"It’s Fookin' Terrible. We Hate This Song!”

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

In case you were wondering, The Darkness are going on tour in January with Black Stone Cherry across the UK if you fancy coming along for a night of rock: www.thedarknesslive.com/tour-dates/

[@adarkimpurity]

BTW this is literally my fav Darkness song... OPEN FIRE! It's sooo good

[@musicman7596]

Do a tour with Dream Machine as the opener!

[@sah-win]

Was buying those $1B lottery tickets in the hopes of winning just so I could attend every one of these shows! No surprise, I lost.

[@darrenwells2277]

Oooo dont mind if I do! :)

[@littlesquidward8117]

@@musicman7596 which dream machine?

[@andywiddowson4122]

Justin's masterful ability to walk the fine line between serious and sarcasm is why I keep coming back

[@dan.j.boydzkreationz]

I come forward

[@hakeemperring2699]

I think that's just being British 😅

[@shinybald36]

What artist inspire your e guitar sound ?

[@jaykwonzzz]

Music is the same way. Look at the lyrics in Black Shuck: incredibly poetic and interesting and then the chorus is "Black Shuck, that dog don't give a fuck".

[@bridgetyoung190]

Open Fire is a masterpiece. If you can't relate to that song -- you aren't human. Relationships are hard. 😂😭🥳

[@cheryllyons3738]

One of The Best!!!

[@jakebeaudrie]

I LOVE "Everybody Have a Good Time"! It's one of my favorites by you guys. That being said, it was really fun to hear you talk about the songs you don't like.

[@summermcpherson8209]

Everybody Have a Good Time is a great song! That, With a Woman, Every Inch of You, Concrete, and She's Just a Girl Eddie are my top 5 Hotcakes songs.

[@marksimpson4513]

Open fire is an absolute cracker of a tune. Friggin love it 💪😎

[@getwhatyougive]

[Single greatest youtuber in existence. If there were youtube awards, he sweeps all eligible categories.]

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Awwww

[@zsoltlajtos6527]

Rick Beato could tell you quite a few things about copyright claims/blocked videos/demonetization as his videos, although very clearly educational, suffer the same fate. Also, I would love to see a video of you two chatting anyway, so if you could make that happen somehow, it would be awesome! Thanks for the great videos and great music! Keep up the good work! Wish you all the best

[@hi-ccowboy7983]

As long as Beato doesn't run everybody off with his D-sus9/2, F#7dom+11 stuff.

[@zsoltlajtos6527]

@@hi-ccowboy7983 He usually doesn't talk about advanced theory in his interviews. His interviews are some of, if not the best interviews that have ever been made with musicians, because the questions aren't asked by a journalist but a musician

[@wigzme2717]

@@hi-ccowboy7983 🤣🤣🤣

[@parkerhatcher224]

I second this! Two of my favourite people in music and KZbinLand. I think they’d have a fantastic conversation and could teach each other a thing or two.

[@hi-ccowboy7983]

@@zsoltlajtos6527 ok mr serious

[@sah-win]

YES! Open Fire!!! One of my favorite songs of all time!!!

[@apj1989]

I'll forever love all of hot cakes, as it's the album that brought The Darkness back. But Concrete and She Just A Girl Eddie are especially incredible songs!

[@NinStardust]

“Concrete” is effing awesome! Pops into my head at random times and I freaking love it! Overall I think Hot Cakes is a great album, I’ve got to agree with Justin about “Everybody Have A Good Time” but “With A Woman” is such a feel good song with great guitar parts & I can see why the label liked it. I love “Keep Me Hangin’ On” and “Living Each Day Blind” too. 🥰

[@evilbetty2004]

"Concrete" is an absolute fire tune

[@sierrasample8632]

Just came here to agree that Concrete kicks ass. One of my favorite TD songs ever.

[@snakedoctor3319]

I remember TD playing "concrete" live in brum but with a much different riff - a bit like UFO's "Rock Bottom". Bloody ace it was.

