EP 3.01: Justin Hawkins (The Darkness) talks live albums, chart-eligible plays and more [

[@kenthomson8654]

Justin. What a charming man.

[@plausibledeniability8617]

That ladies and gentleman is a man who is relaxed and confident in his element.

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Plausible Deniability Couldn't agree more!

[@oatlord]

For sure. Makes braces look cool.

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Oat lord Agreed 😃👍 / Sebi

[@TheJaxsonjack]

"I don't care if peoples' attention spans are reduced. That's their problem.". Awesome!

[@richardclark6858]

Can’t say I ever listened to the darkness.. not my cup of tea, but really like this guy and his KZbin channel..

[@FromHerotoZero]

Many thanks 🙏

[@ryantinker8598]

Dude, you should dig in to their catalog. So many great songs. Start with “open fire”. They rock!

[@richardjames9091]

Same here

[@mr.logicpants2835]

The Darkness is one of the few bands that is actually a really great rock band. I just wish they would play their stuff in america more. Keep rocking boys!

[@KowankoMusic]

I'll always show up for an interview with this guy. Dead smart and the drollest wit in the land.

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Check out his KZbin channel: Justin Hawkins Rides Again.

[@bassmastafunkawesome]

He is just awesome. I've loved The Darkness since middle school, and love them now.

[@FromHerotoZero]

+bassmastafunkawesome Same here. We've loved The Darkness since their early days and might love them even more today B-)

[@deViIle]

Years late i know, but you’re a great interviewer here - really interesting topics and nice to hear informed questions. Vacuous (and giggly) interviews are so tiring, your style is really refreshing, thank you!

[@FromHerotoZero]

Thank you very much for watching and for the compliment🙏 I really appreciate.

[@whatsupfashion3077]

I saw The Darkness recently and it's the best live performance I've ever seen in my entire life. Such a great interview with an extremely talented man. Justin seems very calm here, only a great interviewer can make someone feel so at ease, well done! :)

[@FromHerotoZero]

Thanks a ton for watching and for the kind words on this interview. We really appreciate (^_^) It was a mutual thing. Justin was great on- and off-camera as well, a true gentleman, authentic from head to toe. And that evening, we were able to witness a phenomenal The Darkness gig. Definitely one of the best shows I've seen in recent times. I like the band before, but after talking with Justin and seeing them live, I'm a fan now! /Sebi

[@tootless]

great job sebi!!

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Tom Marsh Thank you very much, Tom. We really appreciate your kind comment and you taking the time and watching our interview with Justin. /Sebi

[@tootless]

you really have a great demenar..and youve done your homework>>kudos sebi

[@macker8017]

Looks bad is he ok

[@Some1.2ear]

Wow the last part of this Interview Justin blew my mind. Absolutely bang on accurate account of what went wrong with the music industry. Pure, perfect, elequant observation 👌

[@1sonofabiscuit837]

The prodigal rock n roll son is still alive! great 5-star interview glad Justin is still alive, well, and here in the rock world!

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Nicholas Jetty Many thanks for watching and the kind words, Nicholas. It was a great pleasure talking to Justin and getting to know his point of view. He is a living legend, imho. /Sebi

[@PhoenixWright101]

"People in comas listen to Sam Smith..." Brilliant! Fascinating and drily funny interview. Thank-you

[@FromHerotoZero]

+PhoenixWright101 Thank 'You' for watching this. It was absolutely great meeting an talking with Justin and the others. Great professionals and great people.

[@DeanWuksta]

what a great attitude Justin has, embracing all the imperfections of a live show, not playing the set to perfection, but enjoying individuality of the night. Great interview, so nice to see the artist set free to chat without interruptions, well done guys.

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Dean Wuksta Thanks a bunch for watching and the kind words, Dean. It was refreshing and very interesting talking with Justin in that setting. I think The Darkness set up their business in a smart and effective way. Kudos to them. /sebi

[@allicafilms2467]

I remember I was absolutely obsessed with The Darkness back in 2004 & when Permission To Land was released I was just blown away with them... I saw them live when they reformed back in 2012 & just released Hot Cakes & man they were insane live

[@FromHerotoZero]

Thanks for sharing that. I have only seen The Darkness love once, but that gig was top notch. Didn’t expect them to blow me away like they did. Awesome live band! / Sebi

[@patterjak]

Like the interview, Justin wasn't takin the piss out if interviewer for a change . Still releasing sublime albums, still shockingly good live, I just saw them in Manchester & there was a mosh pit.

