JUSTIN BACKS HIS OLD RIVAL

THE Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins once squared up to Oasis, branding the Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, “lazy” and “arrogant”.

So you might think Justin would once again be gunning for Liam as they go head-to-head in the album charts this week.

But the rocker told me: “I love Liam. I mean I won’t listen to the album but I do like him.

“Some of the stuff he’s done in the build up to this album has been hilarious. I read some of his interviews and cry with laughter.

“I wish him luck. I’m a big fan. I think, apart from me, he’s one of the last proper rock stars.”

The I Believe In A Thing Called Love singers have just released their fifth album Pinewood Smile.

Liam’s debut solo album, As You Were, is on course to land next week’s No.1 spot.