[@moreheff]

I bloody love Hot Cakes to bits

[@ashton3404]

With A Woman is literally one of my favourite tracks from TD, that climax with the super high note near the end is euphoric sounding

[@punkrawkdad]

Indeed...that 2nd chorus smokes!

[@jc.1191]

The pre chorus is awesome

[@summermcpherson8209]

With a Woman is my same fave from Hot Cakes!!! That, Everybody Have a Good Time, Every Inch of You, Concrete, and She's Just a Girl, Eddie are my favorites from the album.

[@Dreyno]

Your “rubbish” songs are still better than most stuff in the charts. Nothing to be ashamed of.

[@Lordifani]

"Happiness", "With a Woman", and "Everybody Have a Good Time" are funny enough all songs I utterly, utterly adore.

[@michakobojek2112]

For me Happines is okay but the remaining two are masterpieces. I love them. With a woman solo is my favourite solo ever 😁

[@jenniferw392]

I don't know where I've been--I just discovered this channel and am so stoked to binge-watch every video I've missed. Cheers!

[@clarep4833]

“I embrace the darkness because it’s always there” is such a great line (as is “the women are gorgeous and the food is ok” in WTG) and ironically for a ‘depressive’ song, Open Fire is the one that got me running again…… I LOVE it (and the sheepskin rug). 🙌

[@davidtownend8984]

I really love the song 'With a Woman', the cascading harmonies are great! But 'Nothings gonna stop us' is my absolute favorite. Thanks for the music Justin 🙌

[@richiep3520]

I love this song too. Was my favourite for a long time. I love the walking baseline from Frankie. It's fab.

[@marcusorme261]

Awesome tune, have always loved that one - very surprised to hear Justin doesn’t like it! 😳

[@jamiehuggett]

I actually love ‘Everybody Have A Good Time’, especially the guitar solo/breakdown at the end. I think the song has a really great groove that always makes me want to dance

[@steph_ssdd]

Love is Not the Answer from Hotcakes gets me every time- and I love the acoustic version as well 😭

[@sierrasample8632]

Agree!! Love this song! So good, so beautiful!

[@tommurrayGTR]

I love that pre chorus/chorus. Wish they'd play this more often

[@huntervanormer5919]

Very sad to hear that everybody have a good time is on that list, though i understand why you wouldn't like it artistically as i did not expect it to grow on my as much as it did. I would love to hear "nothing's gonna stop us" live, that song drew me back into the darkness after missing years of albums. Saw you in philly, killer show, hope to see you again in the spring, cheers!

[@theheroartist]

I love the song ‘With a Woman’ from Hotcakes - thank you for releasing it!

[@CodyAlushin]

My wife and I send requests of hugs on sheepskin rugs rather frequently. Mostly by singing the lyric to each other. Works every time.

[@MonsieurNoodle]

I want running gear with " Run until my heart explodes" written on it. I will buy that!

[@sah-win]

I think I’m a wee bit too superstitious for that, haha!

[@christopherguzzi1316]

I wish I could write and record songs as "rubbish" as Happiness, With a Woman, and Everybody Have a Good Time. I actually like the song Happiness, as it's just a fun, uplifting summer song. But I can't imagine The Darkness adding it to their live set list. P.S. You never know what fun and/or interesting songs will be on a The Darkness album. Which is why I look forward to each new release.

[@lauriewhitecloud9460]

I love Happiness!

[@sherynp9340]

Open fire is such a special song. Just hearing it lifts my spirits and motivates me immediately. I’m certain it would be the same for others too! Another awesome comments day Justin.

[@tessakelder]

With A Woman is one of my favorites on one of my favorite Darkness albums! Glad your management pushed for it to be a single 😂

[@jenniferrichardson8474]

I've always enjoyed exercising for the mental boost it gives me. Not so much for being a certain weight or wearing a particular size (although it helps with that as well). But I've always suffered with low grade depression and anxiety and I find that some exercise and fresh air helps tremendously.

