The British Rock sensation of 2003, The Darkness, have decided to follow the now popular trend of slamming established rock band Radiohead, following their huge success at the Britt Awards. The Darkness’s guitarist, Dan Hawkins, was quick to criticise the Oxford band’s approach:

“Most of these modern bands are so unbearably serious they leave me cold. Radiohead are totally boring. The world needs a showman like Justin who puts on his monkey outfit and entertains people. I haven't bought anything by these modern bands in a while. They're all wet rags."

The Darkness are considered to be a return to 70s style rock, and many believe their retro style is a breathe of fresh air – something that Hawkins concurs with:

"Bands like Radiohead are great for our business, of course, because there's been a total Radiohead-isation of the British music scene. Coldplay, Turin Brakes, Starsailor - all of these groups have put together their selection from the Radiohead menu."

Hawkins explained that the reason the Darkness was successful was because they had chosen a style from a different era, thus making their music seem fresh. Instead of listening to Radiohead, he practiced by playing to his favourite bands from the 70s whom he considers to be the true old masters.

“At the end of the day, I’d rather be a trend follower than a trend setter. But I don’t want to be a trend follower that’s a sheep – if I did I’d be copying Radiohead. Now I’m making sure I’m following a trend from 20 years ago, which is now so hideously out of date people can’t accuse me of making populist music.

“As for Radiohead – they might be one of the greatest influences of modern rock music today, who broke new ground and have started a huge trend of copycat bands – but hey, we got 3 Britts.”