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{{Short description|Australian musician and producer (born 1972)}}
{{Short description|Australian musician and producer (born 1972)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2022}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
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| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| embed = yes
| genre = {{hlist|[[Pop music|Pop]]|[[pop rock]]<ref name="McF">{{cite web |url=http://www.whammo.com.au/encyclopedia.asp?articleid=347 |website=Worldwide Home of Australasian Music and More Online |archive-date=13 August 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040813100855/http://www.whammo.com.au/encyclopedia.asp?articleid=347 |title='Savage Garden' entry |access-date=30 March 2021}}</ref>|[[electronic music|electronic]]}}
| genre = {{hlist|Pop|[[pop rock]]<ref name="McF">{{cite web |url=http://www.whammo.com.au/encyclopedia.asp?articleid=347 |website=Worldwide Home of Australasian Music and More Online |archive-date=13 August 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040813100855/http://www.whammo.com.au/encyclopedia.asp?articleid=347 |title='Savage Garden' entry |access-date=30 March 2021}}</ref>|[[electronic music|electronic]]}}
| instrument = Vocals, guitar
| instrument = Vocals, guitar
| label = {{hlist|[[Columbia Records|Columbia]]|[[Powdered Sugar (record label)|Powdered Sugar]]|[[Mercury Records|Mercury]]}}
| label = {{hlist|[[Columbia Records|Columbia]]|[[Powdered Sugar (record label)|Powdered Sugar]]|[[Mercury Records|Mercury]]}}
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| website = {{URL|darrenhayes.com}}
| website = {{URL|darrenhayes.com}}
}}
}}
'''Darren Stanley Hayes''' (born 8 May 1972)<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_NNmFiUnSmUC&dq=darren+hayes+1972&pg=RA49-PA2000 | title=The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | isbn=978-0-85712-595-8 | last1=Larkin | first1=Colin | date=27 May 2011 | publisher=Omnibus Press }}</ref> is an Australian singer, songwriter, music producer and composer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonthompson/2022/10/26/homosexual-sees-darren-hayes-win-by-taking-control-and-getting-down-to-business/|title='Homosexual' Sees Darren Hayes Win By Taking Control And Getting Down To Business|website=Forbes|last=Thompson|first=Simon|date=26 October 2022|access-date=29 January 2023}}</ref> He was the frontman and singer of the pop duo [[Savage Garden]] until their disbandment. Their 1997 album ''[[Savage Garden (Savage Garden album)|Savage Garden]]'' peaked at number 1 in Australia, number 2 in the United Kingdom and number 3 in the United States. It spawned the singles "[[I Want You (Savage Garden song)|I Want You]]", "[[To the Moon and Back (Savage Garden song)|To the Moon and Back]]", and Australian and US number 1 "[[Truly Madly Deeply (song)|Truly Madly Deeply]]". The duo followed the success of their debut album with ''[[Affirmation (Savage Garden album)|Affirmation]]'' (1999), which provided additional hits such as Australian and US number 1 "[[I Knew I Loved You]]", and Australian number 3 "[[The Animal Song]]". Savage Garden parted ways in 2001.


