THE DARKNESS Singer Checks Into Rehab

August 16, 2006

THE DARKNESS frontman Justin Hawkins checked himself into London rehab clinic The Priory on Saturday (August 12),according to a British newspaper.

Hawkins, who has admitted battling the eating disorder bulimia in the past, prompted fears over his health when he cancelled a festival appearance in Denmark last week.

The 31-year-old has been under increasing pressure following the commercial failure of his group's second album "One Way Ticket To Hell…And Back", and it was rumored his record label is preparing to drop him.

However, in a statement issued earlier today, the other members of THE DARKNESS denied that Hawkins' current health issues will result in a band split.

"After Justin saw a doctor last week and was recommended to 'cancel all professional commitments or work-related activities,' we had little choice but to cancel the band's appearance at the Skanderborg Festival in Denmark, something that the band hate to do, but having been out on the road constantly for such a long time and having not had any time off over the past three years, that's what Justin has decided to do and we are all agreed that his health must come first," the group said in the statement.

"As everybody found out today, Justin has been admitted to a rehabilitation clinic. We would however like to make it clear that this emphatically does not signal the end for THE DARKNESS, nor are their label Atlantic Records considering 'dropping' them. On the contrary, they have taken up their option with the band and are looking forward to releasing THE DARKNESS' third album in early 2007.

"We are not here to comment on Justin's private life — or anyone else's, for that matter — but he is feeling better already and as soon as he is ready we will be going straight into the studio to begin recording album number 3.

"We hope you would join us in wishing Justin well — and it is for you to judge if a platinum album, headlining and co-headlining sold out shows across the U.K., Continental Europe and Australia, etc. to an audience of thousands of adoring fans can ever be considered a failure!"

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