The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins recently revealed details about his attempted peace offering to actor and musician Corey Feldman. He shared the story during an interview with Professor of Rock.
Hawkins explained how he tried to arrange a sit-down meeting with Feldman during The Darkness’ recent LA show. The plans fell through due to an unexpected condition from Feldman’s management.
“The funny thing was so we played in LA on this run that we’re on now and we played at the Wiltern. I thought well being in LA, it might be a good idea to sort of have a sit down with Cory Feldman and actually do like a chat with him,” Hawkins said. “And so we have been in sort of back and forth talks with his management and stuff. But then they said, ‘Yes, we can do that if Cory Feldman comes and performs with the Darkness.'”
The frontman went on to explain why this collaboration request created an impossible situation for the band.
“So I had to explain to them that the two things there may be some overlap and one hand washes the other. They’re good for each other, but it’s there’s absolutely no way that the rest of the guys would tolerate that,” he continued. “I mean, I would do it for a laugh, but there’s no way, you know. Because whilst I have nothing but the utmost respect for his work as an artist, they think he’s sh*t. As an artist, I really do think he’s great.”
This attempted reconciliation comes after Hawkins had previously critiqued Feldman’s live performance abilities. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between the two musicians.
The situation reflects the broader challenges Feldman has faced in his musical career. The A.V. Club reported that Feldman’s musical endeavors have been newsworthy less as music than as a strange psychodrama involving his famously traumatic past. His transition from beloved child actor to musician has been met with mixed reception from both critics and audiences.
Wikipedia notes that Corey Scott Feldman, born July 16, 1971, became well known for his roles in popular 1980s films as a youth before pursuing his musical ambitions. His entertainment career has spanned decades. His musical pursuits have often overshadowed his acting achievements in recent years.
The complexity of Feldman’s public persona extends beyond his artistic endeavors. Vice revealed in their review that his autobiography shows after the abuse of his childhood, he was repeatedly sexually abused by an employee and had to emancipate himself from his parents as a minor. These traumatic experiences have significantly shaped both his personal life and artistic expression.
The failed meeting between Hawkins and Feldman demonstrates the ongoing divide in how different segments of the music industry view Feldman’s artistic contributions. While Hawkins personally expressed respect for Feldman’s work, the resistance from his bandmates reflects a broader skepticism that has followed Feldman’s musical career throughout the years.