[@dennisrees9615]

His point about charts was very worth hearing. I believe chart eligible should be record sales as well

[@dr2926]

I love Justin. I love The Darkness.

[@gizz31]

Great interview - fan of these guys since 02/03. had the pleasure to watch them live a fair amount of times. certainly know how to perform a great gig. from a proud darkling - I wish justin + the rest of the darkness every bit of sucsess ......to come back and rock a 2nd time, they deserve more recognition. very very underated band x

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Gaynor Oates I share your opinion. The Darkness are definitely one of the most underrated bands out there. It's great to see how confident and clever they navigate the stormy waters of the music business and manage to please their fans with great energy and authenticity. And, boy do they know how to rock a gig! /sebi

[@williamweiss6128]

Exactly!! One reason I love these guys so much is their sincerity in their live performances. These are real human beings putting it out there on stage every night. Not doctored like some do. Technology can be used to remove the human element from live performances. Looking forward to many years from these guys.

[@zxingzxing]

Great bloke is Justin Hawkins.

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Neville Bardoli Indeed! /Sebi

[@sebispidey]

/FHTZ

[@billhart9832]

Discovered The Darkness in ..... Saudi Arabia! Justin Hawkins is a very clever, witty guy, with stage Ownership like very few! He and the band really are "The Last of Our Kind"! More please!!!

[@FromHerotoZero]

Thanks for sharing, Bill. I completely agree with you. Justin’s and the band’s phenomenal stage presence and entertainment factor blow me away everytime I see them live. Looking forward to the new album and European tour this fall. /Sebi

[@petercaron3799]

Im watching this from riyadh now :)

[@willmolinar]

I saw them at the House of Blues in LA in 2012. They blew the place up! Just an amazing show.

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Fit and Healthy at Any Age 👍 I can very well imagine. / Sebi

[@saralowe_arts]

There was something respectful and honourable about entering a shop and buying music. Even now we have such shops like HMV but it doesn't feel the same. Music that's obtainable from a device makes me half hearted, I generally walk in and then back out thinking I'll stream it in the car instead. Ignorance is such bliss...I'd pick an album, smell the cover, feel the texture, read the lyrics...see the shiny disc...smell the 'newness' of pressed vinyl. Now, I feel slightly guilty for keeping a load of plastic but even worse for a headache of musical clutter in my head from Spotify. .....Back then, buying music from a shop was the highlight of my day. Couldn't wait for lunch break to rush into a store. Exciting and euphoric. I don't think anything compares to that. To me honest, I always resort to pretty much old stuff and will pay a little extra for it. It sort of helps when you know your preferred artist or music genre. Top of The Pops was an incredible memory for me and my family. We'd be sitting with anticipation to find out who got the top spot.

[@kellycurtsinger9423]

Justin sir, you couldn't have said it better at the end.

[@daddysmith1376]

Proper rock star!...best front man ever !

[@tootless]

what a rock star!!>> great great interview

[@RamenLarbs]

Saw them at their Darknesstival last weekend. Amazing gig. Best era of their work.

[@FromHerotoZero]

I can well imagine. Saw The Darkness in early 2016 and their energy blew me away. Fantastic show! /Sebi

[@heftosprod]

Brilliant interview. Damn right.

[@FromHerotoZero]

Yes, Justin was awesome here. Thanks a bunch for watching👍

[@MrZooky123]

"A handshake isn't worth the paper it's written on"

[@robdurr]

Best band in the world!

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Rob Durr I must say that there's space for a few 'best bands in the world', and The Darkness are definitely one of them

[@MamauDrummer]

I'm Brasilian and really like the sound of those guys. To me is one of the best hard rock band in the whole world. Congrats to the interviewer, including the dog :)

[@FromHerotoZero]

Thanks a ton for the kind words and for watching, Mauricio. Yes, The Darkness a fantastic band indeed. Loved meeting them and seeing them live. And Bonnie (Justin's dog) was really nice, too :) /Sebi

[@shannonpincombe4563]

The dog at 10:45 is classic!!

