Tara Greaves There is a chance to see Dan Hawkins and his new band Stone Gods in action at the end of this month when they take to the stage at the Waterfront in Norwich.

Tara Greaves

There is a chance to see Dan Hawkins and his new band Stone Gods in action at the end of this month when they take to the stage at the Waterfront in Norwich.

Described as heavy rock and edgier than The Darkness, the band has spent six months recording their new album in Norfolk.

Named after a Jeanette Winterson book, they are as yet unsigned which Dan says is by choice.

“We are taking a look at all the deals that are on offer and working out what is best for us,” he said.

“We have paid for the album ourselves which means we can hand pick who we want to work with.”

When Dan's flamboyant older brother Justin quit The Darkness, which sold more than a million copies of the debut album and won a string of awards, many thought it signalled the end of the road.

But with the addition of Toby MacFarlaine, the remaining members are willing to put in the work to make Stone Gods a success.

“We see it as starting from scratch, which is why we are doing a fairly low key introduction tour,” said Dan, who went to Kirkley High School in Lowestoft.

“Because the EP isn't out it is quite a tall order to fill venues but people are buying tickets.”

The EP, entitled Burn the Witch, is due out in February with the as yet unnamed album to follow.

“I had a fantastic run with The Darkness but really this is just the start of my career. I have made three albums now but for most bands it would be on their fifth or sixth album before they get to this point. I really can't grumble,” added Dan.

As for Justin, who revealed he quit the band to deal with drug and alcohol problems, Dan says he is doing some acting work and writing for television, which he did before The Darkness found fame.

For tickets for the January 30 gig call the box office on 01603 508050 or head to www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk