THE DARKNESS - HAWKINS PROVOKES FURY WITH BAND AID RANT

THE DARKNESS star JUSTIN HAWKINS has branded BAND AID 20's charity single the worst Christmas song ever recorded, even though he sings on it.

The charismatic I BELIEVE IN A THING CALLED LOVE frontman caused shockwaves in Manchester, England, when he ranted about the tune - to benefit the starving population of Sudan's Darfur region - at two MEN Arena concerts.

Hawkins, 29, was reportedly furious when he was banned from singing BONO's line in the original 1984 version of DO THEY KNOW IT'S CHRISTMAS? by the U2 frontman himself, who wanted to recreate the climatic moment.

But on Tuesday (30NOV04), Hawkins sparked fury by telling the crowd over the opening chords of the 2004 version, "Who wants to listen to this s**t? This is a bag of s**t compared to the Christmas song we're going to do for you tonight."

They then launched into a performance of their own Yuletide tune (CHRISTMAS TIME) DON'T LET THE BELLS END.

The following evening (01DEC04), Hawkins declared to the MEN Arena crowd Do They Know It's Christmas? is "depressing" and "dull".

One appalled member of the audience says, "Justin's snide remarks put a real dampener on the evening. They were totally unnecessary."