The Struts: An Honest Review. 

I'm on tour with The Darkness right now - we are playing London this week, you can get tickets here: www.thedarknesslive.com/tour-dates/

There is absolutely NO ONE who can work a crowd like Spiller!!! Band is phenomenal and back up vocals are spot on! Hardest working young band out there...they deserve great success.

Got a little story that involves both The Struts and The Darkness - Luke and I come from the same small town, but where Luke managed to get out and make a career of being a rock star and seeing the world, I got someone pregnant in my early twenties and ended up stuck here. I often feel called out by Could Have Been Me, to the point I couldn’t even listen to it (not personally called out, Luke doesn’t know me!). Anyway I ended up making a living in a covers band after failing to do anything with my own music as so many do, and one NYE we were playing at our local pub and smashed through I Believe In A Thing Called Love - I look down at the crowd and none other than Luke was rocking out with his mates down the front. He came up to me afterwards and said ‘incredible voice mate’ to which I said ‘that means a huge amount coming from you’ and he got all awkward about it. Super humble guy! I’m so glad he’s out there doing what he does best, a thoroughly nice chap.

“Could Have Been Me” is the definition of being venerable, raw & open. One of the most ballsy songs ever written.

I like The Struts and wish multi-platinum albums and sold-out arenas would come to them soon. Lord knows they deserve it. Luke performing live is like seeing the best of Freddie Mercury and Mick Jagger rolled into one. They are bringing back the lost art of being rock stars, and that is always a good thing!

I'd love to see The Darkness and The Struts tour together. What a dream show that would be! Make it happen, Jus!

I saw The Struts for the first time when they opened for the Foo Fighters. I was blown away. When they played "Kiss This" my jaw dropped. Well written rock anthem. I went to their show the following year. Love them!💜

The struts are the best band on the Earth. Their first album is flawless. Very rarely can a group make an album like that. They are a throwback to the '70s way more than any other band is but that is good cuz it's working for them. Luke does not try to be like this. He was born to be like this. And he should not change one thing. I can't wait to hear their next album. It's like waiting for another queen album or another Aerosmith album back in the old days. Luke is the s***. 🙏

I’ve seen the Struts six times. They always put on a great show. I am also baffled they are not bigger than they are. They have done big shows (like opening for the Foo Fighters). But mostly play smaller venues (like the Roxy in L.A). They deserve to win Grammys and play stadiums. I hope they will achieve wider success someday.

I never understood how One Night Only wasnt huge! I saw Luke do Under Pressure with the Foos and thought "who is this guy? he's a Rock Star!" Then I saw One Night Only. I thought that had it all! Melody, hooks, killer energy and a vid you couldn't take your eyes off. I thought they'd be mammoth by now. Hope they keep after it and don't get discouraged. They've definitely got it!

Nailed it. The Struts are by far one of the best live bands I’ve seen in ever. Luke is such an dynamic performer and an outstanding frontman!!

I love the Struts. Been able to see them twice so far here in the States. I love their vibe and attitude. My only quibble is that I find their albums to be overly produced and pop-ish, whereas their live sound is way more guitar driven and rock n roll.

Love the Struts! Luke is a beautiful artist and a wonderful front man! The whole band rocks! Mega talented guys 🎶

I LOVE The Struts. RU-vid led me to them in 2017, and I've been hooked ever since. I've seen them 3x now, they are just amazing to see. I will never understand why they aren't blowing up charts based on my streaming and buying alone :)

I've seen The Struts live twice, seeing them again in May, absolutely love them! I tell everyone about The Struts that I can. First time I saw them was at a festival in North Carolina, they were on just before Billy Idol and I was blown away with just how captivating they are. Their energy on stage is great! Hope to see them get to the heights they deserve soon.