[@FromHerotoZero]

😄

[@nenabunena]

I miss his long hair & plunging glam spandex suits. i love his red boots btw!

[@FromHerotoZero]

I like all ‘versions of Justin’ :-) /Sebi

[@Hoscitt]

10:42 killed me! 😂 😂

[@bizzjoe]

lol

[@robertnettleship5467]

Comedic timing is hilarious

[@TM-xt8ms]

They played at the Phoenix in Toronto maybe half a decade or so ago...one of the greatest performances i've ever seen. Never seen a guy wearing a zebra-spandex one piece rock so hard.

[@FromHerotoZero]

+A O I agree. Saw The Darkness on the day of this interview and it was one of the best gigs I've ever witnessed. Looking forward to seeing them this November again. / Sebi

[@keymastercp70]

Great interview!! Got a deep sense of where Justin's mind is at

[@FromHerotoZero]

+keymastercp70 Very glad you liked the interview. Justin was great and brutally honest. Exactly why we like him so much.

[@DavidOakesMusic]

He looks exhausted .

[@JackEWare-re8yd]

An interesting interview with Justin, very business focused, which was cool.

[@FromHerotoZero]

Thank you, Jack. Glad you liked it.

[@AlOKaneMusic]

Bonnie makes several very valid contributions... (as Justin's hand swiftly moves down on her head, lol)...

[@persephonemaeve2704]

Australians have the best taste in music. Love to see them here again 😃👌🏻

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Rebecca Remington Australians definitely have a great taste in music B-)

[@theothertonydutch]

#buthow

[@Badvirtueproductions]

Rebecca Remington they're coming very soon! I am sooo pumped to see them 👍👍👍

[@alfredo566]

Good questions, great answers

[@FromHerotoZero]

+George Kb Thank you very much

[@ramirojorge2887]

very interesting interview! I've bought one of those live recordings and yes they're exactly the same. I've shared it with someone I've met at the concert just because music, the moment, the feelings still matter for us. The biggest problem I think is that the companies want to industrialise human creativity. creativity isn't a product but an album is....

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Ramiro Jorge Very nicely said! Thanks for the comment and for watching the interview.

[@ramirojorge2887]

No problem, thank you :-)

[@Boosty_Boost]

@10:34 haha! that dog! i laughed my ass off! x,D Justin makes it shut it, but then the doggo decides to try getting away with it again, and its so comical x,D also getting really into easter is cancelled and your other more modern stuff ! :p i like what you do and how you sound, and especially your vocal range is so freaking impressive! Songs just sounds amazing. And btw. those last words - "how i long for back in the days when things mattered" - i couldn't agree more, its all to shits and everyone hates it but barely anyone wants to change it for the better. let me add - "the world is but a man, 7 billion of he. and man's opinion matters equal, and therefore not at all." .. basically what i mean is we should have our shit in order within ourselves for our own sake, not on the outside for others sake.

[@antonoat]

A very talented guy, love their music.

[@FromHerotoZero]

+AoToGo Same here 👍 / Sebi

[@vadeout.]

I saw The Darkness at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney. They were awesome. I still don't know why " Last Of Our Kind" was not on the set list though. Can't wait for their next album.

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Shaun Williams I saw The Darkness live in Switzerland in January this year and they were excellent! Don't remember if they played Last of our Kind, but I remember that the set list made sense to me. Played all songs I wanted to hear. /Sebi

[@andybanjo7530]

Here’s to the days when things mattered! 🥂

[@FromHerotoZero]

😎🥂😎

[@Jay-ru3mu]

Top Man Keep It Up Justin & Crew :)

[@troxylove8757]

Wow i just stumbled upon this I had no idea they were back together! i hope they are touring

[@FromHerotoZero]

+T Roxy Love Yes, they've been back together for a few years now and hey are touring. And, they are better than ever imho. Saw them live in Switzerland in January 2016 and it was one of the best rock shows I've seen in a very long time.

