Recently I read someone take issue with the description of Britten as the finest English composer since Purcell. “I wouldn't describe him as the best musician to come out of Lowestoft for the last 100 years - that honour belongs to Justin Hawkins of The Darkness.”

You could say it was a one way ticket to closure…and back.

When the pub in which the Darkness got together shut its doors in September, locals feared it would be turned into housing.

But yesterday the Swan in Gillingham, near Beccles, reopened. And back behind the bar was the woman who ran it for 15 years.

If you're a myspace fan, all the band members have myspace pages.

From present to past:

www.myspace.com/thedarkness
The Darkness

http://www.myspace.com/richieedwards
Richie Edwards

www.myspace.com/thedarknessdan
Dan Hawkins

www.myspace.com/thedarknessed
Ed Graham

www.myspace.com/justinhawkinsworld
Justin Hawkins

www.myspace.com/frankiepoullain
Frankie Poullain

Well, I watched it tonight to see if Justin Hawkins went into the house. But he wasn't there

Rumours continue to circulate as to who will take over frontman duties for The Darkness, with rock bible 'Kerrang!' reporting that bass player Richie Edwards is set to step into the spotlight vacated by Justin Hawkins in August.

Hawkins left the band due to worsening drug and alcohol problems. Edwards joined the band in June 2005 following the departure of Frankie Poullain. Toby MacFarlaine is reported to be taking on full-time bass duties.

MacFarlaine confirmed the collaboration via a post on Graham Coxon's message board, but he suggested that the band won't be known as The Darkness. He wrote, "…can't divulge much at present, but I am indeed in a new band with Dan, Ed and Rich who are presently known as The Darkness. A new name is to be announced shortly and then we shall take over the world and rule it with a rubber fist!"

MacFarlaine is bassist in Coxon's band, and has also worked with former Ash guitarist Charlotte Hatherley.

Credit: undercover.com.au