Justin Hawkins Opens New Recording Studio at Historic School

Justin Hawkins, the charismatic frontman of The Darkness, officially opened a new recording studio named in his honor at the historic Hereford Cathedral School in Hereford, England. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the 1,350-year-old institution, which has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 676 AD as a school for choristers.

The newly inaugurated Justin Hawkins Recording Studio will serve as a vital resource for current students, providing them with hands-on training in recording and music production. During the ceremony, Hawkins expressed his pride in having a studio dedicated to him. He remarked, “On a purely ego basis, it means the world to have a studio named after me. It’s a great feeling. I wish we’d had something like this at my school.”

In his address to the students, Hawkins shared his insights into the recording process, highlighting its differences from live performances. “Recording is a totally different experience to performing live,” he noted. “For me, there’s a tendency to overthink that stuff. But there’s something magical about the first performances. Once you’re comfortable in this space, don’t overthink it, just enjoy it.”

Reflecting on his early experiences in the music industry, Hawkins recalled his first job at a recording studio when he was just 14 years old. “I went and did work experience at a studio called Purple Rain in Gorleston. I was the tea boy, and the first client that came in was an Elvis impersonator who lived in his car. That was 36 years ago, so I expect he’s changed cars by now,” he added with a laugh.

School’s Commitment to Music Education

Dr. Michael Gray, Executive Headmaster of Hereford Cathedral School, emphasized the significance of the studio in enhancing the school’s musical offerings. “The opening of The Justin Hawkins Recording Studio is an exciting development in our musical offering. Blending our ancient choral traditions with a contemporary provision is at the heart of our broad curriculum, which attracts the best musicians from across both the county and further afield,” he stated.

The school boasts a notable list of alumni, including the late Pretenders bassist Pete Farndon, Welsh rugby international Paul Thorburn, and Frederic Weatherly, the lyricist behind the classic Irish folk song “Danny Boy.”

The Darkness on Tour

As Hawkins returns to the stage, The Darkness is set to embark on a series of performances in Australia and New Zealand this month, followed by a UK arena tour scheduled for late 2026. The tour, titled “Dreams On Toast,” will include stops at various venues across the two regions.

The tour dates include:
– February 17: Auckland Powerstation, New Zealand
– February 18: Wellington Meow NUI, New Zealand
– February 20: Brisbane The Tivoli, Australia
– February 21: Miami Marketta, Australia
– February 22: Callaghan Bar On The Hill, Australia

The band will continue their tour throughout Australia and then onto locations in Singapore, France, Italy, and the UK later in the year, concluding in December with performances at notable arenas.

Hawkins’ visit to Hereford Cathedral School not only marked the launch of the recording studio but also provided a memorable opportunity for students to interact with a rock icon, enriching their educational experience in music. The studio stands as a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering talent and embracing both its storied past and future potential in the arts.