I took my 18 and 22 year old daughters with a group of their friends to see The Struts recently and they all came away as huge fans. Of course they have all grown up during a time where this type of music is no longer in the mainstream so it was a completely new experience for them. It was amazing to see how they all immediately responded the second the band hit the stage. After the show my 18 year old asked me how it was possible that they were not superstars. They are all asking me when they are coming back so we can all go see them again.

i saw them in italy in 2019.... god they're FANTASTIC... huge stage presence, the show was powerful ANd so fun!!!

I love The Struts to no end. I appreciate your goal of exploring why they aren’t as big as they should be- because they deserve ultimate success!!! You asked for feedback from your video so here goes.... If you review more carefully you will find Could Have Been Me IS a beginning point song- a "take that leap” song. It charted in the states, went gold and is used in movies, video games, sports arenas and commercials to this very day (Halsey is singing it in a movie coming out next week as a matter of fact). Lyrics from it are tattooed on people and credited for literally saving some fans' lives. So I think it has proven to resonate and have mass appeal and success. Many of their song lyrics ARE more specific and detailed, and Luke has gotten even more personal in lyrics recently- of course I agree that more of this would be wonderful. I sometimes wonder about the label's choice as to what songs get (or more to the point DON'T get) pushed out as singles. The deeper the dive the more to love with The Struts- so there’s no harm in showcasing MORE. Regarding featuring a more raw sound in recording, you skipped right over their most recent album Strange Days which was literally four guys in a room playing straight rock n roll and kicking ass! But that's probably because, despite Loudwire and Loudersound declaring it one of the top albums of the year (both critically and by fan vote), the album was barely promoted by the label much past its initial release. Which brings me to my take: I wish for the label to trust the band's creative choices, increase the pace of song releases (more studio time in order to keep up with the band’s creativity, with maybe a well-promoted, larger venue/ fewer cities style touring to allow for this), and provide a more regular promotional presence to support all they do. Luke is a legend on and off the stage and each of the band members have great talent & incredible personal appeal. FYI many of their wonderful opportunities came not as much from generic connections as you imply and more often from people in those organizations reaching out to The Struts (e.g. Luke is a Funko Pop and the band has a Funko cereal because Funko wanted this to happen, not the other way around!) They are a stellar band on every level and have everything it takes to bring joy to the masses for a lifetime. I think if the label trusted them more in their creative choices, and they had a consistent social media team to support and promote all they do regularly, the world would be a better place. Because the world is better with The Struts. If you made it this far thanks for reading. 😅

I believe we all want to see A Darkness/The Struts Tour!

Finally got the opportunity to see them live in Philly last year after following them online for so long. They are amazing. It's honestly mind boggling that they are not HUGE, especially after their amazing performance at Victoria's Secret Show. Their frontman Luke is like a combination of Freddie and Mick, an abosolute stunner on vocal. Really hope they will be more widely recognized.

The struts are amazing, they def deserve more credit

I really appreciate you being able to critique your friend in such an honest and open and kind way. Musically it can only be all for the better.

I'd really like Justin to talk about the Lyrics of The Darkness' discography, how they came about, the meaning to the band, etc.

I had never heard of them and saw them in Dallas in 2023, wow - what a show and what a front man. My favorites after hearing zero songs before the concert are “Kiss This”, “Body Talks”, and “Pretty Vicious. If they come to your town, don’t miss the show

I have been a massive fan of the Struts for years. I also have no idea why they are not massive in this country. The radio stations in the UK would not play their songs. God knows why. They are massive in USA. I am glad you bought this video out, as I have always wondered why they are not massive over here.

I watched your interview with the vocalist last night, been checking out their stuff today! They’re honestly awesome! I love his phrasing too! For me it’s a bit like if mark bolan had a music baby with queen! Thanks for turning us on to them big man! 🔥

I really love the Struts. They are a GREAT live band. The problem is their studio work doesn’t capture their live sound.

I absolutely love The Struts. I can't wait to see them in concert in the States. I want them to be huge.

