Dan Hawkins - The Darkness | 1987X Playthrough | Marshall

Dan Hawkins of The Darkness headed down to the Marshall Studio and talked us through his tone, live rig and how he incorporates the 1987X in his setup.
Watch more Amp Playthrough videos here: • Jock Norton - Puppy | ...
You can also find us on our social networks:
Facebook / marshallamps
Twitter / marshallamps
Instagram / marshallamps

[@notsosure7757]

And that Marshall is how you sell amplifiers. Great content 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@cliffords2315]

Its the ROYAL KING of Rock Amps

[@nandoholgado3050]

I love when he says "And this is my clean chanel!" And it still being a so amazing crunch tone xDD

[@katman11]

Ya no kidding...LOL. At one point he was "clean" with delay on, but I'm not sure he mentioned which input he was using.

[@adkinneyam]

@@katman11 I know this comment is forever late, but I think he just has his volume knob on his guitar lowered for that.

[@cliffords2315]

Im the same

[@shovelrocker7102]

This must be the best amp demo I've seen so far. And what a joy it is to see the guitarist being so enthusiastic about his amp. It really gets you hooked in to the video.

[@josephfemoyer7218]

Then you have not seen many amp demos,my friend

[@AdamDallas]

This is quite literally the best rock and roll sound that ever existed.

[@cliffords2315]

AMEN

[@Atomic88Thrash]

This is 100% "the sound". You just cant beat it.

[@joshbooth7406]

The Darkness deserve all the exposure and attention anyone can give them!

[@AnthonyBurrito1313]

@Glasmania Joke band that has sold 6 million records

[@absolutely_senna]

@Glasmania joke band?! Are u f****ing kidding me? That is the best rock band in the world from last 20 years! A real joke band is Coldplay.🤮🤮

[@jc.1191]

Amazing band. Just terribly underrated.

[@reverb508]

@Brass neck the real joke is that you’ll never be as successful as them.

[@GantZiller]

Can confirm it sounds incredible in person, I had the pleasure of playing through his rig on stage with The Darkness last week!

[@DevinRyanVitek]

No way, how was playing through his rig? How’d that come about if you don’t mind me asking?

[@mowogfpv7582]

VIP soundcheck package?

[@GantZiller]

@@mowogfpv7582 indeed!

[@DevinRyanVitek]

@@mowogfpv7582 very cool!

[@AnthonyBurrito1313]

WOW!!!

[@Guitarorpheo]

This makes me all warm and fuzzy on the inside. To hear and see him play Black Shuck brings me back to 2004, a rainy tuesday in March when I first heard that song. Never looked back. Love the Darkness, love Les Pauls, love Marshalls.

[@lukejacko888]

That's one of the best demo/play throughs I've watched. Dan and Justin don't get the credit they deserve cause they are top guitarists!!!

[@DavidDiMuzio]

“My really clean sound” …Still sounds very distorted 🤣🤣

[@VintageRadius]

Lol. Yes, but in the band mix for their style of music it fits perfect for semi clean and if he backs off the volume from 10 to 8 or 9 it probably cleans up quite a bit more. The band might quiet down a bit for a cleanish verse before cranking it up again - and there you have dynamics.

[@barbarafogle3541]

That is a marshall clean.

[@davidburke2132]

I’ve not heard anyone describe such an overdriven sound as “clean” since Rob Chapman! 🤣🤣🤣 Dan does at least come across as a really decent bloke though, and irrespective of how not clean those tones are they still sound great.

[@barbarafogle3541]

@@davidburke2132 this is the new clean. In the future distortion will just invoke a massive headache immediately followed by lose of vision, confusion, unconsciousness and if continued may result in coma and or death.

[@jublaim]

@@barbarafogle3541 👍🤣

[@Herestobetterdays]

Dan is awesome! Cool to see him playing a vintage Casino and still getting the right sounds!!!

[@guitaristheway1638]

That moment when he starts to get into it and really just lights up was super wholesome. Dan's the reason I started playing, and definitely sold at least two Les Pauls.

[@1111undici1111]

I was 11 years old when I saw and heard my first Marshall amp in real life. It was in 1985 and it was a 100W plexi that my 18 years old neighbour demonstrated to me with his all black stratocaster. Needless to say I will never forget that day. Been loving Marshall amps ever since!!

[@bigmaxy07]

So many riffs per minute here. Just when you pick the riff he moves on! Glorious tone !

