Knockers

The Zoo Crew is cranking up the vibes at THE ZOO, spinning the gloriously over-the-top "Knockers" by The Darkness from their 2005 album One Way Ticket to Hell... and Back. This track is a cheeky, riff-heavy anthem that perfectly captures the band’s unapologetic love for glam rock excess. One juicy piece of trivia comes from a 2006 concert memory shared by a fan on SongMeanings, where frontman Justin Hawkins rolled onto the stage in what he dubbed a "boob chariot" as "Knockers" blasted, setting the tone for an unforgettable show. The song’s title and lyrics, dripping with innuendo, have sparked fan theories—some speculate it’s about a woman with breast implants, with the line "I love what you’ve done with your hair" as a sly metaphor, though Hawkins has never confirmed this. In a 2005 interview with The Guardian, the song was noted for its surprising emotional depth beneath the humor, portraying a Carry On-style couple with a mix of bawdy comedy and genuine pathos.

Another tidbit about "Knockers" is its production polish, thanks to legendary producer Roy Thomas Baker, who’s best known for his work with Queen. According to a PopMatters review, the track features a rollicking piano that adds an extra layer of bawdiness, showcasing the band’s commitment to crafting larger-than-life rock. Fans on The Darkness’s official Facebook page have shared how the song’s infectious energy makes it a live-show staple, with Hawkins’ falsetto and the band’s theatrical antics—like his penchant for outrageous costumes—amping up the Zoo Freaks’ energy. While the band hasn’t posted about "Knockers" specifically on their Instagram recently, their feed is packed with throwbacks to the One Way Ticket era, hinting at the wild recording sessions where the album’s million-pound budget was spent on perfecting its bombastic sound.

The Darkness formed in Lowestoft, England, in 2000, rising from the ashes of local pub gigs to become glam rock revivalists. Brothers Justin and Dan Hawkins, alongside bassist Frankie Poullain and drummer Ed Graham, bonded over their shared love for classic rock acts like Queen, AC/DC, and Thin Lizzy. According to their bio on Last.fm, the band’s name was inspired by Ed Graham’s moody teenage demeanor, a nod to their tongue-in-cheek approach. They started as a cover band, hammering out hits in Suffolk bars, but Justin’s flamboyant stage presence—think spandex catsuits and acrobatic splits—quickly set them apart. Their 2003 debut, Permission to Land, catapulted them to fame with the hit "I Believe in a Thing Called Love," earning them a Mercury Prize nomination and a UK chart-topping album. The band’s knack for blending humor with heartfelt rock has kept them a cult favorite, even through lineup changes and a brief hiatus in the mid-2000s.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, The Darkness’s official website is the go-to for tour dates, merch, and news. Their Facebook page is a lively hub where fans share concert photos and debate the band’s best tracks, while Instagram offers glimpses of their current antics and retro throwbacks. On X, the band posts updates and interacts with fans, often with Justin’s signature wit. For community vibes, check out the fan-run The Darkness Fans Facebook group, where devotees swap stories, rare photos, and even bootleg recordings from the One Way Ticket tour. Another fan site, TheDarknessRock.com, offers a treasure trove of archived interviews and discography details, perfect for any Zoo Freak wanting to geek out over the band’s legacy.