Well, It Nearly Killed Me.

[@OfficialBrandonWhite]

Mr. Hawkins, this channel has quickly become my favorite on KZbin. I’ve only recently gotten back into playing and writing after losing my Father. This channel and your infectious passion for music has given me a great lift and I wanted to thank you for that. Another great video! Can’t wait for the next!

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Wow, thanks!

[@ej_8888]

Totally agree!

[@NickNicometi]

@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain I appreciate your proper English decorum and how you treat others with respect even while being critical of erstwhile stars. I like your "Rides Again" theme tune! It was actually your fine singing voice and your dry sense of humor that caused me to question, "who the heck is Justin Hawkins?". 🤘😃🎸 Now I know!

[@altered7144]

...familiar words(albeit different tragic circumstances)...yet ditto to your comment/message.. Losing what you love is 💔 in its entirety. Whether that be a living being or part of self. True therapy and solace comes in many creative guises and I admire you for finding it once more(If only!). *Tangled words perhaps, but genuine sentiment intended🎶🤗🎶. Kind regards. To Mr.Hawkins also. (so KZbin needs to be a "thing" now!?!🤯 times&all moved on yet I seemingly have not🧟‍♀️stucksville arghh&help!?! *lost amidst it all*)...🥀🖤🐾

[@ceejaybeard9121]

So sorry for your loss. Hang in there friend. 🖤

[@lisagilbert-bell6329]

your a very talented guy and the world is a little brighter with you in it.

[@GregGallagher]

This man is an international treasure

[@fuck_the_CBCE]

He’s fuckin’ rad

[@lisagilbert-bell6329]

@@fuck_the_CBCE he sure as shit is

[@lisagilbert-bell6329]

@@GregGallagher liked the band when they first came out, even better after seeing them live.

[@Casey3-P-O]

I fully agree

[@xenos_n.]

I never realized how important Permission To Land was to me until later. I was 19 when it came out. Blew me away. I remember all the people mocking The Darkness and all I could think was... Have you actually listened to the album? I spun that CD countless times. Vibe wise, it felt the same as Appetite For Destruction, and I can't think of any other albums that had the same feel as those. Just the most solidly killer rock album, and it holds a very special place in my heart to this day. Glad to be able to see Justin doing KZbin stuff now and just be reminded how happy that music always made me.

[@forddriver8827]

Keep spinnig those CD's. Sorry, my 53yo arse thinks thats funny.

[@ViktorSarge]

Yeah I kinda wrote it off as a bit of a joke band because of the weird video and the outragous 110% all in on the aesthetics of a long gone era. But having an old car with only CD player "permission" always stayed in rotation because it was one of those CDs where you didn't need to skip songs. And the production is way up there, I'll still break out my good headphones just to sit and listen to the texture of the guitars and the mix.

[@xenos_n.]

@@forddriver8827 it's funny that I lived during the CD era? lol

[@JManners10]

That album was fucking magic, so many awesome riffs and cool lead parts and solos, such a talented set of guys! Justin is so underappreciated!

[@ctcards2636]

@@JManners10 I loved the riffs and energy. Def were no skip songs on the album. Givin Up, Love on the Rocks... those riffs are saweeet ! Saw them right around the time the album had just started getting big and the show was NOT a let down, it was awesome.

[@nicxshaw]

Man, I honestly rarely comment on YT, but you are such a nice bloke and an inspiration. You are on the top of my ‘people to have a beer with’ list. Such a well spoken and mellow dude. It’s so rare these days. Cheers

[@waynehand4600]

Justin Hawkins the dude on KZbin is very real,articulate,humble and bright. These vids have made me a fan,top notch man

[@arceneaux777]

FUCK - may I say something? Been in the biz forever - but I love the fact that you dismiss fame over artistry. It's refreshing. Thank you.

