The Stone Gods : Temple of Rock

Music, Media and Muses

New Band: Stone Gods

January 5th, 2009 Posted in Press

Jan, 05 2009

Remember The Darkness? They had that mega-hit “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” back in 2003 (you know the high-pitched one, with the guy in a white open-chested Spandex full-body suit in the music video), which led them into the pop-rock charts. One mediocre album later and it seems that the rest of the band got fed up with the falsetto pseudo-rock and opted for something more dark. They booted the frontman and promoted their bassist, Richie Edwards, to lead vocals (and switching to rhythm guitar), and found a new bassist. Thus, Stone Gods was born. After hearing Edwards’ grittier vocals, I can’t imagine why they didn’t start off with him in the first place. Of course they wouldn’t have been as big as they ended up being, but I would have enjoyed it more, and in life isn’t that all that matters? (For me anyway)
Their debut album, Silver Spoons & Broken Bones, came out in July of 2008. And they began touring almost immediately. Although there have been some hiccups (some shows got cancelled in England with little warning of the cause), they are currently on the second leg of their tour, opening for Black Stone Cherry (another favorite of mine), across the US.
My favorite songs off the album are “Burn The Witch,” with great lyrics and an amazing guitar-driven outro, and “Oh Where ‘O My Beero,” which’s bass and snare beginning reminds me alot of John Lennon’s song “Give Peace A Chance.”
Overall, I like Stone God’s debut performance, way more than any effort by The Darkness. Ironically, this new incarnation are alot darker then previously. I can’t wait to hear their next release, either an EP or full-length release.

Out of The Darkness comes Hot Leg and Stone Gods

December 30th, 2008 Posted in Press

Dec, 30 2008

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 12:07PM – By davidhall @ beatcrave.com

davidhall-hotlegstonegods08-12-30

Amid rampant rumors that Brit-rockers The Darkness will reform in 2009 with their original line up, lead singer/guitarist Justin Hawkins has announced the rise of a new Spinal Tap – inspired group, Hot Leg.

Hot Leg will unleash its brand of new-age classic rock on the world with its debut album, “Red Light Fever,” in January.

With his flawless falsetto, which he refers to as the “Truth Larynx,” Hawkins will lead the new band with help from guitarist Pete Rinaldi, bassist Samuel SJ Stokes and drummer Darby Todd.

On their MySpace, Hot Leg describes themselves as “an entirely hairier beast” than The Darkness, but the band’s powerhouse Queen and AC/DC infused ballads seem to pick up right where the latter band left off when it split in 2006.

If anyone is wondering what the hell happened to the other guys in The Darkness (cause I thought they’d totally dropped off the face of the planet!), they’re producing a more raw, southern-rock-style sound in their own band, Stone Gods.

Brother to Justin, guitarist Dan Hawkins, and The Darkness ex-bassist Richie Edwards, co-write the songs for Stone Gods, who released their debut “Silver Spoons and Broken Bones” in July.

The formation of two different bands seems to represent a clear parting-of-ways for the Hawkins brothers, but with the advent of Hot Leg in 2009, who will reign as kings of UK man-rock?

Who knows, but its nice to see that there’s still room in rock n’ roll for out-of-control hair, epic thrashing and a bit of comedic relief.

Check out five songs and a list of tour dates on Hot Leg’s MySpace.

Purchase Stone Gods’ album, “Silver Spoons and Broken Bones” on iTunes or Amazon.com.

Leeders Farm News

December 9th, 2008 Posted in Press

Dec, 09 2008

From the EDP- Darkness record studio to expand

09 December 2008 16:54

It is a local success story and boasts a client list of some of the great names in modern pop music.

Now, after only a year in business, the Norfolk recording studio run by producer Nick Brine and ex-Darkness guitarist Dan Hawkins is expanding.

A second studio is being created at Leeders Farm at Spooner Row, near Wymondham, following an over-whelming response to the offer of a lifetime for an unsigned local band to have their music released and promoted on KAN Records, the studio’s independent record label.

Two months ago Nick revealed that he was offering his favourite unsigned local band recording at the studio between October and the end of February next year the chance to have their recording released and promoted.

Yesterday he said there had been such an overwhelming response to the offer that the studio simply could not accommodate most of the artists who came forward wanting to use the venue. He said the solution was to create a second studio at the property which will be geared towards local musicians and bands.

Nick said: �I recently offered local unsigned bands the opportunity to have their Leeders Farm recordings released. We had an overwhelming response to this and could not accommodate most of the artists because we simply didn’t have enough studio time available.

�As a result of this and my growing enthusiasm and admiration for East Anglia’s current music scene, we have decided to open up a second studio here at Leeders Farm. Not bad after only one year in business!

�This will be a smaller, much more affordable studio aimed at local musicians and bands.

