The Darkness: We'll Be Back

The Darkness have hit back at the detractors who are writing the bands obituary after Justin Hawkins’ went into rehab.

As previously reported on Gigwise the leotard loving hair rockers have cancelled all further shows while Hawkins battles his alcohol addiction.

In a statement the band said: “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 considering 'dropping' them.”

“On the contrary they have taken up their option with the band and are looking forward to releasing the Darkness's third album in early 2007.”

It added: “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 three.”

“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 to an audience of thousands of adoring fans can ever be considered a failure."