We need to be number one, Darkness tell fans

Chart stars The Darkness urged fans to make their single the soundtrack to Christmas today by making it the festive number one.

The retro rockers, who are just ahead in the race for the top spot, pushed their sales further with an hour-long signing session this morning as they continued on their campaign trail.

The quartet – dubbed the band that time forgot – arrived at the Oxford Street HMV store in London by horse drawn carriage.

“We’re hoping to gallop ahead in the race for the Christmas number one,” quipped singer Justin Hawkins.

His band’s single Christmas Time (Don’t let the Bells End) is a few thousand sales ahead of nearest rival, Mad World by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules.

Justin said: “Today I realise for the first time that we really need to be number one.

“The main thing is that our song should be the soundtrack for Christmas.”

Speaking about the Gary Jules record he said: “It’s a great song but how Christmassy is it? Not very is the answer, not very Christmassy at all.

“Dreams about dying, who wants to hear about dying at Christmas? Obviously all those people who have bought it. But they should buy it next week and buy ours this week.”

His brother Dan said: “We are feeling pretty good. It’s such a close thing and we are quite nervous but it’s number one in the mid-week charts.

“We’ve actually worked out the secret of life but if we don’t get to number one the riddle will not be solved.”

The winner of the chart race will be announced on Sunday evening.