[@troxylove8757]

They just put on a great show because I remember when i saw them they put on a killer performance and that was more than 10 years ago favorite concert ever!!

[@coldacre]

such a shame he felt the need to get braces. perfect "American teeth" are the scourge of the world. you are beautiful Justin! AS YOU ARE

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Coldacre Justin seems to be a wonderful person no matter what 😌 /Sebi

[@connorohalloran9225]

I'm sure there was a more serious underlying issue than him just wanting perfect teeth. Sometimes when your teeth are really overlapping it can affect the roots of the tooth and sometimes cause a block that would make the tooth rot or fall out.

[@finnhagan7664]

Coldacre uh-em I didn't want them either but I also didn't want my teeth to fall out. Eating pussy is much harder now, they also make you a lot less sexy in my experience. Justin hawkins can never be less sexy tho

[@nenabunena]

i actually like perfect american teeth except when they use caps & destroy their real teeth by wearing fake ones

[@rikimarutenchu3871]

I’ve a theory (and I hope I’m right): within the next year or so, he’s going to reinvent himself as a 1985-1986 Freddie clone with a full moustache and swept back hair, and maybe the braces are part of this transformation. I really hope so

[@rwendell0912]

thanks loved this Long Live the Darkness

[@FromHerotoZero]

+rwendell0912 Glad you liked it, and thanks for watching 🙌 / Sebi

[@Ry_Valz]

I wonder how his dog is doing atm. He didn't share his house tour yet on his channel JHRA.

[@Ry_Valz]

and oh, yes, he needs to share some stories about his ex band "HOT LEG" how the band is doing right now. Just curious. I genuinely love their songs.

[@K.R.O1875]

What happened to these videos? No uploads in years. The concept is actually original. It's super inciteful and we hear questions answered from a business and an art perspective which is absolutely unheard of in the music world.

[@tilerdurden2001]

Pal ways love the darkness and Justin and now I see his best friend is his dog I love him more....

[@FromHerotoZero]

+tilerdurden2001 Justin and Bonnie were awesome to hang out with /Sebi 😊👍

[@huskvarsm]

Justin I like you as a person more and more hey I was a choke wrangler myself and lost a ton of friends but your current persona is awesome I love your music your band and dans guitar playing and yours the darkness has served its tough apprenticeship and are back where they should be on top.

[@phoenixgirl70]

Choke wrangler? His YT channel is one of my favorites. Incredibly talented and so funny!

[@ParadNorthProd]

Wow - an intelligent interview, with good questions...not the same old garbage. Bravo.

[@FromHerotoZero]

+ssoftyyt Thank you very much for watching the interview and for your kind words. We appreciate it.

[@MRROBBIEWATTS]

Justin looking like 'Billy Bob Thornton's younger brother!

[@animalames78]

He is very cool

[@StevenAMckayAuthor]

What's with the dirty-looking setting? The place looks like it needs a good clean. Justin does well with the questions although the interviewer seems to have no idea who he is with his little notebook.

[@christianmonteith8568]

Great video! Loved the end about the old days of buying a record and it meaning something. Just wish that fuzzle/crumb on his hair/lash wasn't a thing.

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Christian Monteith Glad you enjoyed the interview, and thanks for watching.

[@AbitLippy]

I think the dog has voices in its head

[@samknight2968]

I bought it. Bells end should've been No.1! Fuck it, let's try again this year! Everyone buy it!!! Now!!!

[@stateofblitz]

It still blows me away the galactical difference between UK music and European continent music. They're only a half hour away from each other. England is such a self depricating and sadistic country but dam it expresses it's love through music like no other country can or will. God bless em' and may your future be bright 🇬🇧 ♥️

[@derse1292]

Screw Adam Lambert, Justin needs to be the lead singer for Queen.

[@georghagglund9338]

I saw Queen and Adam Lambert recently and he did a fine job. But seeing Justin in Queen could be really sweet!

[@EyeShotFirst]

That singer from The Struts seems like he'd do a good job.

[@mickmcmick8247]

No, he is the singer of The Darkness.

