Dan Hawkins

Daniel Francis Hawkins (born 12 December 1976, Chertsey, England) is an English rock guitarist, best known as a guitarist and backing singer of the UK band, The Darkness. The band fronted by his older brother Justin Hawkins, achieved notable mainstream success between 2002 and 2006. After moving to Lowestoft, he attended Kirkley High School and achieved good grades in his GCSEs before leaving his hometown behind for London. Back in his early days in his professional career, he worked as a session guitarist for various artists including Natalie Imbruglia. He formed The Darkness with his brother Justin Hawkins, drummer Ed Graham, and bassist Frankie Poullain, who later was replaced by Richie Edwards, and they became a mainstream success. With The Darkness he has won Brits, MTV and Kerrang awards and the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for songwriting in 2004 The Darkness split in 2005. In 2006, after The Darkness disbanded, Dan regrouped with band mates Richie and Ed to begin the band that would, after the recruitment of bassist Toby Macfarlaine, become Stone Gods. He played lead guitar in the band and saw their debut album 'Silver Spoons & Broken Bones', which was well received by critics. Stone Gods went on hiatus in 2011, preceding the reunion of The Darkness. Afterwards they released 'Hot Cakes' (2012) and 'Last of Our Kind' (2015), with new drummer Emily Dolan Davies, who replaced Graham, but soon was replaced by Rufus Taylor. Dan Hawkins was involved with the production process during the recording of both The Darkness's albums, learning the skills alongside famed producer, Roy Thomas Baker. He co-produced B-sides for 'One Way Ticket to Hell... and Back'. His first credited project was Stone Gods' album 'Silver Spoons & Broken Bones' with the record producer, Nick Brine. He is married and has two daughters.