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Dan Hawkins
Background information
Birth name	Daniel Francis Hawkins
Born	December 12, 1976 (1976-12-12) (age 33)
Genres	Hard rock Glam metal Glam rock Heavy metal
Occupations	Musician, Guitarist, Producer. Songwriter
Instruments	Guitar Vocals Bass Drums Percussion
Years active	2000 - present
Labels	PIAS Atlantic Records Must Destroy
Associated acts	Stone Gods The Darkness (2000 - 2006)
Website	The Official The Darkness Website
Notable instruments
Gibson Les Paul

Daniel Francis Hawkins (born 12 December 1976 in Chertsey, England) is an English rock guitarist, noted for his strong revival of 70s classic rock and 80s metal.

He is best known for his time as guitarist and backing singer of the UK band, The Darkness, fronted by his brother Justin Hawkins, which achieved notable mainstream success between 2002 and 2006. He is now playing lead guitar for their successor band Stone Gods. He is influenced by hard rock and glam metal genre such as Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Whitesnake, AC/DC, Queen, Mötley Crüe and Thin Lizzy.

Biography

After moving to Lowestoft, he attended Kirkley High School and achieived good grades in his GCSE's before leaving his hometown behind for the bright lights and cosmopolitan lifestyle of Camden, London. From a young age, he aspired to be a musician, beginning on drums, moving on to bass and finally mastering the guitar. Back in his early days in his professional career, he worked as a session guitarist for various artists including Natalie Imbruglia. Previous bands include Vital Signs, Empire and the hugely successful The Darkness in which he and his bandmates, Justin Hawkins, Ed Graham, Frankie Poullain and later, Richie Edwards, received countless awards for their music. Dan's trophy cabinet holds Brits, MTV and Kerrang awards and a highly prestigious Ivor Novello award for songwriting.

In 2006, after The Darkness disbanded, Dan regrouped with fellow bandmates Richie and Ed to begin the band that would, after the recruitment of bassist Toby Macfarlaine, become Stone Gods. He has moved into the lead guitar role in his new band and has seen their debut album Silver Spoons & Broken Bones launch to impressive and supportive reviews throughout the rock world. At present, they have been nominated for no less than two Classic Rock Magazine - Roll Of Honour Awards and are scheduled to play alongside Australian rockers, Airbourne on their UK tour in November 8.

Dan was involved with the production process during the recording of both The Darkness's albums, learning the skills alongside famed producer, Roy Thomas Baker. He co-produced B-sides for One Way Ticket To Hell ... And Back and his first credited and most recent project is Stone Gods own album, Silver Spoons & Broken Bones, also with highly experienced colleague and friend, producer Nick Brine. Dan also built and owns a luxury, commercial residential recording studio 'Leeders Farm' in Wymondham, Norfolk, UK which is run by Nick and his partner Katy Dann. Bands such as The Dandies, Artic Monkeys, Seastick Steve, The Rifles have all recorded there.

Equipment

Dan's instrumental weapon of choice is the Gibson Les Paul and he owns several, still preferring his well used honeyburst Standard, known by Dan and his fans as 'Dune' which he played extensively in The Darkness and continues to use in Stone Gods. For the song "Black Shuck" he uses a Gretsch Elliot Easton solid body. Dan also owns a Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty which was originally built for Jimmy Page, but Page decided it was too heavy.

See also

• The Darkness
• Justin Hawkins
• Richie Edwards
• Ed Graham
• Frankie Poullain
• Toby MacFarlaine