[@thh420]

When I was working in a nursing home kitchen in 06, permission to land was THE JAM for many of our based as hell residents who have since passed on. They also loved Kate Bush, VNV Nation, Ladytron, shoegaze and random dogs on acid forum DNB mixes I would blast in the dishroom, while running the dish machine and doing clean out all alone. One of our residents Miss Becky, was a 108 year old lady who hadn't spoken for 6 years, just perked up for I Believe in a Thing Called Love and asked me to play it again. I showed the video too. She called Justin "her boyfriend". She was born in 1898. I burned off a copy of it for the activities girl to play for her. I figured the band wouldn't mind.

[@BenMeecham]

I really appreciate watching videos like this that don't do that horrible jarring quick-cut thing that so many yt channels do. Leave the thinking time in. It makes it so much more genuine.

[@al1976-v7m]

Agreed

[@walkerdollahon3227]

Love the Jellyfish call out. WHAT A BRILLAINT BAND! Heartbreak that they never found their footing.... Spilt Milk is a stone cold classic. My heavens, what an LP.

[@DocBree13]

I’m going to check them out :)

[@thunderkingzero]

am i the only one that really like Justin's looks, like his outfits in these vids? like they all have a theme, like this one he is a school principle, and in a previous video he looks like a 1940's bank robber...I think its great.

[@stevepriest1663]

I was introduced to Foxy Shazam when they opened for The Darkness in 2012. They were so great, I wondered if they would be the highlight of the night. Then The Darkness came out and proceeded to put on an even more amazing show.

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

They're incredible!

[@stevepriest1663]

@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain How cool to get a reply from the one and only Justin! Thanks for having them open, I likely would have not discovered them otherwise and it is great you bring a band out that you are not worried about stealing the show. KISS was great for that, having AC/DC, Priest, Maiden, Bon Jovi, Cheap Trick, etc. open for them.

[@RH-iq3wz]

another amazing support act I loved was The Ark

[@irishpete5472]

Always articulate, interesting, informative and often funny 👍

[@andrewmichaellondon]

It's hard for me to put into words how much I love this. I was just watching it for fun on a break but that middle section about encouraging artists struck me deep in my core.

[@jonkerrmusic]

I need to tell you that, when I was in the tail-end of high school, I Believe In A Thing Called Love was the "Wayne's World Bohemian Rhapsody scene" song of choice for my friends and I driving about town. I was deeply saddened when the band ended in the mid-2000s... ... and then FLIPPED OUT when I saw the video for "Nothin's Gonna Stop Us" and realized you were back, and I've been so delighted with every release since. You lot were superb in Toronto, and I am proud to say I've made several new Darkness fans out of my friends by aggressively encouraging them to listen to your music. You are an inspiration to me as a musician - thank you for everything you guys do for rock music!

[@RH-iq3wz]

Completely random comment but I was obsessed with The Darkness from being a 9 year old kid in 2003 for many years. Fast forward almost a couple decades and I'm sat in my living room the other day trying to find something to put on the tele to appease my 2 year old for a couple mins whilst I sort something... and I recognise the guitarmanship and dulcet tones on... Grace's Amazing Machines?! Watching my 2 year old son dance around to your music on a kids' tv show.. first of all was very bizarre and made me very aware of the passage of time (and that life has come full circle?!) and secondly it made me very teary eyed indeed. It made me think back to other jingles wrote like the 'schlomping is for meee' song haha! The Darkness shaped my music taste a lot for me as a kid and led me to bands like Thin Lizzy and Sparks. Just wanted to share 🙂

[@loveloveluvloveluvluvlovel8524]

I'm not sure how this became my comfort channel but it is so thank u xxxx

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

No, thank you for watching!

[@dinoalden568]

The fact that Jellyfish never enjoyed commercial success is one of the most depressing indictments of the general ineptitude throughout the music industry.

[@hotfroganimations]

Joining a fan club should've been a hit

[@TheChadTI]

Wrong time. They launched during the grunge ascendancy and NO fun, whimsy or good vibes were allowed.

[@TheChadTI]

@@hotfroganimations Glutton of Sympathy! Actually almost every song on that would have been a great single at any other point in time. Even late 90's, they were too soon.

[@hotfroganimations]

@@TheChadTI I recommend big country, great tunes, never fashionable. Avoid the no place like home album and you're golden.

