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Key Information

Justin David Hawkins (born 17 March 1975) is an English musician, Internet personality, singer, and songwriter best known as the founder, lead singer, and lead guitarist of The Darkness, of which his younger brother Dan is also a member. He is also the lead singer and guitarist for the band Hot Leg, formed in 2008 and now on hiatus. In 2021, Hawkins launched a YouTube channel entitled Justin Hawkins Rides Again, where he does comedic analysis on songs or artists in addition to covering news in the musical community.[1]

Early life

[edit]

Hawkins was born on 17 March 1975 in Chertsey, Surrey to Sandra and Harold Hawkins. His brother Dan Hawkins was born on 12 December 1976. The brothers grew up in Lowestoft, Suffolk; Hawkins recalled that he and Dan shared a friendly sibling rivalry which prompted both brothers to learn to play the guitar at a young age.[2][3] Hawkins and his brother both attended East Point Academy. He later found interest as a vocalist, citing Freddie Mercury and Bon Scott as his two biggest influences.[4][5]

Music career

[edit]

Hawkins was enrolled at Huddersfield Technical College from 1995 until 1997 to study Music Technology[6]. He later managed a position writing advertisement jingles for Ikea and Yahoo! through the late 1990s and early 2000s.[7] Hawkins' brother Dan recalled that Justin had developed a flamboyant stage image as he often performed with numerous local bands wearing spandex or sparkled outfits while utilizing his distinct vocal range to captivate audiences.[8] Hawkins later claimed he used his earnings from a popular commercial he wrote and sang for Ikea in 2000 to fund the Darkness' debut album.[9] Hawkins has been praised for his musical abilities, particularly his voice which spans five octaves.[10][11]

The Darkness

[edit]
Main article: The Darkness (band)
Hawkins performing with The Darkness at Ankkarock, Finland

Hawkins and his brother Dan had performed together in numerous bands whilst they were both attending university; though Justin recalls his brother was the original singer of a progressive rock project the two took part in. Eventually the two met drummer Ed Graham and sought to create a new project., the two began playing clubs and pubs before they were later signed by record label Atlantic Records. Their debut album, Permission to Land, went straight to number two in the UK charts upon its release on 7 July 2003, before going to number one and staying there for four weeks, eventually going on to sell 1.5 million copies in the UK and 3.5 million copies worldwide.[12] The success of this album led to heavy touring for the band, including European portions of Metallica's Summer Sanitarium Tour 2003. They went on to headline the Carling Festival in 2004. The band won three BRIT Awards in 2004 in response to the album, Best Group, Best Rock Group and Best Album. They also won two Kerrang! awards in 2004 for Best Live Act and Best British Band. The third single from the album, "I Believe in a Thing Called Love", was a substantial hit in the UK, as was their tilt at the Christmas 2003 number 1, "Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End)", which only just fell short, both singles reaching No. 2 in 2003. The band also appeared in the video for Band Aid 20, with Hawkins singing a number of lines.

Hawkins performs live with the Darkness

By late 2004 the band's constant media coverage had started to lead to a general public backlash, and Hawkins and the band themselves seemed to show signs that they were disillusioned with their constant media appearances, infamously walking off of an episode of the U.S.-nationally syndicated radio talk show Loveline on 19 April 2004.

In October 2005, a month before the album One Way Ticket to Hell... And Back was to be officially released, Hawkins won an eBay auction for a copy of One Way Ticket to Hell... and Back for £350 under the username 'turbogunhawk'. He claimed he did this so that he could track down whoever sold the digitally-marked advance copy of the album and try to prevent it from happening again.[13]

"One Way Ticket", the first single from their second album, was released on 14 November 2005, debuting and peaking at number 8 on the UK Singles chart.[14] The album itself was released on 28 November 2005, to somewhat mixed reviews. The album was produced by rock producer Roy Thomas Baker, best known for his work with Queen. Early sales figures in the UK showed the album had not sold as well its predecessor, Permission to Land. The album debuted at no. 11, and fell to number 34 in the second week of its release. Although it went on to achieve platinum status, this was in stark contrast with their debut's five times platinum status.

The Darkness live in Glasgow, February 2006

The second single taken from their second album was "Is It Just Me?", released on 20 February 2006. The single gained a preliminary position of No. 6 all that week, but finally charted at number 8. Hawkins announced when on stage that their third single to be released from the album was "Girlfriend". Released 22 May, "Girlfriend" charted at number 39.