I just had to plug my guitar into my practiceamp and strum hard on Black Shuck for a while....The best riff AC/DC never wrote. Thanks for your channel Justin.

They're great. And they're young. Still developing. Some of the Hawksters comments are bang on; for me much better live than on record. Great bunch of people and thank fuck someone is putting some fun back into rock. Or should I say someone else!

Hello The Struts remind me of 70s rock and glam rock music with the way Luke Spiller sings. Luke Spiller is on the same level as Janis Joplin, Robert Plant, Sweet and Freddie Mercury (of course). Have you seen the music videos with Luke Spiller and Mike Oldfield another great musician? I hope they become the new The Rolling Stones, a rock band that never ages and gets to play and be stars for several decades - if they themselves wish for this of course. I wish them all the best and hope to see and hear them live someday. I live in Gothenburg/Sweden and wish they will perform in my city. But it rarely happens that way. Most bands perform in the capital - Stockholm 😒 Warm and friendly greetings from Pia Kragh 🌹

Luke is the real deal. I am a fan as well. My take on The Struts in terms of success in the U.S. is that their British sensibilities will not go over so well here and some of their songs seem gimmicky at best. I really enjoyed their earlier work and more recently Primadonna Like Me. The video was great. Not really sure what it will take for them to level up. Still think they have loads of talent and a great work ethic.

When they came out they reminded me so much of the Darkness and Foxy Shazam. Love this band!

Two things: 1) Young people are into hip-hop, not rock. 2) Older people measure all new bands against the mega-bands of the past. A great example of what is going on is from an interview Jack White once gave. He was furious (and rightly so) at the criticism drummer Meg White was getting at the time The White Stripes came on the scene. He said she was being criticized, ridiculed and almost condemned, for not being Neil Peart. So, if you're reading this, Struts, don't despair. We are living in a strange time. And, hell, you still have better jobs than I do.

I’m in the top .05% of their Spotify listeners which was recently pointed out to me by Spotify 2021 wrapped. The day isn’t complete without with the Struts, Killer band!

I live in the States where The Struts are more known than The Darkness. In fact I discovered you through them! 🙌 I appreciate your thesis that writing more from the heart will help them cross over- but using Could Have Been Me as an example of NOT makes me feel you missed the whole point of of the song. “Don’t wanna wake up on a Monday morning- the thought of work is getting my skin crawling” is probably one of the most relatable line of lyrics ever written.

I only discovered them in the past 2 months (surfing youtube and stumbling upon duets with Luke and Taylor). Since then I am a HUGE fan and have watched every available video, bought every available song, and am eagerly waiting their upcoming concert in a few weeks (please COVID don't ruin it). I honestly think the biggest problem is timing. They were on a huge upswing just as COVID hit. They look amazing live, but I would actually love to see an acoustic show. Regardless, hoping they get the recognition the so deserve as soon as we can go back to live music.

I’m dying with the “Victoria underwear parade” 🤣 And yes, it can’t be difficult to analyze or categorize a band when you are a genuine fan but if you even try to look a them from a distant or more objective perspective, even then you can see that they are amazing and have an incredible and unique modern sound. Great video!! 🙌🏻

Grammy's and BRIT awards seems like an institutional award. Not really indicative of how good a band is. I've heard of them but haven't really looked into them. Excited to deep dive their music.

The Struts are insanely great! I've seen them live twice and they should be huge!

I saw them live on their first US tour…f’n amazing!!!!!! I swore they were going to be the catalyst that brought rock n roll back to the forefront….I’m still shocked it hasn’t happened.

The Struts are incredible live. They seem to be trying the Def Leppard approach by trying to crack America first. Lot's of tongue in cheek in those Struts lyrics.

I like them! I saw the Struts live in 2019: one of the best gig I attended.

Managed to see the struts at reading festival this year they blew me away!