[@TheChadTI]

@@hotfroganimations I've wondered about them, will investigate, thanks.

[@SIXSTRING63]

Love the channel Justin! Been watching every episode. I entered the contest The Darkness had about 10 years ago to put a guitar solo over one of your tracks. A friend and I both entered. Out of 600 entries, or something around that number, I came in 51st and my friend 53rd. I felt pretty good about my place in the judging. A few years later I entered another to get the chance to record with Bernie Marsden from the original Whitesnake. Out of 4,000 entries I won and got to fly to the UK and have a day in the studio and a few days to hang with Bernie, myself and our wives. The Les Paul in my profile pic is Bernie’s’59 “The Beast”. Had a great time in the UK for the first time and heard some great stories about rock royalty from Bernie. Great tales of Clapton, Beck, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, Cozy Powell, Gary Moore, Rory Gallagher……….Bernie is a true gentleman of British guitar greats, You are doing the same! Keep the great videos coming.

[@benjaminthomasholton963]

Justin, I am not massively familiar with your ouvre, apart from the obvious, but I like you, man. Listening to you helps my mental health immensely. Thank you.

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

That's so kind! Thank you

[@josephjetkiewicz7348]

The bands that I have always appreciated are the ones with members who are serious musicians while not taking themselves too seriously. Inflated egos have destroyed many a band. I have loved the Darkness since the first time I heard them. A great rock and roll band that is ever evolving indeed. BTW I struggled for many years with alcohol and drugs. I have been clean and sober for more than 7 years now and enjoy music even more now than during the long dark period of my life. Life does indeed become incredible when you remove the obstacles that hold you back.

[@toddhughes7370]

Agreed. Well said! My feelings exactly. From the first KZbin video I saw Justin do, I thought, "This is a guy I could hang out with and enjoy talking to." When my wife and I were lucky enough to see The Darkness on their recent North American tour, he further cemented that feeling. What I saw was a band that was serious about what they do and was enjoying the hell out of themselves doing it.

[@morbidmanmusic]

Everything you said I say personal to you only.

[@morbidmanmusic]

Serious is hard to define musically.

[@neilwilson5785]

I found that the best feeling in my music carer was the moment when the song ws done. Then I gave it to the band, and that was good too. After that, live gigs were the only good thing. Fame and all that is just awful.

[@2000bhoy]

Well done mate!

[@ronws2007]

Greatness - when something still moves you after so many years. I agree. And some if it has been the older Darkness stuff. "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" and "Growing on Me" still inspire me today. Sure, they were very successful. That does not stop them from being influential songs. The campy videos, the cheeky humor, and the honest and virtuostic musicianship. For all to enjoy.

[@lazarus3068]

You present a very level-headed perspective.

[@leeforrester466]

Justin you are treasure! I enjoy your humour, insights and good nature. Thanks for being here.

[@keithgale2596]

My goodness - such wise words and great insight. Many thanks Mr Hawkins, you are a great teacher

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Thanks for the support!

[@foxdenham]

As an old, cradle-to-grave artist, I was greatly encouraged by this. Thanks Justin.

[@emilyjblunt3000]

Jellyfish were really underrated, maybe not for the masses. I have Bellybutton in my collection. The Jayhawks are another great band that I feel never received the recognition they deserved. I love how The Darkness are building a consistent quality album catalogue - hopefully many more albums and tours to come.

[@soendsvalentine]

If you don’t have their second. “Split Milk” is an absolute masterpiece.

[@The_Walrus_Was_Paul_1984]

The Jayhawks are amazing.

[@grantshenton7079]

Eric Dover has some quality pipes on him no doubt .Saw him in a small venue doing an acoustic set with Slash And it was memorable.

[@TooTs499]

So glad it didn’t kill you Justin . We all love you xxx I love the work you have done with new band “ Classless Act” 🎸 Your guitar solo on “This is For You “ took my breath away !

