A spokesman for The Darkness has denied that a hand injury will stop front-man Justin Hawkins from playing guitar. Early reports indicated that the injury, allegedly caused when he smashed his hand through a window during a fight, might hinder Hawkins' forthcoming live and recording commitments.
However, a spokesman for the band yesterday told reporters: "We confirm reports this weekend that Darkness front-man and guitarist, Justin Hawkins, has sustained a slight injury to his right hand. However this injury poses no threat to their arena tour or his participation in the Band Aid 3 single."
The statement added: "There was no altercation as was alleged in certain sections of the press."
Meanwhile, in an interview with her local newspaper, the Eastern Daily Press, Hawkins' mother Sandy also played down the injury, saying: "I saw him on Sunday and he was fine, he was even playing the piano so his injury can't be that bad. It just looked like a cut like anyone might have. He did need stitches but it really wasn't that bad. I'm not sure exactly how he did it, I think he was just messing about like he always does and cut himself."