[@deathmetaldouglas69]

Adam Lambert sucks. Just listen to his weak job on "Fat Bottomed Girls" and look at their shitty live setlist with all the pop stuff. If the drummer can play for Queen and The Darkness then Justin could do both bands. Paul Rogers did a lot better job in Queen than Adam Lambert. Adam has the range for the high notes but has no rock GRIT in his voice. None. He should never have played for Queen.

[@rob-c.]

@@deathmetaldouglas69 I’ve not seen Lambert with Queen in person, but Queen themselves seem to value his input. I did see them live with Paul Rogers and his voice was as good as any 70s recording, despite his advanced years - rock grit in abundance!

[@robbiepeterh]

10:43 if your dog starts barking, grab his face. Justin demonstrating some excellent dog rearing tips 👏

[@andrewgillis8572]

NO SURPRISE this is a dream rock band for the Toronto market - likewise Ohio - I point you to the film Wayne's World, derived from Bob & Doug SCTV culture

[@DavidOakesMusic]

His sense of humour and delivery reminds me of Noel Gallagher a bit.

[@jbcouch73]

Kinda resembles a young Billy Bob Thornton. Really good sense of humor!

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Bryan Couch That's true! And yes, Justin has a good sense of humor.

[@watchth1ngs]

Doggy! Such a good boy.

[@dewijones92]

Great video

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Dewi Jones Thanks!

[@DrowningTimeOfficially]

things matter but are muted, art matters because you make a impact not only on those who buy but to those who listen

[@brandongrzegorz2937]

Justin is done with this guy 😂

[@SunsetKetch]

Sargeant Angel, A word for the Sanford Citizen?!

[@UncleCaptainMidnight]

HA! Luv the Hot Fuzz ref!

[@CortinasAndClassics]

I really enjoy the darkness and I have most of their albums but I don't want to see them live.

Great Interviewer!

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Ruben Vasconez Swett Thanks a lot for watching and for your kind comment. /Sebi

[@PatrickJWenzel]

Aaaaaaa I member. Chart counts. You member? Yeah I member.

[@RobCmusic]

10:43 LMAO!

[@FromHerotoZero]

+RobC 😄

[@nigelcarren]

I have a sneaky feeling Mr Hawkins doesn't like Sam Smith!

[@FromHerotoZero]

😄

[@Into_the_riffs]

Justin looks like Johnny Depp lol.

[@Peter-by3ox]

He is lucky that some one wants to interview him.......so typically English

[@dr.kennethspeers8014]

15:13

[@SeanChurchill97]

That dog noise is like a combination of the most annoying noise like your dad eating a Scotch egg and an Asmr video for other dogs and fuck I'm stoned

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Sean Churchill Let's just call it 'avant-garde entertainment' ;-)

[@belladonna131]

Is that a BRUSSELS GRIFFON? I HAVE THREE BLACK MALES!!! I HAVE HAD MANY GRIFFS THROUGHOUT MY LIFE!!! OH HEART BE STILL!!!!

[@kennymiller1539]

CALL THAT DOG bANE

[@Revert1989]

He's startin to look like tommy lee here haha!

[@FromHerotoZero]

+Revert1989 ...but with a better sense of fashion ;)

[@hydana1]

I thought the same 😂

[@glumpy6079]

"There are people in comas that listen to Sam Smith!" Ha ha ha.

[@FromHerotoZero]

😄

[@_jlhmusic_]

Play 10:43 at 0.5 speed, you're welcome

[@stateofblitz]

Off the booze Off the Coke On the Weed

[@nakatakafka]

Weird interview.

[@thetruth156real3]

Yawn,,,mmmmmm,,,yawn,,,,yawn,,,,,,see ya!

[@krishnan-resurrection714]

we need jonathan king back to salvage british music ...it is terrible nowadays .....dreadful .......

[@RoamWithRichie]

The Darkness are a novelty rock back for people in their 40s and 50s who can't let go of Iron Maiden and Queen. Yeah he's got an impressive vocal range, but that's about it. Otherwise an average band surrounding by flashing audio-visuals. 2 song ponies.