The band followed up their second album with a tour of the UK and Ireland, consisting of 12 dates in the major cities. The tour opened in Dublin's Point Depot on 4 February and closed in the Nottingham Arena on 20 February. Few of the venues sold out, their appeal seemingly having become more selective. Their world tour, which followed, arrived in Australia and Japan after touring Scandinavia and Continental Europe in March.

In October 2006, Hawkins left the Darkness.[15] Although drug and alcohol problems were initially cited as the main reason, later on national television, Hawkins would claim that he had grown tired of the constant routine of the band, recording and promoting an album, going on tours for months, back in the studio, etc. which he considered "monotonous and boring" and "could not understand how bands like the Rolling Stones could sustain it".[16] For his time with the Darkness, Hawkins placed at number 35 on Spin's list of the greatest frontmen of all time.

In 2011 the band reunited and toured Europe, Asia and North America throughout 2011 and 2012 in support of their new album Hot Cakes. They then released Last Of Our Kind in 2015.

The band returned in 2017 with Pinewood Smile, their first album to come through Cooking Vinyl. Ahead of the album's announcement, The Darkness toured Europe in support of Guns N' Roses and played a number of festivals in the UK and Europe during the summer. In 2018, they released their Live At Hammersmith album.[17]

2019 saw the Darkness release the album Easter Is Cancelled on 4 October; the album charted in the top 10 in the UK.[18]

In January 2020, The Darkness released a new video for "In Another Life", which featured model Abbey Clancy. The track then made the BBC Radio 2 B-List.

Other projects

[edit]

In 2005, Hawkins set up a solo project, called British Whale. His debut single, "This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us", a cover of the 1974 hit by Sparks, was released on 15 August, reached No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart. The music video depicts Hawkins competing in a game show against World Darts Champion Phil Taylor, and features Sparks's Ron and Russell Mael as the show's hosts.

In 2006 Hawkins released a second single, available only to download, an unofficial World Cup anthem called "England".

Hawkins sang backing vocals on the Sweet's song "Hell Raiser" for Def Leppard's 2006 covers album Yeah![19]

In early 2007, he became half of one of six acts competing to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest competition in Helsinki in a duet with singer Beverlei Brown.[20] He entered Making Your Mind Up with Beverlei Brown singing a song entitled "They Don’t Make 'Em Like They Used To"[21] but did not win the competition.

On 16 March 2007, he appeared on the Comic Relief evening during the half-hour Top Gear of the Pops programme. This saw him performing Billy Ocean's "Red Light Spells Danger" with the three Top Gear presenters.

Later that month, on 29 March, Hawkins created a new Myspace profile featuring songs that were planned to be included on his upcoming solo album entitled Panther. The songs are titled "You Can't Hurt Me Anymore", "I've Met Jesus" and "Whichever". On 12 May, Hawkins added a further song to his profile, "Gay in the 80's". The songs appeared on the Hot Leg album Red Light Fever.

Hawkins with the band Hot Leg, October 2008

There is a wax model of Hawkins at Madame Tussaud's in London.[22]

Hawkins supplied the singing and guitar playing for Kurtz, the lead singer of the "bad guy band" Mantyz in the BBC's animated series Freefonix, which debuted on 4 January 2008.[23]

In the film Telstar about Joe Meek's life and career, released on 19 June 2009, Hawkins played the role of Screaming Lord Sutch.[24]

With Hot Leg in November 2008, he toured the UK supporting Alter Bridge (4–13 November) and Extreme (14–24 November).[25]

Hawkins has also worked with British pop-rock band Saving Aimee, producing their debut album. He also lent his "truth larynx" to the track "Party All Day (Fuck All Night)" guesting on the 2009 Steel Panther release, Feel the Steel. Hawkins recently worked with Adam Lambert on the track "Music Again" off his debut album.

Justin played the role of Josh, a burned out rockstar in the 2010 movie Psychosis. The movie also featured three Hot Leg songs.

Hawkins also appeared on the Meat Loaf album Hang Cool Teddy Bear, where he co-wrote two songs ("Love Is Not Real" and "California Isn't Big Enough"). He also provided guitar on "California Isn't Big Enough" and backing vocals on "Love Is Not Real" and "Los Angeloser".