[@Panda_Ghuleh]

Just came here to say that I tune in to your channel daily after work to decompress and listen to your awesome perspectives. I also came to say that Solid Gold is one of the GREATEST songs ever 🙌🏻

[@losgalvan15]

I recently discovered Jellyfish this past year. I couldn’t believe I had never heard of them before which is a perfect example. Highly recommend everyone check out the album Bellybutton 👍🏼

[@furiesforums4862]

My question would be how you and you’re brother made it all work after all these years.. Some people get jealous, ego-heavy, even some people just get bored.. We’ve seen family bands like Oasis turn on each other time and time again.. But you two still seem to love each-other & music equally.. keep rocking!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@stormdiscozia]

Justin! It’s storm, what a beautiful soul you are! Thank you for guiding us on your beautiful musical experience in this famously treacherous music industry. You are a tonic sir!

[@colinclews6336]

Bloody love what ya do JH. Power to you n keep on keeping on 👍

[@stevelibby6852]

You survived it and are a better man for it, sir. Thanks for that.

[@AnthonyWilliams-ew3wp]

How pleasant to hear such a well spoken and eloquent person. Always interesting content. Thank you.

[@Cynthiabecker24]

Hi. Nice to meet you. Until a few days ago when your channel popped up on my screen I had never heard of you. So I listened to your video, then another. I feel very captivated by your voice, mannerisms and very drawn in by your need to speak only when you have something to say. I'm haven't listened to your music, but after this my 3rd video of yours feel compelled to give you a listen. Would you suggest as a first time listener of the Darkness, beginning where you first started your career or can you suggest another album, song. All comments and suggestions welcomed. Thankyou.

[@helloitsme98]

Keep printing & distributing physical cds - I always buy yours when i see them - not big at ordering online

[@MrShadez810]

I really respect the career journey The Darkness took. Just completely committing to working hard and doing it yourself. The Darkness and Enter Shikari are the only 2 unsigned bands to sell out London Astoria and that is bloody impressive. Sometimes when you know you make great music you have to just take your own path and play the long game.

[@martinedwards6262]

100% agree about Jellyfish. Both albums still on regular rotation in my car.

[@joebagodonuts7563]

Like 5 years ago I was digging through the bin at a used record store in Vegas and I found a signed CD of this band called the darkness so I bought it. Maybe I'll listen to it now.

[@andrewbarker9773]

mate your honest in answering these comments is a great change from the usual BS we get from other artists doing similar things , mainly for self promotion which doesn't seem to be your motivation Justin.

[@pags409]

These videos got me to listen to you guys again and to learn the songs. So so angry missed your SF show!!! Keep up the great videos and more music!

[@chili_phil]

As a song writer, when the middle 8 is better than the actual song, that feeling is amazing! What you think Justin? Love your channel by the way!

[@Goldie1977]

Yay! Love the recent jellyfish mentions! Along with King’s X - the two most underrated bands that musicians absolutely love but non muso’s just couldn’t get. I don’t know if you knew but 3/4 of the Spilt Milk line up are now doing a new group. The Lickerish Quartet - well well worth checking out. 😉🤘

[@eugenelang1596]

I Enjoy your commentary. Your knowledge just by memory is amazing. Thank you

[@marybrindley6127]

You are such an inspiration to those bands that don't want to conform to the record label tick boxes, thank you for your wisdom and words of encouragement. 💜

[@neotheone6796]

Man you’re actually a pretty awesome person found your channel a month ago just going through your personality is cool af👍

[@kellyway892]

Justin often enhances my day. Authenticity, creativity, and humor. Thanks for all the fish.

[@louis.c326]

mr hawkins do you remember appearing on the cbeebies show zingzillas years back?, i remember watching it with my twin daughters and getting so excited to see you and dan rocking out on kids tv!. also meant i could start to introduce my littlens to the darkness and other cracking music. keep up the vids man, great channel

[@milkyklitschko8106]

my boy loved zingzillas. he’s more in to his gaming pc these days. I miss him

[@keithscharlach4968]

love this episode, great advice dude 👏 👌 👍

[@user-bj2lu9qt3o]

He looks beautiful in those clothes. I remember watching the NME interview, a bit shocked because I didn't know about his struggles. Now so healthy and enjoying life. Lovely to see!

