Justin Hawkins, frontman for British glam-rockers The Darkness, has shocked the band’s fans by announcing that he is leaving the group.

The sudden news comes shortly after Hawkins spent time in rehab to treat his addictions to drugs and alcohol.

“I feel like I’ve lost three years of my life,” Hawkins told London’s Sun newspaper of his overindulgences. “I’m only just coming to terms with what has happened because I was always off my face.”

Hawkins admitted to spending around $300,000 U.S. on cocaine in the three-year period following the 2002 release of the band’s hit debut single, “I Believe in a Thing Called Love.” He entered rehab in August.

The band’s remaining members — Justin’s brother, guitarist Dan Hawkins, drummer Ed Graham and bassist Richie Edwards — have said they will continue on as a band, with Edwards as a possible replacement for the vocalist.

In May, the band lost another original member, bassist Frankie Poullain.






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