[@BackburnerBrantford]

Everybody have a good time is a classic! God Bless You! ❤

[@oscardoodles]

Open Fire is an absolute banger, love the guitars on that

[@richiep3520]

The video has barely started and I can say this with 100% conviction. I love every song from the darkness. *edit after listening to the video. Man, I totally love with a woman! That song gets me so fired up. Happiness always gives me a feel good summer vibe. I am sad to hear you disliking them songs but of course, if they don't feel right to you or like you said, weren't fully realised then fair enough. I guess I won't ever hear with a woman live then so 😅 Every album is gold 👌

[@BVRDSTR]

Happy holidays and thxs for riding again From Prescott AZ

[@independenceltd.]

get yor shit together AZ!

[@charlesoliver2535]

Your YT channel is great therapy, for me. Thank you. Keep up the good work.

[@carmenc3911]

Yay, you're running again! Good for the body, great for the soul. Agree with some of the comments here, Rick Beato has gone through this and figure out the best possible solution to get around it. Thanks for the great content and good luck!

[@sues6944]

Love this channel, thank you Justin for your positivity. Needed this today, sad family news, this was a wonderful pick me up. Discussion based is great, with music in between. Please could it include introducing us to new and up and coming bands? I don't understand how a very short clip from a great song causes the demonetising of your YT podcast. I guess I will never understand that. Stay well and happy x

[@caitlinerin]

Thanks for your response Justin ! I was going to ask for a top 5 but didn't want to be too greedy 😉🤣 loving the channel glad it's getting the recognition it deserves and im looking forward to hearing the future shit songs 👍🏻

[@braytonwright6011]

"With A Woman" is one of the main songs that got me to love The Darkness. Killer tune.

[@grahamdrummond2412]

I think it is an awesome tune, yet another great video to go with it.

[@cmikesmith664]

Me too. It’s a really catchy song and a funny video. I bought the CD because of “With a Woman”. 😁

[@SoloDallasII]

@@grahamdrummond2412 I think the video is too cheesy but the song is incredible.

[@BrushesOfMagic]

I'm here for whatever changes you need to stay on KZbin. I love this channel! I've recommended you twice in the past week.

[@MarianaFr4nc0]

oh my D: "with a woman " is one of my favourite songs, most song in Hotcakes are a blast for me!

[@deViIle]

Awesome questions today 👍👍 nice!

[@TheScudabear1]

Never understood why holding my own never gets much live play...it's a Darkness masterpiece

[@leejlogan]

She just a girl Eddie is one of my favourite Darkness tracks ever. So much heart in that song. The WOO HOO! at 3:03 fills me with much joy and the Woo Hoo should be mandatory live 😍

[@matthewmills5390]

WITH A WOMAN is my all time favourite Darkness song alongside OPEN FIRE. I’m shocked to hear anyone could hate it never mind the actual band members themselves! Love the channel

[@MashaT22]

@Justin, may I suggest a few things regarding demonetized videos? 1) Get in touch with Rick Beato. I'm sure you're familiar with him from KZbin. He's become an expert in navigating the laws and fighting copyright strikes and demonetization issues. I bet he could make a few suggestions about your videos that would help you avoid issues. He has been using licensed songs for teaching on KZbin for a while now. I would argue that you are educating us in the context of analyzing songs. Yes there's entertainment too, but we've all had funny teachers -- doesn't mean we aren't learning all through the laughs. By playing the songs and stopping at different points, you teach us about chord structure, lyric analysis, the music business, etc. So I really think your videos should qualify for an educational purpose like Rick's -- and he really has had lots of experience dealing with that. There are many other guitar and music KZbinrs who use music from major labels on their channels whether it's for educational purposes, covers, or just as a backing track. I'm sure any of them would gladly tell you how they do it without risk of getting demonetized if you'd reach out to them. 2) There are companies that can help you obtain legal permission to use tracks that may get flagged for demonetization. 3) Do you need permission to use your own music (I was gonna lol, but ironically it is possible that even you need permission)? Or can you somehow get your fellow musicians and contacts to help secure permissions from labels and publishers? Hope this helps! Cheers!