In 2012, Hawkins appeared in a Samsung commercial for their Galaxy Note smartphone during Super Bowl XLVI.[26] In the same year, Hawkins and brother Dan appeared in the ZingZillas episode Electric Guitar.

In 2016, Hawkins appeared on the De La Soul album and the Anonymous Nobody... providing vocals on the track "Lord Intended".

In 2020, Hawkins participated in the UK version of The Masked Singer, appearing as Chameleon. His identity was revealed in the third episode when he was voted out.[27] During his time on the show he performed renditions of "Creep" by Radiohead, "Feel It Still" by Portugal. The Man, and "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper.

On 3 September 2022, Hawkins participated in the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium, where he joined John Lousteau and the Coattail Riders to perform "Louise", "Range Rover Bitch" and "It's Over". He then joined Wolfgang Van Halen, Dave Grohl and Josh Freese to perform "On Fire" and "Hot for Teacher" by Van Halen. He also made an appearance with Brian Johnson to perform "Back in Black". Later, he performed "Under Pressure" with Queen.

YouTube career

[edit]

In 2021, Hawkins launched his YouTube channel, "Justin Hawkins Rides Again", where he reviews music, commentates on the music industry and answers fan questions. As of April 2025, Hawkins’ channel has surpassed 600,000 subscribers.[28][29] Hawkins has received praise from viewers for his comedic delivery and remarkable guitar abilities as he frequently dissects song structures; his videos have amassed nearly 90 million views cumulatively. Hawkins has reviewed numerous songs and artists such as Greta Van Fleet, Maroon 5, My Chemical Romance, Disturbed, Metallica, Korn, Limp Bizkit, Deftones and Slipknot among others.[30]

Personal life

[edit]

Hawkins is a vegan.[31]

Hawkins is a football fan, having supported Manchester United growing up, but he is now primarily a supporter of Norwich City.[32]

Equipment

[edit]
Hawkins in 2020

Hawkins is seen playing Gibson Les Paul Customs almost exclusively. He is most commonly seen playing an alpine white model which he used with the Darkness (as seen in the "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" and "Love Is Only a Feeling" music videos), and with Hot Leg. It is rare to see him use another guitar, although he can be seen playing a custom Ibanez Jem for the song "Bald". He has also been seen using an ebony Gibson Les Paul Custom, a one-off Gibson "Less Paul" custom sculpted to resemble a shell, and a custom finished blue Les Paul standard airbrushed with the mythical dog Black Shuck and Blythburgh church. In 2004 Gibson issued a limited run of Justin Hawkins signature Les Paul Customs based on the '68 RI with abalone and mother of pearl "flame" inlays on the fretboard, a sparkle finish in either Silverburst or Pinkburst (a Blueburst and Redburst have also been pictured, as well as a one-off Gold Mirror finish produced by SimS Custom Guitars). These have become highly valuable because of their scarcity and unique features.

Recently, as seen at the September 5th show at the NorVa in Norfolk, Virginia, Hawkins played most of the show with a white Atkins Mindhorn.

Justin Hawkins with his Atkins Mindhorn guitar

He also used two of his heavily road worn Atkins JH3001 models, with a reversed headstocks, custom made for him, one neon pink and one neon yellow.

Justin Hawkins with his neon red Atkins JH3001 guitar

Hawkins used Mesa/Boogie Dual and Triple Rectifier amplifiers rather than Marshalls when performing with the Darkness. The stacks he was using had custom-made speaker cabs coated in red leather. During his time in Hot Leg he was exclusively seen using Cornford MK50H II's in white vinyl with two Cornford, 16-ohm, 4x12 cabinets loaded with Celestion "Vintage 30s". Since the Darkness reformation he has been seen using multiple modified Marshall 1959 MKII Plexi Reissue guitar amps with a boosted gain stage run through Marshall 1960B cabinets. Between 2016 and 2021, Hawkins used EVH and Wizard amplifiers.[33] From December 2021, Hawkins has used Laney JH3000 heads and GS 4x12 cabinets.[34]

In a 2012 edition of Guitarist magazine's video series "On the Road with..." Hawkins's pedal setup consisted of a Boss Analog Delay, a Pro Co RAT, a Diamond Pedals Compressor, a Boss TU-3 Tuner, and a Dunlop Cry Baby DCR-2SR rack module which allows him to have three separate wah-wah pedals strategically placed around the stage. As of 2016, Hawkins does not use any pedals.[33]

