It’s easy to mock the catsuit-wearing, high-pitched screaming, Les Paul waving rock god of love from Lowestoft, but, for at least five minutes back in 2003, Justin Hawkins and his band The Darkness single-handedly brought ‘proper' rock guitar playing back to the masses. Tight crotches, stupid hair, squealing solos and real musicianship.

For that, MusicRadar salutes his contribution. As did Gibson, who knocked out a limited run of signature Justin Hawkins Les Pauls and still roll him out to demo those complicated robot guitars from time to time.

Your votes:

“Remember The Darkness? Justin Hawkins was a legend for at least 10 minutes - and didn't Gibson give him a signature model? Oh, and don't even get me started on Hot Leg...” (Thanks, rabbitrabbit)

"The Darkness could really play - respect for Hawkins!" (thanks, Sam)

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