[@MusicHyde]

Man those tones are absolutely fabulous, thick and gritty at the same time, but not overly harsh.

[@yourdrummer2034]

Love how Dan can't help but gallop/chug on the lead channel! Love The Darkness and Marshalls. Marshall + The Darkness = Rock and Roll!

[@jc.1191]

This guy is the master of tone. Best guy to demo Marshall. Excellent pick👍.

[@mantashaft]

I never tire of that Marshall sound

[@tmacdonaldgrute]

Had the pleasure of plugging into this rig when I crossed paths with Dan at Marshall…..nothing quite beats a bloody loud Marshall!

[@Robnrollmusic]

Now that are “clean” sounds I actually like! 👌🏻

[@sgtwurstmesser]

Finally! Dan is the best I've heard at getting the most out of these amps. Love it.

[@seanrosedotcom]

His playing is so tight here. Sounds f'n awesome~! Loved seeing them live! They were fantastic...

[@phil.7064]

His voice is perfect for radio

[@mcmycee]

Love how he did a bit of Tie Your Mother Down, and then finished on I Believe In A Thing Called Love!

[@alanst.4417]

Wow, Dan's at it again. Love this old school sound and approach! That's how you play rock'n'roll with a Marshall! 🤘

[@peterantoniou6001]

Finally, someone who demos these marshals properly. Good playing, bravo.

[@seanrosedotcom]

They are so badass. Fan from the begin, but I finally got to see them live this year and it was f'n amazing...

[@holyhand90]

I saw Dan live a couple of years ago in Rome and remember clearly seeing him taking out his dog before the gig haha! Super guitarist ❤️

[@rocknrollguitarcovers5654]

pretty much the sound that EVERYBODY wants. Well done, you had us all drooling while watching this!

[@Tino5150VH]

"my Clean sound" plays some full driven ACDCish chords😂😂. Great guy, love his work and sound!

[@jamescuttsmusicjcm5013]

hahaha i had to laugh too. clean... riiiiight... sounds great like... but... okay Dan. If you say so. :D.

[@allenwarfield9262]

Got my tickets to see The Darkness in Nashville on April 8th! Can't wait to have Dan melt my face with these.

[@odgeUK]

Dan is the epitome of Marshall tone. Great guy to have onboard!

[@rdb9936]

And they say rock n roll is dead! Cracking band, running old school amps loud and unapologetically proud!

[@marstegreg]

That’s why I’m a proud owner of a late 70’s 1987!!!

[@demokraatti]

Last summer I saw The Darkness playing in Oulu Finland. Dan’s tone really stood out. It was the best guitar tone I heard there at this huge multi stage two day festival. For me it was like the ideal pure Marshall rock crunch. The heads were hidden so I didn’t know what amps he was using. I was even wondering if it was some kind of modelling amp wizardry because it cut so well through the mix and also fit perfectly into the mix. Now I know better.

[@221b-l3t]

Nope, tubescreamer and a 50 W Plexi :) The most classic equipment known to man.

[@MrSmegfish]

When I was young 1970 we had the first 100 watt plexi in Sunderland from Rock city. AC 30 s where the pro choice.....no one could believe the Marshall sound. I plugged my Les Paul in down in the pub basement practise room put it on 11 and let rip. Everyone was coming down from the pub to see the new beast...They where astounded by the Plexi. Things had changed.

[@vladimirerfan7721]

Good times. 😊

[@edvolcom]

I had one of Dan Hawkins 100w about 9 years ago and it was so loud!!!!!!!! But sounded incredible!

[@evercool5665]

Absolutely the best 1987X demo I've seen to date! I own a 1987 non X model that kicks ass and has tone for miles. I just ordered an A/B box to add to my pedals. Thanks for the insight!😎

[@andreaperale2733]

Dan's just the man! Long live The Darkness

[@samuelandkatie]

Best amp demo I’ve seen in ages! Good work Marshall and Dan Hawkins

[@FirestormAudio]

That sounds incredible.

[@danielroumen760]

Freakin awesome ,i'm gonna try that .Dan Hawkins you're the greatest !!

[@Toys_in_the_Attic]

Great video. Well obviously it's relative what a clean sound means to any guitarist, but for me these are basically 3 different great sounding overdriven/distorted sounds. Don't get me wrong, I love Marshalls had/have original '68 Plexis up to YJM100s and everything in between, but for clean sounds I just use a 2555 via a Radial VT head switch device and a YJM100 for everything else. If I had to use only one head I'd probably be fine with the 2555.