�The equipment will still be to a very high standard, they will still have use of myself and other leading industry producers and engineers and an added bonus of maybe recording in the next room to The Arctic Monkeys! I’m really excited about this project and the opportunities it brings for the local music scene.�

Nick said that work on the new studio was under way and that it would open in January.

Leeders Farm recording studio has gone from strength to strength since opening and famous names such as the Arctic Monkeys, KT Tunstall and US blues maestro Seasick Steve have all recorded there.

Nick said recent visitors include Bill Oddie’s daughter Rosie, who is becoming well-known on the London music scene, and Scottish band Teenage Fanclub.

For more information, visit www.leedersfarm.com.

Heavy rock outfit Stone Gods set sights on breaking America

November 26th, 2008 Posted in Press

Nov, 26 2008

Wednesday, 26 Nov 2008 16:23

Former Darkness man Dan Hawkins’ new band Stone Gods have America in their sights.

Hawkins’ outfit specialise in heavy rock and would like to break the US in 2009.

The Stone Gods is a four-piece that recorded their acclaimed debut album Silver Spoons And Broken Bones at Hawkins’ studio, Leeders Farm.

The Stone Gods are currently on tour with Aussie rockers Airbourne.

Hawkins said his new band have a heavier sound than that of the Darkness, fronted by his flamboyant brother Justin, which features rougher, punkier elements.

Recently, drummer Robin Goodridge replaced Ed Graham who was ill.

Lee Davis

inthenews.co.uk

Eastern Daily Press October 08

October 27th, 2008 Posted in Press

Oct, 27 2008

Eastern Daily Press October 08

Articles, Scans

Ex-Darkness star makes dreams comes true

August 8th, 2008 Posted in Press

Aug, 08 2008

08 August 2008 06:29

Children were recording a version of McFly’s ‘It’s All About You’ at the studio of former Darkness member Dan Hawkins. Photo: Denise Bradley.

Many children dream of becoming a pop star and eagerly look forward to the day when they cut their first disc.

And yesterday, a special group of youngsters and their families had the chance to make that dream come true – thanks to the generosity of former Darkness band member Dan Hawkins and Norfolk-based record producer Nick Brine.

All of the families receive care and support at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices at Quidenham and Ipswich, and they were thrilled at the invitation to create their own CD version of the popular McFly Track “It’s All About You” at the world-class recording studio at Hawkins’ farm, near Wymondham.

It was a day filled with joy and laughter for the children, parents, and hospice staff, as they made music together – following in the footsteps of acclaimed groups like The Darkness, the Arctic Monkeys, KT Tunstall and Hawkins’ current band the Stone Gods, who also use the studio.

Bethany Moorhouse, 11, of East Harling, lost her brother Jacob last year. He was a patient at the Quidenham hospice, and she and her family continue to receive bereavement support from the charity’s team.

She said: “It’s been brilliant. I was nervous this morning but I have about got into it now. It’s a once-in-a- lifetime experience and it’s really good because I want to be on the West End stage. I’m not necessarily looking for fame but I am looking for a job I enjoy.”

For Abbey Ibbs, of Woodbridge, who was 14 yesterday, an extra treat was in store when a surprise birthday cake arrived and she was invited to blow out the candles.

Toby MacFarlaine, of the Stone Gods, and Louise Collins, of Hellcat, listening to the music. Photo: Denise Bradley.

She has juvenile Batten disease, a degenerative condition, and has been going to the Ipswich hospice for more than three years, and was accompanied by her younger brother Bailey and stepbrothers – twins Olly and Dominic Hedgley – who are all aged 11.

Her mum, Dawn Ibbs, said: “Abbey was so excited because she was going to be a pop star, so it’s made her birthday. It’s absolutely gorgeous here and they are so nice to open the studio up to us. We have named ourselves The New Darkness!”

Sixteen-year-old Josh Margereson, from Ipswich, suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair to get about. He has his heart set on becoming a part- time DJ and referee for sports events for the disabled, and did a stylish turn on the drums.

“It’s good to know that there’s been a lot of famous people here like Darkness and the Arctic Monkeys – they are very big in this country. I enjoy singing and I am a good first- timer on the drums, so I am like a big star now,” he quipped.

The light-hearted banter continued when Stone Gods’ member Toby Mcfarlane emerged from a late lie-in, and was persuaded to join in the singing.

“It’s a really nice thing to do this. Being in a daft rock band you don’t often get the opportunity to do nice things for people, although it’s really Nick and Katy, his partner, who are organising it today,” he said, adding that he was there to make the tea.

Mr Brine said they were only too pleased to stage the event – described by the charity’s spokesman Simon Hempsall as a fantastic opportunity – as they wanted to do something to help the hospice.