References

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Justin Hawkins

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from Grokipedia
Justin Hawkins is an English rock musician, singer, songwriter, and best known as the founder, lead vocalist, and lead of the band The Darkness. Born in , , on 17 March 1975, Hawkins was raised in , , where he developed an early passion for , teaching himself to play in isolation during his youth. He later collaborated with his younger brother Dan Hawkins, a more technically proficient , to form The Darkness in 2000 alongside bassist and drummer . The band quickly built a reputation through energetic live performances in pubs, blending showmanship, vocals, and high-energy guitar riffs to revive a sense of fun and rebellion in . The Darkness achieved breakout success with their 2003 debut album , which topped the UK charts, went multi-platinum, and spawned the hit single "I Believe in a Thing Called Love." The album's triumph led to major accolades, including three in 2004 for Best British Album, Best British Group, and Best British Rock Act, as well as the Songwriters of the Year award for The Darkness. However, internal tensions exacerbated by Hawkins's struggles with contributed to the band's acrimonious split in 2006, following the release of their second album One Way Ticket to Hell... and Back. During the hiatus, Hawkins formed the rock band Hot Leg in 2007, releasing the album Red Light Fever in 2009 to positive reviews for its bold, theatrical sound before placing the project on indefinite hold. The Darkness reformed in 2011 with its original lineup, including Poullain's return, and has since released six more studio albums, maintaining a cult following through tours and new material like the 2024 release Dreams on Toast. In recent years, Hawkins has expanded his influence via the YouTube channel "Justin Hawkins Rides Again," launched in 2021, where he shares guitar techniques, music commentary, and interviews, amassing a dedicated audience for his insightful and humorous takes on rock history.

Early life and influences

Childhood and family

Justin Hawkins was born on 17 March 1975 in , , . He was raised in the coastal town of , , where he spent his formative years. His parents, Harry (also known as Harold) and Sandy (also known as Sandra), were music enthusiasts who exposed their children to a wide range of genres, including and from their mother, and "dad-rock" from their father. Hawkins was the eldest of three children, with his younger brother Dan—born on 12 December 1976—serving as the middle child. The brothers shared a close but occasionally tumultuous relationship during childhood, often sharing a bedroom until Justin was around 10 years old; incidents like Dan's pet and mishaps highlighted their playful yet rough dynamic. Their parents' love for music profoundly influenced the siblings, fostering an early passion for bands such as , , and industrial acts. Growing up in , the Hawkins brothers enjoyed an adventurous childhood, never bored, as they rode mopeds, shot guns, and fired arrows in their free time. Justin began learning guitar at a young age by isolating himself to practice, developing considerable skill, though he noted his brother Dan was even more naturally talented on the instrument. Their father's background as a builder and mother's humorous, free-spirited personality—reminiscent of her time in London's Chelsea scene—shaped the family's lively atmosphere, with tales of parental encounters like Sandy sharing whisky with .

Education and early music exposure

Hawkins grew up in a family environment rich with diverse musical influences, including , folk, , and rock. His early exposure came through his parents' record collection, featuring artists such as Queen, , , the , and the , which fostered a broad appreciation for music from a young age. By around age 12, Hawkins and his younger brother Dan began performing in local bands, initially focusing on guitar, which marked the start of his hands-on music involvement despite initial interests in sports like hockey, , and rugby. He attended Kirkley High (now East Point Academy) in , where he was two years ahead of Dan and both brothers faced teasing for their , though Justin's group was known for being assertive. At , Hawkins contributed to the soundtrack of a production called Faust and Furious, in which he also acted as a TV reporter, and received encouragement from music teacher Mr. Spencer, who supported his creative pursuits. His vocal style began to emerge, drawing inspiration from Freddie Mercury of Queen and Bon Scott of , whom he cited as key influences on his high-pitched, theatrical delivery. Teachers predicted he would end up in a pub band career, a path he embraced after shifted his focus away from athletics. After , Hawkins studied at College, specializing in and art, where he developed skills in traditional techniques. He then enrolled at Technical College in 1995 for a BTEC National Diploma in Music , completing it with distinction in 1997. During this period, he became obsessed with producing jingles using computer software and performed in a college band, often dressed in a distinctive big wig, while his final project—a rock opera—highlighted his originality in composition. This formal training solidified his technical skills and reinforced his passion for rock, influenced by albums like AC/DC's Powerage (1978) and Aerosmith's Pump (1989), which shaped his guitar and vocal approach.