I did not know of The Struts until about five months ago upon hearing them mentioned by Dave Grohl, and I have been a fan ever since. I do, however, agree with you regarding over-production. For myself, I prefer watching their live performances than listening to their studio albums. I will take issue with you in regard to "Could Have Been Me;" he is speaking in the present tense, declaring that he wants to take all opportunities and chances now, rather than live with the (future) regret of not knowing. In my opinion, lyrically, their deepest song is on the Young and Dangerous album, and it is called "Ashes (Part 2)." I would be curious as to the inspiration for this song. It seems to be about the death of one's significant other, which really resonates with me having been widowed about 20 months ago. Keep doing what you do, and I will keep watching.

Struts aren't widely popular the same reason you're not widely popular (anymore) .. It all comes down to the songs. You proved with The Darkness that if you have an undeniable, catchy banger that can resonate with millions of people everywhere, like "A Thing Called Love", and a major label behind it, you will most likely be huge. The Darkness has a MUCH bigger fanbase and more respect than The Struts, so why aren't YOU huge these days? It's your songs. You never wrote a comparable hit like A Thing Called Love.. I like your other songs as a rock fan and musician, but Thing Called Love tramples them all. My advice to all musicians, especially stubborn rock musicians who have trouble writing hits, is to not be afraid to collaborate with songwriters like they did in the 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond. Heart for example, their biggest songs were written by two dudes. Some of the biggest songs of all time were written by people outside the band. You should give it a try 😉.

The Struts are ace and I've liked them since they played the 2nd stage at Bingley Music Live 6 (7?) Years ago. Luke is a cracking frontman.

Thank you, thank you, thank you Justin. Never heard of them before but, wow, think I've just discovered my new favourite band thanks to this recommendation. If you ever wondered what Queen would sound like had Freddie not died back in the 90s. Well this is it. And more importantly/amazingly they're not actively trying to ape Queen, they're their own thing and it comes accross. Want to hear more.

In my opinion, they are the best band of the last 20 years. A bit of a throwback band but with a modern feel. They have many great songs but my faves are Burn It Down and Gimme Some Blood.

I totally agree with this, which is why - 'Mary Go Round' is one of my favourite songs of theirs. I mean, I love all of their music, truly. But Mary hits differently.

I'm so glad to have seen this regarding the Struts. I think they are a band that didn't get the level of success they deserved. They write amazing songs. Every single track on their album with Could Have Been Me is amazing. Your comments regarding the lyrics, I have to admit are an absolutely brilliant observation. The melody and the track is just so freaking fantastic, it bums me out to no end that this song didn't just explode. Anyway, thanks for keep rock alive, JH.

You nailed it, they need to focus on being the rock band they are meant to be. I fell in love with them about 4 years ago, but they lost me on their 3rd album. Too pop. The first album is amazing. Also agree about song topics... need to delve deeper than sex and partying.

I love The Struts! I was so excited to see them open for Foo Fighters only to find out they had finished their shows as the opener a few shows before.

I’m a huge struts fan and I think luke is the best vocalist in the world right now - at least from a rock point of view But I think their most recent album was a misstep (written and recorded in 2 weeks is automatic alarm bells ringing) and the duet with Paris Jackson didn’t don it for me at all. For a band that I know has such a high ceiling I’d really like to see them go for it on the next record

Just now falling for The Darkness. They are incredible. Get back out there!

This band really are cool. Since I first heard this band I thought, how are they not more popular!? I am glad you apreciate them though.

I think you're dead wrong. Could Have Been Me, to me is about pushing forward, going after what you want...makes perfect sense to me. It's my experience that when a band doesn't get their due...its management.. 9 out of 10 times. They will get there..they are the best band I've listened to since back in the 80s! Love them.❤

just watched them after seeing your vid this is just what we need reminds me when queen first started great voice good look .