[@JohnWolf_PDX]

Nice to see you mention Foxy Shazam. I and my daughter/concert buddy were introduced to them as your openers in Portland Oregon during your 2012 tour. We had no idea what to expect but we were both blown away by the performances you both brought that night. Great memories that we still talk about it to this day.

[@kimberlytaylor4021]

Justin you’re brilliant! Thank you for sharing your insight and musical talent with us. You truly make the world a brighter and more beautiful place! Rock on! 😎🌸💖

[@sera2775]

was going to post that this was fast becoming my favourite YT channel, seems I've been beaten to the post by Brandon White Music and Poetry. tbh, i don't understand the particularities of playing, notes, chords, etc., but he has such an engaging and interesting way of talking that I keep coming back, and learning as well. cheers

[@worstevergi]

you changed my life this past weekend in boston massachusetts. thank you.

[@freddievintage7278]

That advice puts a smile on my face, never give up

[@aliflemming2661]

So happy you acknowledged Jellyfish! Loved them and even Andy’s earlier band Beatnik Beach ❤️❤️🙏🏻

[@woodpigeon7776]

So glad you’re still with us, I literally love you ! 👑

[@_Jay_Maker_]

This was absolutely fascinating, Justin. I've loved _The Darkness_ since your first album hit the States. Hearing about your takes on creativity after all you've been through is truly wild and I'm so glad you've found success, especially given that some of us just have a habit of sabotaging ourselves! Your intelligence, wonderful sense of humor and talent are all great, but none of them match your honest, genuine humanity.

[@willnewsome6222]

Love this episode!! You are absolutely spot on regarding longevity being the most important marker. I’ll never forget coming home from a weekend of doing out of town shows, stopping off at a skatepark that was just off the highway to hand out whatever demos we had left on hand. Our email was on whatever we handed out and I was sort of bummed when weeks went by and we got no response. Literally a few years went by and I received an email from one of the kids that was skating that day. Paraphrasing, he said he gave it a listen initially that day and found it good, but nothing moved him enough to respond. Fast forward some years later and he went through some life experiences, had gone through some heavy loss, and it was at that moment that our music resonated with him…so much so that he bothered to reach out. That one example of connection is inspiring in so many ways for me. Thank you for THIS daily dose of inspiration my friend! Cheers! PS: Huge fan of Eric and FS!!

[@wilmachapman6821]

Bloody love your channel and commentary! Absolutely adore Jellyfish and found a lot of others that had never heard of them, or overlooked them and thank you for reminding of Foxy Shazam. Awesome vocals and band. Keep on keeping on you beautiful person 🤘🥰🤗🤴

[@kyleolin3566]

Possibly, greatness is recognizing our gifts and sharing them with others.

[@EmilianoCaballeroFraccaroli]

You rock Justin. I remember listening to the Darkness first record, and inspiring me to make my own music, same thing with Hot Leg, I really liked that record.

[@JemP85]

Justin’s hand sliding along with the ‘subscribe’ hand perfectly at the end of the vid was an unexpected bonus

[@thebhoydave]

Liked this 1/2 way through. Great words Justawk!

[@davelanciani-dimaensionx]

Thanks for your comments on these matters, Justin. Success as an artist is truly a difficult dream but is also hard to define. One thing I've learned is that pursuit of the art is more important than the financial gain. I know I'll never make a living as a musician, but that doesn't stop my enjoyment of playing guitar and creating my own music and posting it for the world to hear (at this point, I have 91 YT subscribers - whoo hoo!).

[@RobTackettCovers]

To the question of "Could you give some encouragement to people who want to be artists"...the way you paused and really looked like your wheels were turning, as if the whole journey, including really rough times, challenging times, were flashing before you...like "do I really want to encourage someone to go through all that, knowing that the possibility is for sure there that they very well may or may not get anywhere with it?", the knee jerk response that I thought you were going to say, or at least was contemplating, was the single word "NO!"....but then, like an optimistic ray of hope emerged by you responding with the single word "Certainly!", and then encouraged us...thanks man...trusting you and yours are doing great!

