Rock Needs to ‘Wake Up,’ Justin Hawkins Says: ‘Yeah, Zeppelin and AC/DC Existed, but You Have to Do That for Now’
In a candid statement that’s been making waves, Justin Hawkins, the frontman of The Darkness, has called for rock music to “wake up” and evolve. Known for his bold opinions and larger-than-life persona, Hawkins believes the genre needs to break free from the shackles of nostalgia and embrace a fresh, modern approach.
A Call for Innovation
During an interview, Hawkins explained that while classic rock legends like Led Zeppelin and AC/DC have solidified their place in music history, it’s time for contemporary rock artists to forge their own path. “Yeah, Zeppelin and AC/DC existed, but you have to do that for now,” he said, stressing that today’s musicians must innovate, rather than merely replicate the sounds of rock’s golden age.
Hawkins, whose band The Darkness shot to fame with their blend of glam-rock influences and high-energy performances, has always championed a sense of theatricality and individualism. In his eyes, rock music is at a crossroads: it can either continue to bask in the glory of its past, or it can wake up, pushing boundaries and discovering new frontiers.
The Issue with Rock’s Current State
According to Hawkins, one of rock’s main struggles is its attachment to nostalgia. While bands from previous generations paved the way for today’s acts, there’s been a tendency to look back rather than forward. Many modern rock bands have been critiqued for recreating the same riffs, tones, and formulas that were successful decades ago. “It’s very comfortable,” Hawkins acknowledges, “but it’s also a bit stagnant.”
He’s not advocating for abandoning the rock traditions that made the genre what it is. Instead, he’s calling for a reawakening—a return to rock’s rebellious roots, combined with the freedom to explore new sounds, ideas, and technologies. It’s not about rejecting the past, but about using it as a springboard to launch into uncharted territories.
The Influence of Classic Rock
While Hawkins encourages new rock acts to step out of the shadow of bands like Led Zeppelin and AC/DC, he also recognizes the deep influence these icons continue to have on modern music. “Those bands were incredible,” Hawkins says. “But we’re in a new age now.” The sheer energy, the iconic riffs, and the larger-than-life personas of those legendary acts continue to be a huge influence on contemporary rock. However, Hawkins believes it’s now time for a shift. The industry needs to focus on pushing boundaries in a way that feels relevant to the current cultural landscape.
He’s not calling for a complete reinvention of the genre, but rather an adaptation to the present, where rock could benefit from blending modern production techniques, diverse genres, and new lyrical themes. The new generation of rock artists, according to Hawkins, can draw from the raw, powerful energy of rock’s pioneers but should also have the courage to be themselves and create something unique for the times.
Why Rock Can’t Afford to Rest on its Laurels
One of Hawkins’ central points is that rock music, in its current state, has become a bit too self-congratulatory. While older acts have earned their legendary status, the genre as a whole has not been innovating at the same pace as genres like hip-hop, pop, or electronic music. Hawkins argues that, like any great musical movement, rock must constantly evolve, or risk becoming irrelevant.
“It’s important for artists to take risks,” he adds. “Rock needs to re-embrace that sense of danger, the unpredictability. Right now, everything is so polished, everything is so safe. But rock is supposed to be dangerous. It should make people feel something, whether it’s joy, excitement, or even anger.”
The Future of Rock
As for the future, Hawkins remains hopeful. “There’s always room for great music,” he says, suggesting that rock music just needs the right push to get back on track. New technologies, shifting cultural attitudes, and a generation that’s ready to explore beyond the familiar might be just what the genre needs to experience a renaissance.
While Hawkins recognizes that change takes time, he remains optimistic about the potential for rock to reclaim its rebellious spirit. His call for a “wake up” is not a condemnation of rock’s past, but rather a plea for artists to embrace their freedom and create the next wave of music that will define the future of rock.
In the end, Hawkins is right about one thing: rock, much like any art form, must evolve to stay relevant. The days of simply living off past glories are over. As he boldly states, “You have to do that for now.” It’s time for rock music to wake up, and Justin Hawkins is leading the charge.