[@common-girl]

My favourite Darkness song is "I believe in a thing called love" of course! I remember the first time I heard it, driving in my car during rush hour on the radio the first time I heard Justin hit those high notes my first though was......who tf is singing this?!

[@frankshailes3205]

That one's brilliant, I also love "Love is only a feeling" which has such poignant lyrics, and great musicianship, a masterpiece.

[@timbrownrigg5217]

I didn't know you covered Sparks... I'll have to check that out

[@caitlinerin]

It's brilliant

[@cheryllyons3738]

Incredibly perfect. That's how he covered it.

[@BadYossa]

I find your honesty very refreshing Justin. Your vids generally always delight and amuse!

[@yesmcx]

This mans ability to put together these outfits every upload never ceases to amaze me

[@thelinsk]

Hate to say this but I didn’t know who you were. Came across your channel by accident and I love it. Been looking for your older songs on KZbin. Enjoying it mate. Rock On! Ian from Fremantle Western Australia

[@christoph7395]

In the UK we were all bought his band's album Permission to Land for Christmas 2003.

[@001LadyMorgana]

I love love love "Open fire" i identify with it so much. It's always the first to play on my playlist

[@moonbeanification]

Some extra love for you Mr. Hawkins!

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Thanks so much Jeanne!

[@robdurr]

I love With A Woman! Also Open Fire is a top 5 song. Ever. By anyone.

[@KateStrongHealer]

I'd love to see more chats with you and other artists, like you did with Luke from the Struts.

[@mathewgilroy2649]

I’m really sorry to hear about the demonetization that’s been happening to your content. Since coming across you’re channel only a few months ago, I’ve been following up by listening to many of the bands you’ve been reviewing whether by nostalgic resurgence or new music to discover. Once upon a time, I believe it was up to 15 secs/clip of allowed copy written material could be used in a review/critique format (at least here in Canada that was a standard at one point). It’s exceptionally sad that you have to be limited so much, considering you offer a deeper level of understanding to the music you are reviewing both from a performative and a theoretical viewpoint. Very cool, very insightful and very inspiring. Best of luck to you m Mr Hawkins!

[@cmikesmith664]

*Justin, “Open Fire” is my favorite song by The Darkness.* 🎶

[@lordofnesss]

Justin, as a listener and Darkness fan "With a woman" is a great track and video and it's pretty much your style. I can't believe you hate that song, that's Hilarious ! The label was visionary with that song, but It must feel boring to play it live, yeah.

[@anthonymichael3029]

I actually really like Happiness and I LOVE Everybody Have a Good Time. I used to work in corporate banking when that music video dropped and it hit me pretty hard at the time. Show them the bear!

[@TheChristafershawn]

I did not know you did a Sparks cover. I will have to check that out.

[@ExiledMSH]

Stay awesome, Justin!!

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Thanks Matthew!! :)

[@adriandabarber3996]

Well done mate, Hey you have to adapt and innovate to survive in this time so im looking forward to going down the roads your ride will be taking us on and foresee some great content in the future! Keep on rocking brother!

[@BroodingReaper]

oh lawd...i love all 3 of those songs 🥲 But also, Open Fire is actually my favorite TD song🔥❤‍🔥

[@VMAnator-z3e]

Absolutely drawn to the dark themes in Open Fire. We all have our complexes to navigate through but also all equally deserving of love, understanding, and kindness.

[@brummierabbitman9637]

My fave 10 1. Growing on Me 2. Love is only a feeling 3. Open Fire 4. Planning Permission 5. Black Shuck 6. One Way Ticket 7. Stampede of Love 8. I Love You 5 Times 9. Holding My Own 10. Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)

[@LizardWizard_]

Hello Justin! How about a rig run down? It’s always fascinating on what artist are using! Like pedals and picks ups amps guitars! That sort of stuff!