Hayes released his first solo album ''[[Spin (Darren Hayes album)|Spin]]'' in 2002. The album sold two million copies worldwide, debuted at Number 2 in the UK and number 3 in Australia. It delivered the hit single "[[Insatiable (Darren Hayes song)|Insatiable]]". Hayes's second album, ''[[The Tension and the Spark]]'', preceded by single "[[Pop!ular]]", was released in 2004. Hayes parted ways with his record label [[Columbia Records]] in 2006 and started his own independent record label, [[Powdered Sugar (record label)|Powdered Sugar]], from which he would release his third and fourth solo albums, 2007's double-album ''[[This Delicate Thing We've Made]]'' and 2011's ''[[Secret Codes and Battleships]]''. After a decade-long hiatus, Hayes returned in 2022 with his fifth studio album; ''[[Homosexual (album)|Homosexual]]'', which was released in October 2022, spawned the singles "[[Let's Try Being in Love]]", "Do You Remember?", "Poison Blood", "All You Pretty Things" and "Feels Like It's Over". Hayes' autobiography ''Unlovable'' was published in November 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Unlovable by Darren Hayes |url=https://www.penguin.com.au/books/unlovable-9781761341915 |access-date=26 November 2024 |website=www.penguin.com.au |language=en}}</ref>
'''Darren Stanley Hayes''' (born 8 May 1972)<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_NNmFiUnSmUC&dq=darren+hayes+1972&pg=RA49-PA2000 | title=The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | isbn=978-0-85712-595-8 | last1=Larkin | first1=Colin | date=27 May 2011 | publisher=Omnibus Press }}</ref> is an Australian singer, songwriter, music producer and composer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonthompson/2022/10/26/homosexual-sees-darren-hayes-win-by-taking-control-and-getting-down-to-business/|title='Homosexual' Sees Darren Hayes Win By Taking Control And Getting Down To Business|website=Forbes|last=Thompson|first=Simon|date=26 October 2022|access-date=29 January 2023}}</ref> He was the frontman and singer of the pop duo [[Savage Garden]] until their disbandment. Their 1997 album ''[[Savage Garden (Savage Garden album)|Savage Garden]]'' peaked at number 1 in Australia, number 2 in the United Kingdom and number 3 in the United States. It spawned the singles "[[I Want You (Savage Garden song)|I Want You]]", "[[To the Moon and Back (Savage Garden song)|To the Moon and Back]]", and Australian and US number 1 "[[Truly Madly Deeply (song)|Truly Madly Deeply]]". The duo followed the success of their debut album with ''[[Affirmation (Savage Garden album)|Affirmation]]'' (1999), which provided additional hits such as Australian and US number 1 "[[I Knew I Loved You (Savage Garden song)|I Knew I Loved You]]", and Australian number 3 "[[The Animal Song]]". Savage Garden parted ways in 2001.

Hayes released his first solo album ''[[Spin (Darren Hayes album)|Spin]]'' in 2002. The album sold two million copies worldwide, debuted at Number 2 in the UK and number 3 in Australia. It delivered the hit single "[[Insatiable (Darren Hayes song)|Insatiable]]". Hayes's second album, ''[[The Tension and the Spark]]'', preceded by single "[[Popular (Darren Hayes song)|Pop!ular]]", was released in 2004. Hayes parted ways with his record label [[Columbia Records]] in 2006 and started his own independent record label, [[Powdered Sugar (record label)|Powdered Sugar]], from which he would release his third and fourth solo albums, 2007's double-album ''[[This Delicate Thing We've Made]]'' and 2011's ''[[Secret Codes and Battleships]]''. After a decade-long hiatus, Hayes returned in 2022 with his fifth studio album; ''[[Homosexual (album)|Homosexual]]'', which was released in October 2022, spawned the singles "[[Let's Try Being in Love]]", "Do You Remember?", "Poison Blood", "All You Pretty Things" and "Feels Like It's Over". Hayes' [[autobiography]] is due for publication by [[Penguin Books]] in 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.penguin.com.au/news/4059-darren-hayes-announces-new-book-coming-late-2024|title=Darren Hayes announces new book coming late 2024|website=Penguin Books|date=21 June 2023|access-date=18 January 2024}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