Music career

The Darkness

The Darkness is a British hard rock band formed in , , in 2000 by brothers Justin Hawkins (lead vocals and lead guitar) and Dan Hawkins (rhythm guitar), alongside bassist and drummer . Hawkins, who served as the band's primary songwriter and frontman, drew from influences like Queen, , and to craft a sound blending high-energy power chords, soaring vocals, and theatrical elements with humorous, self-aware lyrics. The group honed their live act through gigs at venues like The Monarch in Camden starting in August 2000, building a grassroots following with their flamboyant performances, including Hawkins' signature catsuits debuted in late 2001. The band's breakthrough came with their debut EP I Believe in a Thing Called Love in 2002, which caught the attention of after airplay on BBC Radio 1. Their debut album, , released on July 7, 2003, became a commercial juggernaut, topping the for four weeks and achieving quadruple platinum status (1.2 million copies sold in the UK); it also peaked at No. 36 on the and earned gold certification there. Standout singles like "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" and "" propelled their rise, with the former reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and earning three in 2004, including Best British Album, Best British Group, and Best British Rock Act. Hawkins' charismatic stage presence, marked by high-kicks and guitar solos, helped sell out major venues like London's Astoria in 2003 and headline festivals such as Reading in 2004, positioning The Darkness as one of the UK's biggest rock acts of the early despite initial critical skepticism toward their retro style. Their sophomore album, One Way Ticket to Hell... and Back, followed in 2005 and debuted at No. 1 on the , maintaining 's bombastic sound with tracks like the title single, but it faced mixed reviews and lower sales amid growing internal pressures. Hawkins' struggles with alcohol and cocaine addiction intensified during this period, leading to his departure from in late 2006 after entering rehabilitation; the group officially disbanded shortly thereafter, with the Hawkins brothers not speaking for about two years due to the fallout. During the hiatus, Hawkins formed the side project in 2008, releasing one album before shifting focus. The original lineup reunited in 2011, announcing their return with a slot at the Download Festival, driven by renewed creative synergy and a desire to avoid becoming a nostalgia act. They released Hot Cakes in 2012, which charted at No. 9 in the UK and featured a more mature evolution of their sound, followed by Last of Our Kind (2015, No. 10 UK). Lineup changes occurred in 2014 when Graham departed and was replaced by Rufus Tiger Taylor on drums. Subsequent albums included Pinewood Smile (2017, No. 7 UK), Easter Is Cancelled (2018, No. 9 UK), and Motorheart (2021, No. 2 UK), showcasing stylistic experiments like pop balladry and country influences while retaining their core rock energy. Hawkins has credited the reunion with personal growth, stating in 2025 that sobriety allowed the band to mature without losing their humorous edge. Their eighth studio album, Dreams on Toast, released in 2025 via Cooking Vinyl, debuted at No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart and marked their most eclectic work to date, blending glam rock with alt-rock and reflecting two decades of resilience. As of 2025, The Darkness remains active, touring extensively and maintaining Hawkins as their driving creative force.

Other projects and collaborations

In 2005, Hawkins launched a solo project under the pseudonym British Whale, releasing a cover of Sparks' "This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us," which reached number 6 on the UK Singles Chart. The project also produced a second single, "England," inspired by the , though it did not achieve similar commercial success. Following the initial breakup of The Darkness in 2006, Hawkins formed the band in 2008, serving as lead vocalist and guitarist alongside Pete Rinaldi on guitar, Sam Stokes on bass, and Darby Todd on drums. The group released their debut album, Red Light Fever, in 2009, featuring singles like "Fever" and "I've Changed My Mind," which showcased Hawkins' signature and guitar work but received mixed reviews and modest chart performance. Hot Leg toured extensively in support but went on indefinite hiatus after The Darkness reformed in 2011. Hawkins has engaged in several notable collaborations outside his primary projects. He provided backing vocals on Def Leppard's cover of Sweet's "Hell Raiser" for their 2006 album Yeah!, adding his distinctive high-range harmonies to the track. For Meat Loaf's 2010 album Hang Cool Teddy Bear, Hawkins co-wrote and performed on two songs: "Love Is Not Real" (with Eric Nally) and "California Isn't Big Enough." He also contributed guitar and vocals to Steel Panther's "Party All Day (Fuck All Night)" on their 2009 debut Feel the Steel, and joined them for live performances, including a 2009 rendition at London's 229 Club. In 2009, Hawkins wrote the opening track "Music Again" for Adam Lambert's debut album For Your Entertainment, infusing it with elements produced by . Additionally, in 2016, he featured on the rock-infused track "Lord Intended" from De La Soul's album ...and the Anonymous Nobody, delivering lead vocals in a genre-blending collaboration that referenced and incorporated elements.