[@JockeLundgrenTV]

The original ROCK sound. Marshall! 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@LIGHTintheHALLS]

Right on, Dan Hawkins!! 🔊✨👍 He really knows how to use a Marshall.

[@AnthonyBurrito1313]

I Literally watched this and bought one immediately !!

[@TDCTCAS]

Dan Hawkins is a legend. Such a fantastic guitarist and a bloody nice bloke too

[@billhannum4117]

This is a great example of the right kind of gain vrs high gain . The tone is just out standing .

[@adamBnEII]

Marshall make the best amps.At least there is something warm in England.

[@americancarclassics5778]

Whenever I'm watching The Darkness' live videos, I always key on Dan's guitar tone. Justin is super, but Dan's the backbone of The Darkness. Best tone ever!👍🎶

[@lifeinlimbo2186]

This is absolutely beautiful sounding. Mean as all hell as well when necessary.

[@guskalogeros9021]

Great video! Now THAT is a rock n roll sound!! And then on top of that, you can dial in the volume up or down to adjust the clean. Great setup! Great AC/DC riffs too. Beating’ Around the Bush!

[@Dreyno]

“My clean sound”…….Kerrranng!

[@ZachWish]

👑Love this man.

[@vladimirerfan7721]

Love your vids man!

[@erictripton]

Nothing like a JMP 1987... sounds great, Dan. More impact than other rigs you used, no doubt.

[@commanderebony]

"my really clean sound".. krrrrrraaaaangg...

[@jorgeleonel6663]

Love Dan, Justin and The Darkness! Awesome video, well done Marshall!!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Now THAT is a great look at the plexi amps. Thanks Dan!

[@ykdickybill]

Mega demo Dan. Very well explained . Fantastic classic rock sound !!

[@tmerchak8049]

Thank You Dan I really like the sounds you get out of your set up. I am not a professional like you, but I do enjoy the Marshall sound and have listened to it as well as my guitar idols growing up. Its a shame that all you are doing is showing your rig to other players and someone has to rip your band or personally. Anyway, I am grateful to be able to get advice from a musician like you, Rock ON Dan !!

[@peterhenderson2193]

Need more artist demos like this 👍

[@TheoAndersenCarton]

If you dial a bit back on the volume on the guitar with the tube-screamer off, then it will clean up nicely. :) That's why many guitarists that use the old type amps use the volume knob a fair bit.

[@johncollins1365]

DAN HAWKINS RULES! LONG LIVE THE DARKNESS AND PROPER ROCK N ROLL!

[@dpabercrombie]

He's the new most underrated rhythm player out there.

[@deadboz6007]

The only rythm players that are hyped in my opinion are James Hetfield and Ian Scott ... because they play just rythm.

[@benparsons4979]

@@deadboz6007 Hetfield does some solos, for example the Nothing Else Matters solo. Also it's Scott Ian, not Ian Scott

[@deadboz6007]

@@benparsons4979 sry i always have problems with the name of Scott Ian. I also know an Ian Scott 😁 But Hetfield is still no lead guitar player in my opinion.

[@megaduck7965]

He’s very much the Malcom to Justin’s Angus playing wise

[@jameswebstermusic]

Not by me and many I know.

[@Lew.Jeffreys]

Dan is such a great player 🤟🏼 great demo

[@DavidScott-hi4fz]

I know all the Beatles, Keith Richards, Gary Clark Jr and Johnny Marr played Casinos but I really think they are still massively underrated. Amazing sounding guitars.

[@synchronicity1470]

Watching Dan work those pedals in concert and hearing the sound changes is transcendent. But then when you just ignore his foot action and hear him play - the Heavens open up for that heavy metal rock magic.

[@spaceburger80]

ABOUT TIME MARSHALL

[@npiofficiel]

M. Hawkins and the darkness are awesome

[@Joey_McElroy]

You know what’s funny, I got into Marshall amps, when I played a 1974X clone head through a 1936 2x12 cab. I bought it. Now I have a 1991 Bluesbreaker, a Class 5 head, and a 1960A 4x12 slant cab from 1989. Im soon to pick up the Origin 20 head in cream!! I’m Marshall for life…subsequently I was also around the same time discovering Clapton with Mayall and then in Cream. It’s the sound…and there’s only one way to get it. get a Marshall!!

[@candydormizzi2500]

Legend here this man oozes R&R !