At school, Hayes was bullied and physically and verbally abused.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/dthe-voice-mentor-darren-hayes-writes-a-letter-to-his-fifteen-year-old-self-on-his-fortieth-birthday/news-story/aa0fd0d2fbff8ed4a0491c60ad131fe3|title=Darren Hayes writes letter to his fifteen-year-old self|first=Darren|last=Hayes|date=10 May 2012|publisher=News.com.au}}</ref> He described himself as "a big-hearted, emotional, and excitable" teenager, with an obsession for ''[[Star Wars]]'' and ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial|E.T]]''.<ref name="billboard.com">{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/7834056/savage-garden-darren-hayes-coming-out-reactions-interview|title=Savage Garden's Darren Hayes Talks Adam Lambert, Michael Jackson and Behind-The-Scenes Reaction To His Coming Out|date=19 June 2017|magazine=Billboard|access-date=25 April 2020}}</ref> Hayes' father was an alcoholic, and regularly subjected Hayes and his mother to violence.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/sep/03/darren-hayes-looks-back-what-you-cant-see-is-how-unhappy-i-was?CMP=twt_gu|title=Darren Hayes looks back: 'What you can't see is how unhappy I was'|website=The Guardian|last=Gibsone|first=Harriet|date=3 September 2022|access-date=7 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/darren-hayes-on-coming-out-divorce-and-what-makes-his-husband-perfect-20220517-p5am0w.html|title=Darren Hayes on coming out, divorce and what makes his husband 'perfect'|website=Sydney Morning Herald|last=Rocca|first=Jane|date=22 May 2022|access-date=7 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/darren-hayes-savage-garden-secrets-depression-gay_n_62bb37c9e4b094be76a90714|title=I Was One Of The Most Famous Pop Stars In The World. No One Knew The Secret Pain I Hid.|website=Huffington Post|last=Hayes|first=Darren|date=1 July 2022|access-date=7 September 2022}}</ref>
At school, Hayes was bullied and physically and verbally abused.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/dthe-voice-mentor-darren-hayes-writes-a-letter-to-his-fifteen-year-old-self-on-his-fortieth-birthday/news-story/aa0fd0d2fbff8ed4a0491c60ad131fe3|title=Darren Hayes writes letter to his fifteen-year-old self|first=Darren|last=Hayes|date=10 May 2012|publisher=News.com.au}}</ref> He described himself as "a big-hearted, emotional, and excitable" teenager, with an obsession for ''[[Star Wars]]'' and ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial|E.T]]''.<ref name="billboard.com">{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/7834056/savage-garden-darren-hayes-coming-out-reactions-interview|title=Savage Garden's Darren Hayes Talks Adam Lambert, Michael Jackson and Behind-The-Scenes Reaction To His Coming Out|date=19 June 2017|magazine=Billboard|access-date=25 April 2020}}</ref> Hayes' father was an alcoholic, and regularly subjected Hayes and his mother to violence.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/sep/03/darren-hayes-looks-back-what-you-cant-see-is-how-unhappy-i-was?CMP=twt_gu|title=Darren Hayes looks back: 'What you can't see is how unhappy I was'|website=The Guardian|last=Gibsone|first=Harriet|date=3 September 2022|access-date=7 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/darren-hayes-on-coming-out-divorce-and-what-makes-his-husband-perfect-20220517-p5am0w.html|title=Darren Hayes on coming out, divorce and what makes his husband 'perfect'|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|last=Rocca|first=Jane|date=22 May 2022|access-date=7 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/darren-hayes-savage-garden-secrets-depression-gay_n_62bb37c9e4b094be76a90714|title=I Was One Of The Most Famous Pop Stars In The World. No One Knew The Secret Pain I Hid.|website=HuffPost|last=Hayes|first=Darren|date=1 July 2022|access-date=7 September 2022}}</ref>


In late 1987, he got the chance to see his hero [[Michael Jackson]] performing live in [[Brisbane]] as part of the [[Bad (tour)#Japan and Australia (1987)|Bad Tour]].<ref name="billboard.com" /> He credits this as encouraging him to pursue a career in entertainment. His other acknowledged influences are [[Stevie Nicks]], [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/entertainment/out-of-box/fans-wish-madonna-a-happy-60th-birthday201808162314590002/|title=Fans wish Madonna a Happy 60th birthday|website=ANI News|access-date=25 April 2020}}</ref> [[Peter Gabriel]], [[Kate Bush]],<ref>[https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/affirmation/news-story/269b840b2368ef909678f16f61e908b7?sv=78a2f368c68f1d7386c49e5f93f6b8a0] {{dead link|date=November 2021}}</ref> [[Annie Lennox]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/interviews/Darren+Hayes+Interview-96036.html|title=Interview: Darren Hayes|last=28 June 2011|website=www.femalefirst.co.uk|access-date=25 April 2020}}</ref> [[Prince (entertainer)|Prince]] and [[Marvin Gaye]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://schoolworkhelper.net/savage-garden-biography-albums/|title=Savage Garden: Biography & Albums|website=Schoolworkhelper.net|access-date=25 April 2020}}</ref> and he has cited [[U2]]'s "[[With or Without You]]" as the most touching song he has ever heard.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2002/05/16/161008/darren-hayes-there146s-life-after-savage-garden|title=Darren Hayes: There's life after Savage Garden|first=Ricky|last=Lo|website=Philstar.com|access-date=25 April 2020}}</ref>
