Triumph from disaster: Justin Hawkins reveals why he’s taking his young daughter on tour with him
Over the last couple of decades, The Darkness frontman, Justin Hawkins, has been through somewhat of a metamorphosis, leaving behind addiction and the typical rockstar lifestyle he once valued.
Becoming sober, focusing on his fitness and putting time into his YouTube channel, Justin has truly turned his life around while living in Switzerland, but he still cherishes the one good thing that came from those darker times in his life. His daughter.
Speaking to the hosts of motoring podcast, Fuelling Around, the Chertsey native discussed being a father.
“Well, I married a Swiss woman, which was a disaster, but I stayed here because I have a Swiss daughter, which is a triumph,” he began.
“I’m still here because I’m daddy basically.”
Many fans were shocked that the musician had chosen to stay in Switzerland, but he remains dedicated to embracing change and parenthood.
“I’m really proud of the person my daughter’s turning into,” he added.
“I feel like any contribution I’ve made to that, just…”
He would then pause to take an emotional moment.
Continuing, he said, “The other day I saw her pick up a T-shirt and pay for it with her own money, no fuss.”
“She saw something she liked, went for it, and that’s what I love about being a father, you see opinions forming in your child that you’ve got nothing to do with.”
“That’s them establishing their own character and their own tastes and curating their own sort of cultural influence and doing something.”
“Something as simple as buying a T-shirt was a beautiful moment for me.”
Though his daughter’s name remains private, Justin is very public about his admiration for her and is dedicating as much time as possible to her.
Last year, he even scored major ‘cool points’ when he got them VIP tickets to see mega popstar Taylor Swift after she was spotted singing to ‘I Believe in a Thing Called Love’ at the US Open with her boyfriend, Travis Kelce.
“I’ve had so many great experiences as a father, I think it’s my favourite thing,” he said.
“I just love it.”
The Darkness will be touring again this year, with the first date being in Castle Donington in June.
He went on to say, “And I love it when she comes on tour. She comes out, she has a bunk, and she decorates the bunk.”
“She makes everybody laugh, and she’s really cool.”
“She’s only 11, but she’s just like one of the gang, you know? It’s really fun.”
“If I’m proud of one thing, my influence as a father,” he would conclude.
“I’m really glad I made those decisions. I’m glad I’m in the same country as her. I’m glad I’m around, and I’m glad she’s awesome.”