Review and photos Deborah Law
It is a dreary, raining, dark evening as I make my way to Warrington Parr Hall. The reason I am going is because Justin Hawkins (The Darkness) is putting on a show.
I have no idea what to expect.
I look round at the crowd, mostly men, even grandad, dad and son together, three generations of one family here to see him. The die hard fans are on the five front rows.
I have been given exclusive photo access – thank you! I am only standing at the far side as it is a seated audience and I don’t want to be in the way of the paying fans.
The lights lower, loud music, pictures on a back screen, Justin walks on. He looks smartly dressed, shortish hair – I am taken aback. Only ever seen him in a cat suit. He looks quite the gentle man. Maybe at 50 years of age, living a sober and drug free life in Switzerland has completely changed him? It looks like it.
He points at pictures behind him, in his pod cast room in Switzerland. “That’s me with Robbie Williams”. “There is a picture of Kylie”. We get the first mention of Gary Barlow.
“Where do you all know me from?” he asks the audience. They are quiet. “My pod cast?” Apparently this tour is following the wildly successful, and hugely acclaimed, series of one-man shows that Justin Hawkins embarked upon in 2024, whereupon he brought his massively popular YouTube show of 600,000+ subscribers to life on stage.
“The Darkness?” Yes from me.
He walks around the stage, mainly standing at the front. “I had a phone call from Gary Barlow (Take That) and he was lovely. I felt bad about all the bad things I have said. He invited me to collaborate. He was gagging me with kindness. He has under estimated me because I will continue to tease him”. What is it with Justin and Gary? Is it a feud of many years? Why does he dislike Gary?
Why is Justin Hawkins obsessed with Gary Barlow?
What did I want? To hear about his antics in The Darkness. To hear more about Justin Hawkins, the man he was and is now. To hear more about his life in Switzerland and why he went to live there? Not to hear about Gary Barlow and his autobiography.
Do I like Justin Hawkins – yes. Would I go to see him again – yes to see if he talks about anything else?
Justin Hawkins – seems a nice bloke but babbles too much – Picture Deborah Law