In late 1987, he got the chance to see his hero [[Michael Jackson]] performing live in [[Brisbane]] as part of the [[Bad (tour)#Japan and Australia (1987)|Bad Tour]].<ref name="billboard.com" /> He credits this as encouraging him to pursue a career in entertainment. His other acknowledged influences are [[Stevie Nicks]], [[Madonna]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/entertainment/out-of-box/fans-wish-madonna-a-happy-60th-birthday201808162314590002/|title=Fans wish Madonna a Happy 60th birthday|website=ANI News|access-date=25 April 2020}}</ref> [[Peter Gabriel]], [[Kate Bush]],<ref>[https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/affirmation/news-story/269b840b2368ef909678f16f61e908b7?sv=78a2f368c68f1d7386c49e5f93f6b8a0] {{dead link|date=November 2021}}</ref> [[Annie Lennox]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/interviews/Darren+Hayes+Interview-96036.html|title=Interview: Darren Hayes|last=28 June 2011|website=femalefirst.co.uk|date=28 June 2011 |access-date=25 April 2020}}</ref> [[Prince (entertainer)|Prince]] and [[Marvin Gaye]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://schoolworkhelper.net/savage-garden-biography-albums/|title=Savage Garden: Biography & Albums|website=Schoolworkhelper.net|access-date=25 April 2020}}</ref> and he has cited [[U2]]'s "[[With or Without You]]" as the most touching song he has ever heard.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2002/05/16/161008/darren-hayes-there146s-life-after-savage-garden|title=Darren Hayes: There's life after Savage Garden|first=Ricky|last=Lo|website=The Philippine Star|access-date=25 April 2020}}</ref>


==Music career==
==Music career==
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[[Savage Garden]] started recording their debut album in 1995 with producer [[Charles Fisher (producer)|Charles Fisher]]. Their first single, "[[I Want You (Savage Garden song)|I Want You]]", was released in 1996 and was the best selling single by an Australian artist that year. The second single, "To the Moon and Back", topped the Australian charts at the end of 1996. The third single, "Truly Madly Deeply", was their second number one and was the best-selling Australian single of 1997. Their debut album, ''[[Savage Garden (Savage Garden album)|Savage Garden]]'', was the best-selling album in Australia during 1997 and the duo won ten [[ARIA Music Awards|ARIA]] awards.
[[Savage Garden]] started recording their debut album in 1995 with producer [[Charles Fisher (producer)|Charles Fisher]]. Their first single, "[[I Want You (Savage Garden song)|I Want You]]", was released in 1996 and was the best selling single by an Australian artist that year. The second single, "To the Moon and Back", topped the Australian charts at the end of 1996. The third single, "Truly Madly Deeply", was their second number one and was the best-selling Australian single of 1997. Their debut album, ''[[Savage Garden (Savage Garden album)|Savage Garden]]'', was the best-selling album in Australia during 1997 and the duo won ten [[ARIA Music Awards|ARIA]] awards.


Hayes moved to [[New York City]] to promote Savage Garden internationally, while Daniel Jones stayed in Brisbane. The move proved to be successful, with "Truly Madly Deeply" going to the top of the American charts in 1998. The ''Savage Garden'' album sold seven million copies in the US on the back of this success.
Hayes moved to New York City to promote Savage Garden internationally, while Daniel Jones stayed in Brisbane. The move proved to be successful, with "Truly Madly Deeply" going to the top of the American charts in 1998. The ''Savage Garden'' album sold seven million copies in the US on the back of this success.


In New York City, Hayes wrote ''[[Affirmation (Savage Garden album)|Affirmation]]''. He had recently divorced his wife of several years. Parts of the album reflected the pain from the end of the relationship. ''Affirmation'' was released in 1999 and proved to be another hit, with lead single "I Knew I Loved You" going to number one in the United States, and the album selling six million copies worldwide by the end of 2000. The pair played the title track of the album at the closing ceremony of the [[2000 Sydney Olympics]].