Love Justin's analysis, but Im not sure he's right this time round. Lots of bands come out full of bravado with anthemic songs at the start, Oasis for one (one of the biggest rock bands in UK history) had songs on thier record breaking debut album with lyric such as "toniiiight Im a rockin roll star!" elsewhere "I need to be myself, I cant be no ones else, Im feeling supersonic'. Stone Roses debut album "In am the resurrection and I am the light' elsewhere "the past was yours but the futures mine" "I wanna be adored". I could go on.

They only "problem" with The Struts is that they sound waaaaaaay better live than on record, but once you see them live you fall in love with them forever, and then going back to listen to the records its a whole new experience, you won't ever stop listening to them.

At the end of the video you said the thing that I was thinking since the beggining of it: their production/sound is not good - it's not shite, but sometimes is borderline bad sounding. The songs are there, the performances are also there. But everything sounds squashed on plug-ins and what have you. Making their music kinda bland and vanilla sounding. One of the many qualities about the Darkness is how great their records have always sounded - every single one of them. BTW: give some love to Hot Cakes on the setlists - at least bring "With a Woman" back. C'imon it's just cruel to have a song like that and not play it.

I occasionally wonder why this band never got larger than they are. I’m glad it came across this video.

Love The Struts, and I’m loving this Channel. Justin, your insight of music is awesome. I guess when you’re a badass rocker, that you are, it comes from a place of true passion. I recently played The Darkness for a construction co-worker, and his mind was blown.

I’ve seen them live 3 times so far. Luke is absolutely amazing and they are my all time favorite band

When you talk about your first album you made me think of The Kinks and how a lot of their song themes were local…loving your channel Justin….super interesting , informative, humorous …., and positive! Keep it going!

Justin I love to hear you you have to say. The Struts YES should be bigger and better then they are. But to their fans they are #1! Well 2 years now held back with Epidemic and they continously tour in normal times without new recordings or concentration on new music. I for one love The Struts and wish to see them hit it big! They will, the right song needs to come along that one big hit!

Struts is a great modern classic rock band, if we could label them.

Justin Hawkins…A thinking mans Vince Noir

I just started listening to the struts about a year ago and was lucky enough to see them in concert back in November of 2023 and I am a huge fan now looking forward to their next concert

The Struts are my favorite band and I have seen them play over 20 times. Luke is the best! They definitely deserve more success and recognition. This was difficult to watch if I am being honest.

I love The Struts and I'm going to see them tonight. I'm nowhere near being musically intelligent enough to have thought about it like you do here, but you've hit the nail on the head really. They've always felt, to me, like a band that is constantly fighting with their label. I think they want to be a rock band which is why their live shows are so f*ing good. When they're on stage they do what they want but then you can sense the studio meddling. Despite that, I still like many of their more basic 'pop' songs as Luke is a brilliant front man with a superb voice and the band is rock solid. I would love them to remove the record label shackles and stand proud, unashamedly as the rock gods they should be. Bands like Dirty Honey are coming through now and being unapologetic with their sound (also great) so why can't The Struts? Could Have Been Me, Kiss This, Put Your Money on Me, Where Did She Go, Black Swan and Matter of Time are all really fantastic tunes.

The Struts are the Reason I started listening to The Darkness Music also!!!! The Struts’s Energy is Phenomenal! The BestLive Band I have ever experienced .

Big fans of The Struts! They're from my hometown, Derby! I've met Adam, Jed and Gethin at a party one time at the ol' Dog&Moon in Derby, and they're absolutely lovely! never got to meet Luke, but meeting 3/4 of the members and their stage man Tommy! One day ill make sure to them live :)

So I listened to the Struts live set on you tube. I was a kid for the early Bowie and loved him. The Struts are great and have the potential to be great. First band that I have been this excited about in years. Thank you for bringing them to me. Will check out the darkness next. Again, thank you!

saw the struts open for foo-fighters. blew the roof off the place. came out and did a Under Pressure duet with Taylor Hawkins. Sounded just like Freddie, and Hawkins does a pretty sick Bowie.