Online presence

YouTube career

Justin Hawkins launched his YouTube channel, Justin Hawkins Rides Again, on October 23, 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic while he was stranded in Switzerland. Initially inspired by his producer Jenny May Finn, the channel began as an extension of his Patreon content, where he had around 600 patrons sharing acoustic performances and music discussions that lasted four to five hours on Sundays. Hawkins cited the appeal of unfiltered creative control as a key motivation, stating, “I can sit here and say anything I want.” The channel's content primarily focuses on music analysis, deconstructing classic and contemporary songs, and offering irreverent commentary on the music industry. Hawkins covers a mix of topics weekly, including those he dislikes for provocative discussions, popular trends to capitalize on algorithms, and personal passions like "Dad Rock," which often garner fewer views but emphasize cultural significance over technical theory. Notable videos include his breakdown of Oasis's "" titled "Is This the Best Oasis Song?!" and a Bee Gees tribute featuring an impersonation in "This Is Why the Rock." He also hosts long-form episodes, such as "How Much Money Do I Really Make?" exploring industry finances, and reactions to fan critiques. By March 2023, the channel had grown to 375,000 subscribers, expanding beyond fans of his band The Darkness through Hawkins' knowledgeable yet humorous style. Growth accelerated after his 2023 interview with music producer and timely content tied to events like Oasis reunion rumors. By December 2023, subscribers neared 500,000, with total views exceeding 100 million across hundreds of videos. As of October 2025, the channel had approximately 641,000 subscribers and over 105 million views from 761 videos. Hawkins has faced challenges, including a 2023 copyright dispute with after his critical video "I’m Sorry. It’s Just Sh*t" led to claims, prompting him to discuss YouTube's monetization pitfalls. Despite tensions with algorithm-driven demands versus authentic interests, he balances the channel with The Darkness commitments, viewing it as a tool to attract younger audiences and sustain touring. In 2023, he toured the with a live version of the show, "LIVE! Justin Hawkins Rides Again…for the first time!," which continued into 2024 and 2025. A career-spanning October 2025 interview with highlighted his transition from rockstar to social media personality, reinforcing the channel's role in his evolving career.