Bethany Moorhouse on drums. Photo: Denise Bradley.

“The families, I think, are a big part of it. You see the buzz on everyone’s face. Just to come here to a place like this is good for a start and it’s a little bit of history, with bands like KT Tunstall and the Darkness having recorded here,” he added.

EDP

Former Darkness rocker cringes at old videos

June 22nd, 2008 Posted in Press

Jun, 22 2008

Jun 22 2008 Edited By Billy Sloan And Mickey Mcmonagle

FORMER Darkness star Dan Hawkins admits he is too embarrassed to watch his mega-selling band’s videos.

The guitarist – now with rock band Stone Gods – said: “I don’t regret anything but I cringe when I see what we wore and the videos we made. I could never see what people meant about the novelty aspect. I was naive.

“Looking back, I see what people meant – we were pretty out there.

“Stone Gods is a darker band. We are noted for our music, not our leotards.”

When The Darkness split, Dan famously fell out with his brother Justin, the rockers’ flamboyant singer.

He said: “I’ve learned it was the drugs, not the person. We’re cool now though.”

Glasgow Sunday Mail

Articles, Interviews

Festival crisis is averted

June 20th, 2008 Posted in Press

Jun, 20 2008

Jun 20 2008 By Andy Coleman

WITH prestigious festival dates at Download and Isle of Wight confirmed, and a pre-album release UK tour booked, the last thing rockers Stone Gods needed was to lose their drummer.

But when sticksman Ed Graham injured his back and suffered hip problems there were fears that all dates, including tomorrow’s at Birmingham Carling Academy, would have to be cancelled.

“Ed was advised by doctors not to tour so we had a choice – pull the tour or get someone else on board,” reveals Lichfield-born frontman Richie Edwards. “By some miracle we were able to recruit ex-Bush drummer Robin Goodridge who’s an old friend of ours. On the Monday he’d never heard a note of our music – and we were due to play at Download on the Friday.

“There were three days of intensive rehearsals and Robin was awesome. I don’t know how he managed to learn everything. I forget some of the stuff, and I wrote it! We were very lucky to get him on board.”

Richie is living a charmed life with his bands – plucked from obscurity to play bass with The Darkness, he completed just one tour before singer Justin Hawkins announced he was quitting. Richie feared his music career was over but the remaining members, Ed Graham and Justin’s brother Dan, regrouped as Stone Gods, recruited bassist Toby MacFarlaine and invited Richie to be their singer and rhythm guitarist.

Two people particularly happy that the band made it to Download at Donington Park are Richie’s mum and dad, Jackie and Len.

“They live in Lichfield and come to all our local shows,” Richie says. “They asked me to get them tickets for Download and they had a great day, watching us, then checking out some of the other bands.

Stone Gods’ debut album, Silver Spoons & Broken Bones, is released on July 7. It’s a diverse collection of tracks with a Classic Rock backbone.

“There was no conscious decision to go in a particular direction. We just threw everything into the pot – but there’s no getting away with the fact that myself and Dan’s influences are the likes of Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and Queen.”

There’s no bad feeling about Justin jumping ship from The Darkness.

“Dan speaks to him regularly,” Richie says. “He’s in the process of getting a new band up and running, and I’ve heard it’s massively different to what we’re doing. I believe his material is based on an 80s pop vibe – I’m looking forward to hearing what he’s done.”

Birmingham Mail

Gods to return to the Waterfront

June 20th, 2008 Posted in Press

Jun, 20 2008

The Stone Gods return to the Waterfront in Norwich at the end of the month

20 June 2008

FORMER Kirkley High School student Dan Hawkins returns to the region next weekend as he promotes his new single and album.

Dan, former guitarist with The Darkness, who now forms part of the Stone Gods, will be performing at the Waterfront in Norwich next Sunday before the band’s album Silver Spoons and Broken Bones is released on Integral/PIAS on July 7.

Unfortunately though, Dan’s school friend and band mate Ed Graham will not be performing at next weekend’s gig due to an emergency health issue.

June has been a busy month for the band, but their planned tour of the country had to be delayed when Ed fell ill. Performances in Liverpool, Cardiff and Bristol all had to be cancelled as the drummer could not take to the stage.

Robin Goodridge, friend of the band and former member of Bush, has now been brought in and the tour has managed to go ahead, including successful performances at the Download and Isle of Wight festivals.

As with the previous tour in January, it will again be brought to a close with a performance at the Waterfront in Norwich, but before that the band’s next single Knight of the Living Dead is released this Monday.

Lowestoft Journal

Metal Hammer Article June 08

June 1st, 2008 Posted in Press

Jun, 01 2008

Our thanks to Dom Lawson

Articles, Interviews, Scans

© 2012 The Stone Gods : Temple of Rock

proSlate Theme by Pro WP Themes