As of 2025, Hot Leg is regarded as a transitional phase in Hawkins' career, serving as a platform for his solo songwriting experiments post-rehab and band split, with no announcements of reunions or new material.[55] Meanwhile, The Darkness remains active, highlighted by their performance at the BBC's VE Day 80 commemoration concert on 8 May 2025 at London's Horse Guards Parade.[56][57]Discography
Studio Albums
Hot Leg's sole studio album, Red Light Fever, was released on 9 February 2009 via the independent label Barbecue Rock Records.[5][31] The album entered the UK Albums Chart at number 81, reflecting its modest commercial performance amid limited physical distribution.[58] Produced, recorded, engineered, and mixed by frontman Justin Hawkins alongside the band, the record was tracked in London during early 2008.[3][59] Spanning 10 tracks with a total runtime of 35 minutes and 48 seconds, it showcases Hawkins' signature glam rock influences through concise, high-energy compositions.[60] Standout tracks include "Cocktails" (blending falsetto vocals and riff-driven hooks), "I've Met Jesus" (a satirical ballad with theatrical flair), and "Trojan Guitar" (featuring intricate guitar work and over five minutes of build-up).[5] The full tracklist is as follows:| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chickens | 3:16 |
| 2 | You Can't Hurt Me Anymore | 3:19 |
| 3 | Ashamed | 3:04 |
| 4 | I've Met Jesus | 3:09 |
| 5 | Trojan Guitar | 5:25 |
| 6 | Cocktails | 3:58 |
| 7 | Gay in the 80s | 3:17 |
| 8 | Prima Donna | 3:27 |
| 9 | Whichever Way You Wanna Give It (So Do I) | 3:23 |
| 10 | Kissing in the Wind | 3:30 |
Singles
Hot Leg released four singles, with the debut "Heroes" preceding their album and the remaining three promotional singles from Red Light Fever, all issued through Justin Hawkins' independent label Barbecue Rock Records. These singles were primarily available in digital formats, with limited physical editions on CD and vinyl for collectors. None of the singles achieved significant commercial success beyond modest chart entry for one track, reflecting the band's niche appeal in the hard rock genre during their short tenure.| Title | Release Date | UK Chart Peak | Formats | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Heroes" | Early 2008 | — | Digital (MP3, free download) | Non-album debut single introducing the band's sound. |
| "Trojan Guitar" | 20 October 2008 | — | Digital (MP3, free download initially); limited promo CDr | Lead single from Red Light Fever emphasizing Hawkins' signature guitar riff.[28][12][62] |
| "I've Met Jesus" | 15 December 2008 | #135 | Digital (MP3); CD single; limited edition 7" vinyl (autographed) | Seasonal release with a holiday-themed music video directed by Richard Mitchell; peaked outside the UK Top 100.[63][64][65] |
| "Cocktails" | 2 March 2009 | — | Digital (MP3); CD single (cardboard sleeve); 7" vinyl | Final single; music video directed by Richard Mitchell and shot at the Classic Car Club in London.[66][67] |