Podcasting and social media

In 2023, Justin Hawkins launched the podcast Justin Hawkins Rides Again, a weekly series in which he explores the intricacies of the music industry, including its challenges, successes, and cultural impacts. The podcast features Hawkins as host, often alongside producer Jenny May Finn, discussing topics such as artistic originality, the effects of fame, dynamics, and career downfalls, with episodes structured around thematic monologues or interviews. Notable guests have included , who joined for a on music longevity and industry evolution. Distributed across platforms like , , , and , the series amassed 36 episodes by late 2024, earning a 4.9 out of 5 rating on based on user reviews praising its candid insights into rock music's underbelly. Hawkins has described the podcast as a platform for demystifying the "lauded and loathed" aspects of professional music-making, drawing from his experiences with The Darkness to offer advice on pitfalls like cancellation and recovery. In 2024, production paused for Hawkins' touring commitments, with an announcement of resumption in January 2025 featuring enhanced episodes and new guests; however, as of November 2025, no new episodes have been released. Hawkins leverages to amplify his and cultivate a direct connection with fans, positioning himself as a vocal commentator on rock culture. On (@justinhawkinsta), he shares reels and posts critiquing modern music trends, promoting episodes, and offering guitar tips, amassing over 285,000 followers by late 2025. His TikTok account (@mrjustinhawkins) focuses on short-form content embodying an "elitist attitude towards music," including rants on purity and industry hypocrisy, which has garnered 374,000 followers and millions of likes through viral clips. On X (formerly , @JustinHawkins), Hawkins engages in real-time discussions about releases, dates, and teases, using the platform to interact with artists and fans while announcing events like his "Justin Hawkins Rides Again… Again" tour. The official page for the podcast serves as a hub for episode announcements and community building, with over 32,000 likes, fostering discussions on rock history and Hawkins' perspectives. This integrated online strategy has transformed Hawkins from a traditional rock frontman into a multifaceted digital personality, blending entertainment with industry critique to reach broader audiences beyond live performances.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Justin Hawkins was born in 1975 to parents Sandra and Harold Hawkins in , , . He has a younger brother, Dan Hawkins, born in 1976, with whom he shares a close familial and professional bond as co-founders of the rock band The Darkness; the siblings grew up in , , and their relationship has been described as intense and collaborative, with Justin often crediting Dan as a key influence in his life and career. Hawkins married in 2012, and the couple resided in , where they raised their , born around 2014; the family emphasized regarding the child's name and details. Their lasted approximately 11 years, during which Hawkins has spoken of his as a central motivation for his personal stability and sobriety. The couple separated in late 2023 or early 2024, though specifics remain private. Following the separation, Hawkins began a relationship with singer Désirée Mishoe in 2023, describing her as his "life partner" and "happy place" in public statements and social media posts. The pair have appeared together at events, including the Sky Arts Awards in 2024, and Hawkins has referred to Mishoe as his wife "in every respect," though they are not legally married as of 2025. They continue to split time between Switzerland and the UK, maintaining Hawkins' focus on family amid his touring schedule.

Health challenges and lifestyle

Hawkins has openly discussed his struggles with and alcohol , which intensified during The Darkness's early success in the mid-2000s. He spent an estimated £150,000 on and described drugs as becoming his "main source of nutrition," leading to a breakdown that prompted him to enter rehab at age 31 in 2006. This addiction caused a significant rift with his brother and bandmate Dan Hawkins, resulting in a two-year period of minimal communication, and ultimately led to his temporary departure from the band. Following rehab, Hawkins prioritized recovery by distancing himself from the band's touring and associated triggers, achieving long-term that he maintains to this day. He has shared that required a complete overhaul, including leaving behind the "infrastructure around the ," and he credits this change with preventing further personal and professional collapse. Hawkins has also addressed challenges, noting struggles during idle periods that he manages without medication by "riding it out," viewing it as a manageable aspect of his recovery journey. In addition to addiction recovery, Hawkins has faced vocal health issues, including a polyp on his removed around 2018, which he underwent for and followed with aftercare at the to preserve his signature . He experienced a chest in March 2025, which forced The Darkness to postpone shows and required him to rest his voice under medical advice. Earlier in his career, he battled in 2003, which raised concerns but was not cancerous. Hawkins's current lifestyle emphasizes fitness and routine as supports for his sobriety and well-being, though he clarifies that running is more about personal enjoyment than direct management. Residing in , he runs daily—typically 10 km on tour or half-marathons through forests with his dog—except on Mondays when he does football training, a habit he resumed about a decade ago after a teenage stint in . He follows a vegan diet, incorporates , starts his day with strong flat white coffees using , and has shifted to an earlier bedtime of 9 p.m. from his previous 4 a.m. habits.

