The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins has addressed his bold decision to appear as a woman in the band’s latest music video for their single, I Hate Myself. In a livestream on his YouTube channel, Justin Hawkins Rides Again, he opened up about the concept behind the video and how it ties into the song’s themes.
“What I was trying to get was somebody so filled with regret, remorse, and self-loathing that they’ll slowly kill themselves and also do a load of work to their face,” Hawkins explained. “The character there is kind of desperate to change their appearance, desperate to just get it over with. It’s like that. I think, as Dan [Hawkins] said, I think that reflects the lyrical content of that song.”
Hawkins first teased the concept with Instagram posts showing him in long hair and makeup, sparking a mixed reaction from fans. While some were intrigued, others admitted to being shocked or unsettled by the imagery.
The video premiered on January 6, 2025, via a live stream where Justin and his brother, guitarist Dan Hawkins, answered questions and discussed the creative direction behind both the video and their upcoming album.
Dreams On Toast and Upcoming Tour
I Hate Myself is the second single from The Darkness’s forthcoming eighth studio album, Dreams On Toast, set to release on March 28, 2025, via Cooking Vinyl. The album explores a range of introspective and emotionally charged themes, marking another evolution in the band’s sound.
To promote the album, The Darkness will embark on a UK tour in March as part of their Dreams On Toast world tour. They’ll be joined by indie-rock band Ash, who previously toured with The Darkness during their iconic Permission To Land era over two decades ago.
With its striking visuals and raw emotion, I Hate Myself promises to set the stage for the band’s next chapter, offering fans both the theatricality and introspection The Darkness is known for.