[@edd2771]

I don’t know how I stumbled onto your channel, but before finding it I knew you from having seen you at Madison Square Garden years ago opening for some band. I knew IBIATCL and that’s about it. I liked your music, and promptly forgot about you. I’m happy to say I’m enchanted with your discussions. You are thoughtful, considered, erudite, and insightful. You are someone I will listen to for your opinions on matters of the day, music related or otherwise, notwithstanding the fact that you have a music career, simply because you seem to be a very wise fellow.

[@j_freed]

Greatness is Channelling something from the beyond. Some people just have a good antennae.

[@gavinnewyork2053]

There's that slight anxiety to make sure after hitting 'M' to mute the adverts, then skipping the ad,, to re-hit the 'M' button again in time to catch the first note of a brand new episode of the best daily tonic for the soul, Justin Hawkins Rides Again.

[@stashe8083]

This video was quite insightful. Thank you so much.

[@Shaunks86]

There is no middle ground with your outfits and I love it.

[@jeffreybabor2585]

Thank you Justin for song writing advice I was re-energized to pick up the pen again

[@Zoecornellwolter]

The way Justin manages to be so articulate, self aware and analyse with critical thought without being in an echo chamber, philosophising while simultaneously being light hearted and still managing to not be radically elitist amazes me every time. In the bits of yourself you share with the world you seem like a genuinely kind caring and compassionate human, curious and creative with a massive heart. Thank you for sharing your musings with us, I'm hooked, just love the way Justin thinks about things and doesn't directly attach his identity to an opinion, he's still open to changing his mind. This is how real productive discussion happens. And a positive attitude to boot! Thanks Justin, team and family!

[@Goth114]

WOW, very dapper Mr. H! You look stunning 💜💜💜 Great Q&A yet again. Love listening to your musical insight, experiences and wise advice x

[@nancypetersen2454]

I absolutely love YOU Justin Hawkins! Greetings from Reno, Nevada!

[@powbarabajagal2435]

Thank you for bringing up Jellyfish! I loved their records!

[@Tredbull]

See you in Oslo in June Justin!

[@jakebeaudrie]

Man. You're getting really good at his youtube thing. Great video!!

[@SixtySecondYoga]

Everything you said about art at 6.30ish spoke to me so much! It’s about doing art that you want to be your legacy, not whatever makes money. I would love my art to be my legacy one day.

[@susiem1976]

Foxy and Eric Nally are extraordinary! I'm always shocked and amazed that they aren't more "famous"

[@drop12341]

Justin, “Thank you very much” for the inspiration to create again and get my work back out there. Yes, Sir, I agree “It is all about the quality of the art!”

[@guillermodelnoche]

Spilt Milk is one of the greatest albums ever recorded.

[@lovenailpolish3]

Very interesting insights as usual thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. I hope you are home resting now after the tour. I enjoyed wearing the t-shirt from the SF concert with the dates on the back and I kept asking my husband to read the back and tell me where you were that day. I would love to hear your thoughts on Steely Dan, especially the production of the album Aja! Peace and Love

[@dkarahtee5340]

Justin. I have never heard anyone describe the 3rd element before and I want to thank you. I have been playing and singing for 25 years and its very natural to me. Explaining the "ether" to my kids (the 3rd element of focus) is going to be very helpful. Thank you again.

[@andresilva8444]

Loved this. This is what made me subscribe.

[@bigdazz8636]

Good pep talk mate 👍 I picked up a Bass guitar three years ago and some days it's hard work to get it right, there's no shortcuts to learning an instrument I've discovered. However, the satisfaction when you nail a new song almost note perfect and in time is awesome. I'm in my 50's bit I will play in a band some day. Purely for the pleasure. Keep up the good my amigo 😁🤘

[@BenHirons]

Love the suit mate 🤘🏼❤️

[@painintheyeahs]

My old band played a sparsely attended show with Foxy Shazam in 2006, you would have thought it was an arena with the way Nally performed. Just incredible.

[@brycepagey888]

Love it. I love all of these.

