Noughties rockstar looks unrecognisable in striking new music video for band's reunion

A popular rockstar looks a world away from his time in a noughties band in a new music video for the group in which the frontman rocks a striking long wig

A noughties rockstar looks unrecognisable in a new music video after taking a break from the spotlight.

The Darkness singer, Justin Hawkins, 49, shot to fame with the band's track I Believe in a Thing Called Love in 2003 before the group split in 2006. Previously known for his long locks, Justin hacked off his hair a couple of years ago and dyed it blonde in 2024, but now the band are getting back together, he's sporting a wig in their new music video and looks a world away from his old self.

Ahead of the release of new album, Dreams on Toast, Justin stares straight down the camera lens for the duration of the three-and-a-half minute song, entitled I Hate Myself while puffing on a cigarette. With the glossy black wig covering up his short hair, fans would be forgiven for not knowing who the singer was.

Justin is now reportedly a vegan father of one living a quiet life in rural Switzerland and looks worlds away from his once-flamboyant on-stage persona. It was reported in in 2023 that he divorced his wife Sarah, with whom his shares a child, some time ago.

In September, The Darkness announced they are releasing a new album and set to go on tour around the UK in 2025. The album news came after Taylor Swift's viral moment singing along to I Believe in a Thing Called Love with boyfriend Travis Kelce at the US Open final.

Afer the clip of the pop sensation went viral, the band's single shot up the charts across the world and reached number one in the US, 21 years after its release.

Justin later revealed that Taylor wrote him a letter, insisting the track is the "greatest song ever written". While promoting the bands eighth studio album on ITV's Lorraine, Justin discussed the incredible moment. He said: "She [Taylor Swift] was just dancing and appreciating it and they play it at sporting events a lot. My daughter is the biggest Swifty I know, I was always cool but now I'm extra cool.

"She wrote me a lovely letter and said she thinks it is the greatest song ever written and if she said that it must mean something, she is an expert at writing songs."

He joked: "We saw Taylor singing out song and it went to number one and we thought quick get in the studio. No we actually didn't, we've been working on this for a year and a half."

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