It might be the bands name “the Struts” sometimes I get it confused with the “the Strokes” but anyways they are definitely a great rock band with catchy melodies and absolutely phenomenal live shows.

Coheed And Cambria, The Darkness and The Struts touring together would be an awesome tour!

Just watched a live video. They are pretty awesome. Thanks for the heads up, Justin!

The Struts are my favorite band. I fly their tour flag in my garage.

You made me discover a new band thx will pay attention to them i just love rock and roll.Justin love your band saw you in montreal in 2015 one of the great show i ever saw in my life miss you and i see your not coming in montreal for your next tour im sad and i still wear my darkness t-shirt that i bought on you show (I need a new one it wearing thin lol) but still love you guys your awesomes. im still rocking im 58 years old.

I saw The Struts at Rock City, Nottingham last month. Also saw The Darkness in Dallas in March. Both were fantastic shows!

The Struts are great ...Love the QUEEN element they have but, they still have originality

The Struts produced by the Hawkins brothers... now that's something I'd love to see happen 🤟🎸

They did Pegasus Fantasy. They are huge in our hearts.

I love this. “You can’t be a superstar without being a human being”. Wise words from the wisest if wizards! This channel is everything. ⚡️⚡️

They don't float my boat Justin!

when the first album came out my wife and I drove 350 miles to a small club to see them.. the place was full of University Students all singing the tunes and the ones up front were trying to touch Luke.. we immediately drove 350 miles home… the 2nd album same club 700 miles round trip… I was 66… I am now 70 and I saw them 2 weeks ago and worked my way up front and sang every tune! It was my vocal workout and cardio lol I’m a bass player and my first band was 1965

Discovered The Struts at the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis in 2014. Had never heard of them before and they were easily one of the best acts of the weekend. Luke has tenacious energy and showmanship. He was LITERALLY running through the crowd. Been a fan ever since. They should tour with Greta Van Fleet.

Rock bands like the Struts will have their day again in the big time.

I saw them do the Low Key In Love song live with just Luke singing and that version was far superior to the duet with the pop production. They must have been talked into that unfortunately.

I’ve listened to their songs, and I couldn’t figure out what it was that didn’t bring me back to them. I thought I should like this? Great musicians but you are absolutely correct- it was the sort of broad generic feel of it didn’t do it for me. Something I’ve always loved about the Darkness is they were oozing with personality and humor from day 1. You feel like you know exactly who they are and they are authentic. (In addition to unfuckwithable songs of course) The blandness of the Struts didn’t do it for me and I got bored so I didn’t dig any deeper.. I’m sure there’s better stuff if I did though.

Luke is very charismatic, love his look as well

I get what you're saying about their sound being different live & in studio. Maybe they need to do "The Struts Alive!"? I love your plan of you and your brother working on their next record.

The first song sounded like they were going for a Slade thing and the second one just made me think of Olivia Newton John 'Physical'.

My friends band Mac Saturn is about to head out on tour with them! Very excited to see them together!

Hey Justin, your channel is fantastic - thanks so much for doing this. As a hobbyist songwriter, I'm finding it incredibly useful but also, perhaps more importantly, it's just lovely to know I'm not the only one who's completely obsessed with thinking about this stuff. I think if any art or music or creative outlet is going to be beneficial to human beings, it has to be vulnerable. When we experience someone being vulnerable it gives us permission to take off the masks society puts on us. It sets us free, that's why people respond. It's just really nice to hear you affirming that. Thanks for being awesome!

The whole time I was thinking they need the Hawkins touch. Hope they take the offer.

Justin, looking forward to hearing your thoughts on "Pretty Vicious" November release. New tunes are great so far. Discovered you cause Luke loves The Darkness! PS Thank you for wearing my sequoined jacket onstage in NY! The whole band is kind and fun... it was a great evening.

Instant like and comment for the classic “oh hi” start. Always appreciated.

Your interview with Luke on Patreon was brilliant!!!