[@ThanksChris]

Now I’m addicted to your channel & can’t get out of my tepid bath water because I have to keep watching another of your vids.

[@withershin]

This is the video that needs a million views. I wish I had this voice say 30 years ago when music intimidated me. The art of music is stunning. I'd be happy one day making $50 playing my U-Bass - it'll never happen but it's a realistic goal.

[@treebee4556]

YOU'RE AWESOME I LOOOOOOVE YOUUUUUU!!!! I LOOOVE YOUR BAND OF TOTAL FUCKING GENIUSES. TOTAL PERFECTION ON MANY LAYERS. LYRICALLY. MUSICALLY. EMOTIONALLY. ARTISTICALLY. CREATIVELY. LIVE KILLER FUCKING ROCK BAND. LITERALLY THE BEST IN THE WORLD HANDS DOWN!!!!!! WE ARE SO LUCKY!!!!

[@jamiebryan5729]

Charming candor as newly always. 👏

[@stevenshock2698]

Thank you Mr. Hawkins! I love hearing the bands mentioned Foxy Shazam and Jellyfish in almost the same sentence. I remember getting a copy of Bellybutton and listening to it over and over, discovering little nuances to the songs that you could never ingest with a single listen. They were an incredible band, wish they would have had more mainstream success. I highly recommend any other bands that the members performed with before and after Jellyfish, they are all incredible musicians. Like Jellyfish, I was drawn to The Darkness for some of the same reasons. I love a band that mixes genre and style, yet makes it their own. The Darkness is that perfect mix of stadium rock, Queen, Sweet, Beach Boys, and a little Bay City Rollers :) that meld into the perfect package. Cheers mate! and huge fanks for what you do!

[@prince13896]

Great channel, J.H.! Wish I could consult you every time I got stuck writing a song.

[@blankslate_gg]

I'm so glad you mentioned Eric and the gang from Foxy. You lads introduced me to them and they are spectacular.

[@ryantownsend6714]

Love your perspective

[@prichardgs]

Greatness is unapologetic creative integrity- You have that Justin.

[@SurfingTheSoundwaves]

As a guy in long-term recovery myself, I'm wondering if you could address what the catalyst was for you to get sober. Was it one specific moment or was it more just being sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? Regardless, congrats man. Rock and roll is littered with dead addicts and I'm really glad you're not on that list.

[@JoeWinnard]

I remember once reading a "quote" which I've now seen is credited to The Sun so feasible chance it's completely made up but .... In an interview with The Sun newspaper, he said, "I woke up in first class on a plane wearing a microphone fancy dress costume and realised to my shame that I had publicly wet myself. It was not my finest hour. It was during a ridiculous phase of not trusting airline food. I began to think they were putting chemicals in it to make you constipated. So I decided I wouldn't eat anything and just drank until I passed out."

[@sebastienfayemendie2514]

This is a very very good question ! 11 years of sobriety for me and I think your question works for every addict ! English is not my first language, I can't explain really well my point of view...your approach on the subject is great !

[@SurfingTheSoundwaves]

11 years is amazing! Well done Sebastien!

[@sebastienfayemendie2514]

@@SurfingTheSoundwaves A lot of work on myself before getting sober ! It took me 5 years, I needed help, I had help...it's not a life when you need Alcohol to be normal ! I was really " Sick and tired of feeling sick and tired "

[@sebastienfayemendie2514]

@@SurfingTheSoundwaves A lot of work on myself before getting sober ! It took me 5 years, I needed help, I had help...it's not a life when you need Alcohol to be normal ! I was really " Sick and tired of feeling sick and tired "

[@stormgeist1766]

Your comments on art were fucking brilliant! I know you don't need the validation, but that was something people need to hear, especially in these times of so much crap rising to the top and so clearly floated there by greed. As music, and art in general, consumers, people need to recognize the difference between someone genuinely trying to be creative and make you feel something, vs. when someone is trying to milk you like a fucking cow for your money. I also thought your comments were very encouraging, as well as educational, to anyone who wants to create art for a living... So true