'Is The Darkness' Permission to Land one of the greatest debut albums?' Justin Hawkins responds

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Darkness’ blockbuster debut album ‘Permission to Land’ today (7th July), ever-genial frontman Justin Hawkins sat down with Planet Rock’s Loz Guest to go through the album track-by-track.

The Darkness are marking the two-decade milestone of ‘Permission to Land’ with a headline UK & Ireland tour in December, and they're also unleashing a 20th anniversary edition of the album called ‘Permission To Land… Again’ on Friday 6th October via Warner Music.

During the wide-ranging chat, Loz asked Justin whether he believes ‘Permission to Land’ is one of the greatest debut albums of all time.

Justin responded: “It has been said to me but then I always reply, ‘what about (Guns N’ Roses’) ‘Appetite for Destruction’?!’"

When Loz replied that it’s nice to be within the same “pantheon” as some seminal records, Justin said: “Yeah, okay. Well, I mean to be anywhere near that is just a thrill.

“I know a lot of people are really fond of this record and that obviously means the world to me.”

Justin went on to explain that he wouldn’t change a thing about ‘Permission to Land’ or give it a re-edit like some bands do.

“I don't think looking back in that sort of critical way is helpful to anybody really,” he told Loz.

“I just think it's like a diary entry. That's all it is. Sometimes you look back and you cringe a bit of the things you've written in your diary, if you are one of those people that likes to journal in that way. Sometimes the thought processes and the things you're saying and the feelings that you're experiencing, it makes you a little bit embarrassed.

“When you're making records, those diary entries are for everybody to enjoy and pour over and it isn't just about how you feel about it. In fact, the way you feel about it is the least relevant really. You put it out there and it's one way - it should be - it’s art. You just stick it out and then move on.

“So as far as I'm concerned, it's exactly what it is and there's nothing I can do to change it. So, let's move on.”

You can watch Justin Hawkins’ full interview with Loz Guest below where he also spoke about how a Rolling Stones member inspired his catsuits, the ‘traumatic’ side of instant fame, and much more.

The Darkness’ ‘Permission To Land… Again’, a special 20th Anniversary reissue collection, is released on Friday 6th October 2023 via Warner Music.

Justin Hawkins says: “So much has happened since the original release of Permission To Land that I can hardly believe it’s only been 20 years. Such turmoil, upheaval, the emotional rollercoaster ride of being nobody, becoming somebody, going back to being nobody and LOVING EVERY SECOND OF IT.

“The past two decades have only been this eventful BECAUSE of the impact that our debut album had. I’m grateful for every second of this experience and delighted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the best debut album by The Darkness of all time. Join me in giving this seismic long player 20 heartfelt bumps. Happy birthday PTL!”

The Darkness’ ‘Permission To Land… Again’ is available as a special 4CD/1DVD release including the full original album, rare B-sides, bonus unreleased demos, as well as live albums from their iconic shows at London’s Astoria (2003), Knebworth (in support of Robbie Williams in 2003) and Wembley Arena (2004). A 2CD edition with a reduced track listing is also available.

‘Permission To Land… Again’ is also released on 5LP vinyl, which mirrors the 4CD track listing. The original 1LP vinyl, which has long been out of print since the original pressing in 2003, has now been made available to purchase once again, alongside a new special blue/black marbled limited edition colour variant.

See photos of The Darkness and Guns N' Roses at BST Hyde Park:

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