The Darkness pull out of New York concert

The Darkness have cancelled an appearance at a concert in New York in September celebrating 50 years of Rock and Roll.

They have withdrawn from the concert to concentrate on writing songs for their second album ahead of planned UK dates this winter.

The band had been due to fly to the US especially for the concert at the Roseland Ballroom at the two day event over September 17 and 18 alongside the Strokes, James Brown, the Doors, Bo Diddley, Lenny Kravitz and Velvet Revolver.

A statement from the event's sponsors Miller Brewing Company said: "We will miss the Darkness in New York, but our line-up remains impressive and just got stronger with Alice Cooper, Ben Folds and Melissa Auf Der Mar being recently added to the bill."

Earlier this year the Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins said the band's second album was "ready to go," but it appears the band have decided they need more time to complete the songs.

AC/DC and Def Leppard producer Robert "Mutt" Lange is reportedly working with the Lowestoft four-piece on the album, the follow-up to their debut No. 1 album 2003's Permission To Land.

The band are planning an 18-date UK tour for November and December.
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