[@gitarbangsatchanel8036]

That tone ia spot on

[@kevinlane7555]

Fantastic old school crunch right there

[@noworries12]

man,great review,playing,tone...BOUGHT!

[@RandyFricke]

That's a genius way to run that amp. I want to get one just to hook it up like that.

[@edrowley1]

That was informative and FUN! ...more Dan please.

[@absolutely_senna]

I always love Dan when explains his rig and it’s so strange seeing him playing “Tie Your Mother Down”.😍😍😍😍Today I still continuing asking me how he can play his guitar so low under the belt.😅I tried but it’s impossible.😫

[@fd9717]

Speaking about Dan, I think he most likely lowers his guitar because of his height (he is considerably tall) and has long arms (not all tall people have long arms, I am tall with relatively short arms) so imagine him adjusting the guitar on his belly?

[@absolutely_senna]

@@fd9717 yes I agree with you, his arms are much long. For sure Les Paul is an heavy guitar (he usually plays Les Paul).

[@fd9717]

@@absolutely_senna He adjusts his Les Paul much lower if you observe his career carefully, so the way he grabs his Epiphone in this video seems unusual for him (much upper). I have seen him a few years ago playing this exact Epiphone live and he was grabbing it nearly to his belly (it was a rare footage, a rare scientific phenomenon) However, he is one of a kind in terms of both guitar playing and handsomeness (God shaped him with real ardour)

[@absolutely_senna]

@@fd9717 I think he plays this Epiphone much higher because is more soft as guitar weight.

[@fd9717]

@@absolutely_senna That is a good reason. This gentleman is known for owning such heavy guitars. He once had a Fender customised guitar and added some more heaviness to it to match his Les Pauls. He also owns Jimmy Page's ‘Black Beauty’ which the former gave back to the factory because it was “too heavy for him and his back”. The factory never cared for Dan's back ever since.

[@truthfactreality6814]

Great band and excellent use of this classic amp

[@scottycunningham1413]

Wow. That casino sounds lovely

[@Chris_R_]

Presence, Treble, Mid and Bass controls all at 10 lol - THAT is how to run a Marshall. Great tones Dan and Marshall!

[@plutoloco2378]

I love the epiphone casino. I just got one after watching the Beatles documentary.

[@adamross875]

Dan Hawkins is an absolute legend !!!! 👍👍👍🤟🏻

[@anthonymichael3029]

Following up to my earlier comment down below….i landed a 1987x. It sounds like this. It does Black Shuck all day. Can confirm.

[@anthonysilva5312]

Gonna say…they all sound very similar but….I LOVE IT!!!

[@jaronensley]

Agreed. A joy to see a real guitarist. BUT did anyone notice that Dan's clean sound is anything but clean? Sounds awesome.

[@Old_Sod]

Audio is recorded and mixed brilliantly

[@nigel900]

I’ve got one. Fantastic!

[@anthonymichael3029]

This is probably my idealized rock tone. Yowzers

[@Pegasus4213]

Wow! That's the gutsiest sound I've heard from a guitar! Not me, but very satisfying! Thanks!

[@leesloan8216]

my son has recorded at the Marshall studio recently, Hes in Gen and the Degenerates. currently on tour with Skunk Anansie😁

[@nikkostrato]

I love Dan's definition of clean tone :D

[@davelip6992]

These are not only the best Marshall tones but best tones period that I've heard sweet Jesus Lord! As a rock guitarist this is all you need imo! Also does anyone know what delay he's using? That is the warmest awesome sounding I've heard too. Didn't see it on the board maybe it's a rack-mount?

[@josephfemoyer7218]

Any Germino clone or vintage Marshall will blow this away

[@DelReiRock]

03:57 My clean sound. My really clean sound. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@loneryouth]

absolutely ridiculous :D

[@svenzia]

This is the sound i want at home in my living room.

[@niptodstan]

In my gigging days I used the hi channel with an MXR micro amp for solo boost. It was all I needed.

[@Twobarpsi]

Nothing beats a Marshall 🤘🤘🤘!!

[@DRCRANKNSTEIN]

I have 2 of these and enjoy them, everytime that I plug in, and they are Master modded.

[@Frater_I.O.]

Love Love Love the sound of Marshall!

[@toddp.7936]

whoops wrong site, I am telling my friends about this above demo have been using Marshall's 40 years and never thought of it. Great idea cheers

[@F3502000]

Tone...absolutely perfected!! 👏😁