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The Darkness
The Darkness is a British rock band formed in Lowestoft, Suffolk, in 2000. The group rose to fame in the early 2000s with their flamboyant style, theatrical performances, and a sound that paid homage to classic rock acts from the 1970s and 1980s. The original lineup consisted of lead vocalist and guitarist Justin Hawkins, his brother Dan Hawkins on guitar, bassist Frankie Poullain, and drummer Ed Graham. The band gained widespread recognition with the release of their debut album, *Permission to Land*, in 2003. Fueled by hit singles like "I Believe in a Thing Called Love," "Growing on Me," and "Love is Only a Feeling," the album was both a critical and commercial success. It sold over a million copies in the UK and won several awards, including three Brit Awards in 2004. Following their initial success, The Darkness released their follow-up album *One Way Ticket to Hell... and Back* in 2005. While it did not match the commercial success of their debut, it maintained their signature sound and theatrical flair. Internal tensions and Justin Hawkins' struggles with substance abuse led to his departure in 2006, and the band eventually disbanded. In 2011, the original lineup reunited and began touring again, to the delight of their loyal fan base. They released their third album, *Hot Cakes*, in 2012, followed by a series of additional albums including *Last of Our Kind* (2015), *Pinewood Smile* (2017), *Easter is Cancelled* (2019), and *Motorheart* (2021). These later works have continued to showcase their distinctive blend of glam rock, heavy metal riffs, and tongue-in-cheek lyricism. Renowned for their over-the-top performances, high falsetto vocals, and humorous yet skillful musicianship, The Darkness has carved out a unique niche in the rock world. Their resilience and consistent ability to entertain have made them a beloved part of the modern British rock scene.