[@georgeshannon1128]

'With a Woman' is a Classic 👍

[@jackroberts9401]

With a Woman is in my Top 10 Darkness songs. Out of My Hands was a B side and also in my Top 10. Ive played it as an opening track in my Spin classes 100's of times.

[@charliebluechaos4963]

If you're trying something new some more gear talk would be very much appreciated. Maybe not full episodes centered on it cause I know many wont care, but I love guitars and would like to hear more about yours, so maybe just giving some space sometimes to it would be great. Much love to you and your band Mr. Hawkins ♡♡♡

[@Jakko25]

I love when Justin’s does his “ere, how comes he’s doing…”. Literally a real life version of that SpongeBob meme

[@frankshailes3205]

I thought it was a Mick Jagger impression...

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

Those two jaunty “Adieu!” exclamations made me laugh most heartily. Now I must work that into my conversations to the annoyance of my wife and kids!

[@mcerruti77]

I hope you will keep the urge to rock for a long time.

[@mcerruti77]

You got a great algum title right here "The urge to rock".

[@shanban1965]

So very glad to see you back in the saddle my friend ❤️🎶

[@Finley319]

Just as a spoiler for those who were similarly scared after reading the title of this video.... it isn't, "Dinner lady arms" he's talking about! That song remains a sacred pleasure for everyone.

[@izzybella_9955]

Thank god because that's the greatest

[@FFDannyB]

I've always wondered why it doesn't get played live though. It wouldn't surprise me if 1 or more of the band dislike it...

[@JJstrangler]

Seen the boys play live more than a dozen times over what is now nearly a 20 year span and only on 3 occasions when I've seen them have they played Dinner Lady Arms. Wembley 2004, Ally Pally 2006 and at the O2 in 2016 when it was the top track voted on a social media poll asking for a favourite song they don't normally do live. That tells me we're not the only ones on earth that think the track oozes serious awesomesauce.

[@caitlinerin]

I was asking in the hope that that song wouldn't pop up as it's a favourite 😂

[@izzybella_9955]

@@FFDannyB my only guess was that maybe it's just hard to play? I have no musical understanding at all though lol

[@MrMackaSacka]

Open Fire is incredible

[@marklechman2225]

I love, love, love Happiness, the call and response bit is awesome. Great video too. (Pinewood Smile is my fave album after PTL) With a Woman I love as well, fun to drum to. Everybody Have a Good Time took me longer to warm up to but it’s got some good stuff in it. If those are your most disappointing songs, Jus, you’re doing just fine, better than me for sure 😂

[@christiannewsome4088]

Oh God yes! An unplugged album would be fantastic. Surely it's time to review festive hits. 🤣 🎅

[@wordytoed9887]

Cheers. Love from the Mitten, J. Hawk!

[@devinj]

I hate to say it, but I like happiness. Glad you made it 🫡

[@User-435ggrest]

Hey Justin! I was impressed that you chose to take a pause and recover, coming out even stronger! It had a big impact on me and my friends to be careful with partying too hard. My question is simple; Since you listen to metal. I was just wondering if you have heard Sepultura and if so, what you think about them and some of the other Max Cavaleras projects🙂 Thank you for being you sir💖

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Thanks so much :) and thanks for the suggestion

[@divingwithfriends]

Ohhh, i love "with a woman" wasn't expecting it to be on your top 3 most hated songs hahaha such a surprise there

[@mikeqp10]

for the record I am totally into EHAGT. My top pick off Hot Cakes. I stand by this.

[@schombergacademyofmusic2956]

The oh major?! You are a great guitarist. I love you sharing your thoughts. I’m a 25 yr long professional musician from Canada. Now living in a small northern town (Penetanguishene)running a music school and making music every day all day. You are so fun to watch. Thank you

[@kbf9644]

Well, I realized that I would absolutely purchase a spoken word record of you reading and emoting your lyrics or separate writing for it.

