M is for Music

Take That started it years ago. New Kids on the Block did it. The Police did it. The Spice Girls did it. Blur is in the process. The Libertines are rumored to do it. Now The Darkness. Bands reuniting is the cool thing to do these days… even if it’s not a good idea.

The Darkness were at the top of their game with their debut release, “Permission to Land” in 2003.  Although they were not nearly as popular in the states as in the UK, “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” was an international success. 

The glam rock band was unique. With obvious influences of bands like Queen and Led Zepplin, fans loved The Darkness for their controversial lyrics, cat suits and stage design.  There was no stopping The Darkness- so it seemed. “Permission to Land” went platinum five times. Their sophomore album was highly anticipated, but failed to gain as much attention.

In 2005 the band released their second effort, “One Way Ticket to Hell… and Back.” The album debuted at number 10 but quickly fell.  The album was only platinum once and the tour was not as successful as the past.

In 2006 lead singer, Justin Hawkins entered rehab for cocaine and alcohol addiction. After release he left the band.  His unexpected departure caused many problems for the remaining members.

Today, the three remaining members are working to build a new band and Hawkins is with the medievel rock band, Hot Leg.

A promoter in America has apparently offered the band a large sum of money to appear at a festival in America over the summer. Although not confirmed, NME has hinted towards the possibility of not only a 2009 tour, but a new album as well.

Unless it’s all ORIGINAL members- including Frankie, this reunion isn’t legit. Who wants to see a reunion of a band that’s not the original line-up? Perhaps Frankie’s departure was the start of the downward spiral and weakened appeal. I mean his parents were pirates…

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