Key Highlights
- The Darkness brothers Justin and Dan Hawkins appeared on BBC Breakfast to promote their reimagined version of “Mistletoe and Wine.”
- BBC Breakfast viewers criticized the chaotic interview, deeming it a “car crash.”
- Sally Nugent had to interrupt the interview due to the brothers’ off-topic discussion about the BBC studio setup.
- The band members discussed their music career highlights and Justin’s past struggles with substance abuse.
BBC Breakfast Interview: The Darkness Struggles to Stay on Topic
The rock duo, The Darkness, consisting of brothers Justin and Dan Hawkins alongside Frankie Poullain and Rufus Tiger Taylor, made a brief appearance on BBC Breakfast this morning. The purpose was clear—to promote their latest festive offering, a reimagined version of the classic song “Mistletoe and Wine.” However, what viewers found instead was a chaotic interview that quickly devolved into a “car crash,” as described by social media comments.
Off-Topic Chaos
Before Sally Nugent and Jon Kay could get their questions in, Justin Hawkins became sidetracked. He noticed production equipment beneath the BBC Breakfast coffee table and made jokes about it being visible only to studio staff. “Nobody at home can see it but we can see what’s coming up, don’t read my messages,” Jon Kay warned, according to reports from the Express.
Band Members’ Reflections on Music Career
The conversation eventually veered towards discussing their latest release and Dan Hawkins explained that “Mistletoe and Wine” has been a staple in their holiday performances. Justin elaborated on his own fondness for the song, attributing it to receiving a Cliff Richard calendar during his childhood. He continued, “Those are really good by the way, because every month, the face is exactly the same, it’s amazing.
He’s so well preserved.”
In an attempt to steer the conversation back towards their music, Jon Kay brought up potential feedback from Cliff Richard about their reimagining of the song. Justin quickly cut him off with a joke: “I always like to swap the O and the E.” “Not this morning,” Sally Nugent interjected sharply.
Personal Reflections
Justin’s reflection on his past struggles with substance abuse was also brought up during the interview. He admitted that he took five years off from music due to alcohol and cocaine dependency, a period he described as necessary for personal growth. “I needed some me time,” Justin stated, revealing how this hiatus had stalled their band’s momentum but ultimately led to a comeback. Dan Hawkins provided a contrasting perspective when asked about his own downtime: “I had some children… definitely not me time.”
Viewers React with Contempt
The interview was met with widespread criticism from viewers on social media, many branding it as a “car crash.” “That interview was like pulling teeth. It was all about Justin,” one viewer commented. Another wrote, “Car crash interview gotta love #TheDarkness.”
Despite the negative reception, some defended the band, suggesting that their humor might be too sophisticated for the BBC Breakfast presenters. “Somehow I’m thinking the humour by @thedarkness is a bit too high-minded for @sallynugent and @jonkay01 interview on #bbcbreakfast – it’s hilarious hearing them make jokes and there is 0 reaction by the presenters.”
The interview, which aired this morning on BBC Breakfast, lasted only a few minutes before Sally Nugent had to interrupt Justin yet again.
The segment concluded with Justin explaining his choice of hotel slippers, stating that “Comfort is key,” adding humorously, “Rather than buy a pair of shoes, I just wear the complimentary slippers from the hotel.”
The incident highlights the challenges bands face when engaging in promotional interviews and how such mishaps can affect public perception. For now, The Darkness will continue to tour and perform their music, hoping that future interactions with media will be more straightforward.