[@Pstaines439]

Justin! The Auckland gig last month was epic. One of my top 5 gigs ever!!!! And I'm really old (52) so I've seen a lot of gigs. Thanks.

[@jimmyroberts3027]

Honestly mate your worst is always someone else’s gold, perspective,choice, & fair enough. I think once you put something out, it belongs to the masses, if they love it then they’ll cherish it, if not is disposable. You mate have many that are cherished so cheers.

[@chestertouristcom]

They were playing Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End) at the Christmas Fun Fair at Cheshire Oaks Near Chester last night. A nice suprise.

[@KCnLex]

Actually your music was popular during a time I was very ill, brain tumor.etc and having recently discovered your channel, I am just being introduced to you. I started watching you after your Beato interview. I have kept watching you because you are remarkably candid, interesting and funny. I thought your interview was very good and am hoping you do more of them in the future as well as looking at other musicians works.

[@punkrawkdad]

Love your brute honesty. I've actually grown to love With A Woman....killer chorus, especially the 2nd chorus. Cheers, Sir.

[@konradkat4151]

"Open fire" is my favourite "the darkness" song as well and I am gutted that no Karaoke parlour in my hometown seems to have it. I love to sing it while dancing around my cat. I would be happy to role myself with my cat on any sheep skin provided too. Life is indeed a sad affair.

[@noname1st139]

"no it's f*cking terrible,we hate this song" I'm dead 😂😂

[@tommurrayGTR]

Agreed on Everybody have a good time... That was a head scratcher especially on a record that contained She just a girl, Eddie (how was that not the lead single?? Those record label execs need to be slapped). With a woman, I just have a soft spot for it, especially that 2nd verse, there's some tasty rifferery in there👌👌 Happiness... I love the "get in water" bit. Also love ANY song with cymbal chokes. That pre chorus is excellent.

[@wigzme2717]

Dude would be cool to do a tribute to Wilko! I found out about his death days after, nothing on the news etc. He has been such a great influence on me and many other guitar players!

[@trevornever27]

the songs "With A Woman" and "Everybody Have A Good Time", off the Hot Cakes album were both in same key with a slightly similar riff, at least starting out, its always interesting to hear how artists feel about their own songs knowing what was (or wasnt) put into them during the recording.

[@nathanman8]

All three songs you’ve mentioned as crap are awesome!

[@darrenwells2277]

I have one for questions and answers.... I'd love to know the story behind "Southern Trains".. I thought you were in Switzerland so wondered how you knew the pains of us all down in Sussex, was this based on a particular experience? Thanks for all you do on this channel, always great content!

[@Forgonia]

I love the amount of content coming out, but I love that the eps are 10-20mins. If they go much longer than that then they are harder to fit in to watch each day. Love the content though. Keep it coming! Nice one :)

[@snakedoctor3319]

How bizarre ! I fucking LOVE "With a woman". Bad ass rock n roll.

[@mark-granger]

Very surprised to hear you're not fond of With A Woman. One of my favourites. Great riff, great vocal melody.

[@stefanlemottee6998]

ERE!!! I absolutely LOVE Everybody Have a Good Time and it's probably the best film clip you've ever done... so there!

[@ElectricCavegurl]

Caffeinated and energized. Love it.

[@thefredkalis]

5:26 "open fire" that song is ginormous.

[@Jrizzle7426]

Everybody have a good time is my favorite darkness song......

[@tommyhartman7920]

One for comments day...Speaking of Hot Leg, Red light fever is one of my favourite albums, could you tell us more about how the band came to be, how it ended and would you ever consider playing some of the songs from that album with the Darkness? All the best.

[@mrg24385]

I agree! There's a song they played live but as far as I know never recorded called "Come Into My Arms Again" that would have been a smash. Still great vids of it live here on KZbin but I wish he'd do more with songs from that time period!

[@tommyhartman7920]

@@mrg24385 I know the one. There are some seriously catchy songs on that album.

[@markshaw9849]

Great question for which songs you dont like and refreshingly honest answer to it.