Performing style and equipment

Guitar technique and influences

Hawkins' guitar technique is characterized by a blend of raw energy and precision, emphasizing confidence over perfection in live performances. He advocates for playing "bum notes" with supreme assurance, stating that "a note played with supreme confidence, no matter how wrong it is, will always be the right one," which infuses rock solos with excitement and character. His approach prioritizes expressive bends, hammer-ons, and , facilitated by medium string action and 10-gauge strings on instruments like Customs, allowing for three-fret bends and fluid upper-fretboard navigation. Hawkins maintains a clean signal path, relying on finger technique rather than effects like noise gates, and often overbends notes during shows to achieve a fresh, spontaneous tone without pre-warm-ups. In soloing, Hawkins builds on the minor as a foundation, incorporating harmonic minor elements and ninth notes to add tension and direction, describing solos as "a collection of phrases" that evoke "a spider crawling across the fretboard." He sticks to standard E tuning, asserting that "if you can't put your ideas across with that, you're in trouble anyway," avoiding alternate tunings to focus on core rock phrasing. For rhythm and attack, he rotates his pick slightly to mimic Brian May's scratchy sound and employs thumb-over barre chords, drawing from Jimi Hendrix's innovations while balancing practice to retain "pain and passion" in his delivery—recommending three days on and off to prevent over-polish. Hawkins' influences span classic rock, blues, and beyond, shaping his melodic yet economical style. He cites for simple, attitude-driven playing on early Run-D.M.C. tracks, which inspired accessible novice-friendly riffs. Mark Knopfler's expressive and melodic lines in ' Private Investigations influenced his solo inventiveness, while Buddy Holly's triad-based chords and straightforward solos informed Hawkins' riff structures. Jimmy Page's otherworldly economy in Led Zeppelin cuts and Angus Young's pentatonic in songs directly impacted his lead phrasing and energy. Further inspirations include Brian May's sophisticated melody-building in Queen's catalog, Eddie Van Halen's pioneering structures in tracks like Michael Jackson's , and Slash's tonal expressiveness on Guns N' Roses' . Keith Richards' chord inversions from and Lindsey Buckingham's hybrid fingerstyle in added orchestration and intensity to his rhythm work, with his brother Dan Hawkins—modeled after —providing complementary tight grooves. These influences converge in Hawkins' versatile, humorous sound, blending blues-rock flair from Luke Morley of Thunder with the manic energy of Tim Smith's Cardiacs-era playing.

Signature gear and setup

Justin Hawkins has long favored models as his primary guitars, particularly white 2001 Customs, which he used exclusively during live performances in the mid-2010s. These instruments provided the thick, sustaining tone central to The Darkness's sound. By the early , Hawkins expanded his collection to include semi-hollow Gibsons such as the ES-335 (two units) and ES-355 for bluesier applications, alongside a 1971 Olympic White with a four-bolt neck plate. In recent years, Hawkins has embraced signature models from boutique builder Atkin Guitars, reflecting a shift toward greater versatility while retaining high-gain capabilities. The JH3000 is an offset design priced at £2,999, featuring two , no middle pickup, additional tremolo springs, and Stratocaster ergonomics to bridge and tonalities. His JH3001 signature, launched in September 2024, draws inspiration from Eddie Van Halen's , boasting a heavily relic'd neon finish, roasted maple , Gotoh , custom hand-wound pickups ( in the bridge and single-coil-sized hot rail in the neck), Perspex pickguard, reverse headstock, diamond-topped knobs, and a three-way switch on the upper horn. Hawkins also incorporates the Burns Jet-Sonic into his arsenal, valuing its British vintage vibe for select performances. Additionally, he employs a Charvel Super Stock SC1 live and has raffled unique customs like a one-of-a-kind Sea Shell. For amplification, Hawkins relied on his custom Laney JH3000 signature head from 2021 to 2022, a 120-watt all-tube unit based on the Ironheart series with three channels (clean, rhythm, lead), four ECC83 preamp tubes, two power tubes, and reactive load for high-gain saturation tailored to his falsetto-driven rock style; however, sound inconsistencies led him to discontinue its use. By 2023, he transitioned to amplifiers, including the Custom Shop Wildwood Smallbox head paired with a Morgan 2x12 cabinet loaded with Celestion G12H-75 Creamback speakers for tours, praising their responsiveness and power. Earlier setups drew from , Cornford (Richie Kotzen signature), Marshall, and Wizard amps, but now serves as his preferred modern choice for blending vintage warmth with contemporary punch. Hawkins' effects setup emphasizes overdrive and distortion to enhance his natural amp tones, with minimal reliance on extensive pedalboards. In 2023, he and brother Dan launched Hawkins Brothers Audio's Permission to Land pedal, a $249 dual-path overdrive recreating their debut album tones—Justin's high-gain path for leads and Dan's crunch for rhythm—featuring independent volumes, shared gain/master knobs, three-band EQ, footswitchable solo mode, true bypass, and a Lo-Fi switch for vintage radio effects. He has also used the Pro Co RAT distortion pedal historically for added grit. Overall, Hawkins prioritizes simple, high-quality signal chains that amplify his fingerstyle technique and vocal-guitar interplay without overcomplication.

References

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