A legendary British rock band cancelled a gig as they revealed their lead singer was battling a chest infection – but hope the rest of their tour remains unaffected.
The Darkness, famed for their 2003 hit I Believe in a Thing Called Love, officially announced the cancellation of one of their New Zealand shows on Instagram.
Understanding fans flocked to the comments to support the band, and told ‘devastated’ frontman Justin Hawkins to ‘get well soon’ while he recovered.
The band wrote: ‘It is with deep regret that we have to announce that The Darkness cannot perform in Wellington tonight, as Justin has come down with a serious chest infection.
‘Doctors have advised him to rest and told him that performance is out of the question. Justin is devastated, as are the other band members.
Pictured above are Justin Hawkins, Frankie Poullain and Dan Hawkins of The Darkness performing at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, California in 2022
Pictured above are The Darkness, circa 2005. From left, Ed Graham, Dan Hawkins, Justin Hawkins, and Frankie Poullain
British rock band The Darkness officially announced that they’ve had to cancel a show in Wellington, due to their vocalist’s ongoing chest infection
‘We hope to go ahead as planned in Auckland tomorrow, but please stay tuned for update. Thank you for understanding’.
One fan admitted that they were gutted, despite the band refunding tickets: ‘Sucks. We’re in Wellington, can we support and buy some merch today?’
While another praised the lead singer of the English band for his resilience: ‘I’ve seen @justinhawkinsta perform with broken ankles, ribs, and the worst soreness of the powerful larynx known to man.
‘He is an unstoppable irresistible force. This must be really bad; he never cancels a show, knowing that doing so will also cause him much pain.
‘Get well soon, dear Justin. Everyone understands your health must come first’.
And a concerned Instagram user wrote: ‘Get well soon, these type of announcements are always scary’.
A different fan was keen to offer their support: ‘Please take care of yourself. Events can be rescheduled and there is nothing more important than your health. Don’t f*** with the doctor’s orders!’
More flocked to the comments section to wish the Surrey native a ‘speedy recovery’.
Fans were flocking to the comments to send their love to lead singer Justin Hawkins, claiming that he barely cancels gigs
It seemed that the band has an impressive track record for not cancelling shows, with another fan lauding the flamboyant singer for his work ethic.
‘Let’s take this opportunity to thank Justin and the band for all the effort that they’ve put in and cancelled so little shows in their whole career’.
A different fan repeated the sentiment: ‘The Darkness are the hardest working, most dedicated band there is. Take care Justin, get well soon!’
One user even whipped out a traditional Maori phrase to offer their support to the vocalist: ‘Kia Kaha [stay strong] Justin! If you are still unwell for Auckland too please just rest – nothing is more important than your health mate!’
A different fan was as gutted for Justin as she was for herself: ‘Oh no! Devastated for myself as I have been looking forward to the VIP since forever. But of course, get well Justin’.