In New York City, Hayes wrote ''[[Affirmation (Savage Garden album)|Affirmation]]''. He had recently divorced his wife of several years. Parts of the album reflected the pain from the end of the relationship. ''Affirmation'' was released in 1999 and proved to be another hit, with lead single "I Knew I Loved You" going to number one in the United States, and the album selling six million copies worldwide by the end of 2000. The pair played the title track of the album at the closing ceremony of the [[2000 Sydney Olympics]].


Hayes moved to [[Sausalito]] in 2000. He became the public face of the duo, doing most of the media. Hayes announced that Savage Garden had broken up in October 2001 during a chat with an Australian journalist.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/savage-garden-confirms-split-78187/|title=Savage Garden Confirms Split|magazine=Billboard|date=5 October 2001|access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref> Hayes thought the information would be saved for a later article; it was not. When confronted with this information during the early morning hours, before an unrelated interview, Jones denied the break-up of the band. However, it appears that Jones did not believe the reporter was accurately quoting Hayes and denied what he thought was yet another break-up rumour. Still, the fact that Jones took a back seat in all promotional activities for ''Affirmation'' seems indicative that Jones was not content to remain within Savage Garden as it had operated in the past. ''Savage Garden'' had sold over 23 million albums by that stage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/no-friendship-the-rift-that-destroyed-savage-garden/news-story/1ff795f81ea3ca65663fc15d7300431c|title='No friendship': The rift that destroyed Savage Garden|website=News.com.au|last=Jolly|first=Nathan|date=27 June 2022|access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref>
Hayes moved to [[Sausalito]] in 2000. He became the public face of the duo, doing most of the media. Hayes announced that Savage Garden had broken up in October 2001 during a chat with an Australian journalist.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/savage-garden-confirms-split-78187/|title=Savage Garden Confirms Split|magazine=Billboard|date=5 October 2001|access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref> Hayes thought the information would be saved for a later article; it was not. When confronted with this information during the early morning hours, before an unrelated interview, Jones denied the break-up of the band. However, it appears that Jones did not believe the reporter was accurately quoting Hayes and denied what he thought was yet another break-up rumour. Still, the fact that Jones took a back seat in all promotional activities for ''Affirmation'' seems indicative that Jones was not content to remain within Savage Garden as it had operated in the past. ''Savage Garden'' had sold over 23 million albums by that stage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/no-friendship-the-rift-that-destroyed-savage-garden/news-story/1ff795f81ea3ca65663fc15d7300431c|title='No friendship': The rift that destroyed Savage Garden|website=News.com.au|last=Jolly|first=Nathan|date=27 June 2022|access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref>
Luciano Pavarotti and Darren Hayes sang "O Sole Mio" together in a concert in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2000/SHOWBIZ/Music/10/02/wb.pavarotti.txt/index.html|title=Pavarotti: The tenacious tenor|website=CNN|last=Alexander|first=Brooke|access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref>
Luciano Pavarotti and Darren Hayes sang "O Sole Mio" together in a concert in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2000/SHOWBIZ/Music/10/02/wb.pavarotti.txt/index.html|title=Pavarotti: The tenacious tenor|publisher=CNN|last=Alexander|first=Brooke|access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref>


In 2005, manager of Savage Garden, [[John Woodruff (talent manager)|John Woodruff]] confirmed that Jones had announced his intention of leaving Savage Garden prior to the promotion for ''Affirmation''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/the-man-behind-the-band-20050308-gdkveo.html|title=The man behind the band|website=Sydney Morning Herald|date=8 March 2005|access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref> Woodruff criticised the media for their treatment of Hayes. The duo have never issued a united statement regarding the situation, yet Hayes has guaranteed that the group will "never, by any chance" reunite, adding in 2020, "Imagine if you had come out and survived a really dysfunctional and toxic relationship, and then for years later people would ask you to please get back in that relationship [...] "I once said I'd only do it if it cured cancer and that's still how I feel."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/darren-hayes-shuts-down-savage-garden-reunion-17133/|title=Darren Hayes Shuts Down Calls for Savage Garden Reunion|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Jenke|first=Tyler|date=21 September 2020|access-date=29 June 2022}}</ref>
In 2005, manager of Savage Garden, [[John Woodruff (talent manager)|John Woodruff]] confirmed that Jones had announced his intention of leaving Savage Garden prior to the promotion for ''Affirmation''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/the-man-behind-the-band-20050308-gdkveo.html|title=The man behind the band|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=8 March 2005|access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref> Woodruff criticised the media for their treatment of Hayes. The duo have never issued a united statement regarding the situation, yet Hayes has guaranteed that the group will "never, by any chance" reunite, adding in 2020, "Imagine if you had come out and survived a really dysfunctional and toxic relationship, and then for years later people would ask you to please get back in that relationship [...] "I once said I'd only do it if it cured cancer and that's still how I feel."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/darren-hayes-shuts-down-savage-garden-reunion-17133/|title=Darren Hayes Shuts Down Calls for Savage Garden Reunion|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Jenke|first=Tyler|date=21 September 2020|access-date=29 June 2022}}</ref>


===2002–2004: ''Spin'' and ''The Tension and the Spark''===
===2002–2004: ''Spin'' and ''The Tension and the Spark''===
Hayes recorded his first solo album, ''[[Spin (Darren Hayes album)|Spin]]'', which was released in 2002. The album was produced by [[Walter Afanasieff]], the producer of ''Affirmation''. ''Spin''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/darren-hayes-spin|title=Darren Hayes – Spin|website=Music OMH|last=Hubbard|first=Michael|date=1 April 2002|access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref> carried on in the same musical vein as Savage Garden, with a less soft rock sound and more edgy [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] vibe, although the first single "Insatiable" was a [[ballad]], reaching Number 3 in Australia. Other singles "Strange Relationship", "Crush (1980 Me)" and "I Miss You" also performed well in charts. The album reached the Top 5 in Australia at Number 3, and in the UK at Number 2. It also reached the top ten in Denmark, Sweden and Finland. In the United States, the album failed to make the same impact as Savage Garden's previous releases, reaching Number 35 on ''Billboard''. It was later re-issued with a bonus disc consisting of some live and studio tracks.
Hayes recorded his first solo album, ''[[Spin (Darren Hayes album)|Spin]]'', which was released in 2002. The album was produced by [[Walter Afanasieff]], the producer of ''Affirmation''. ''Spin''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/darren-hayes-spin|title=Darren Hayes – Spin|website=Music OMH|last=Hubbard|first=Michael|date=1 April 2002|access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref> carried on in the same musical vein as Savage Garden, with a less soft rock sound and more edgy [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] vibe, although the first single "Insatiable" was a [[ballad]], reaching Number 3 in Australia. Other singles "Strange Relationship", "Crush (1980 Me)" and "I Miss You" also performed well in charts. The album reached the Top 5 in Australia at Number 3, and in the UK at Number 2. It also reached the top ten in Denmark, Sweden and Finland. In the United States, the album failed to make the same impact as Savage Garden's previous releases, reaching Number 35 on ''Billboard''. It was later re-issued with a bonus disc consisting of some live and studio tracks.


Hayes spent two years working on his second solo album, ''[[The Tension and the Spark]]''. Other than the track "I Forgive You", which was produced with Madonna collaborator [[Marius De Vries]], the entire album was produced by Hayes and [[Robert Conley (producer/songwriter)|Robert Conley]] (with whom he had previously toured and recorded "Crush (1980 Me)" for ''Spin'' and "Do You Believe" for Specificus). The album marked a bold change of direction for Hayes. Conley's production was almost entirely electronic, with acoustic instruments buried under walls of sequenced sounds. Although artistically this was a huge step forward and earned Hayes the strongest praise of his career, it alienated a large portion of his audience, who were expecting another album of radio-friendly pop songs. The first single, "Pop!ular", was released on 12 July 2004. This single reached Number One on the US Dance Charts, and fared well in the UK. Hayes's follow-up single, "Darkness", charted in the lower regions of the ARIA top 50 charts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Darren+Hayes&titel=Darkness&cat=s|title=Darren Hayes – Darkness|website=Australian Charts|access-date=29 June 2022}}</ref>
Hayes spent two years working on his second solo album, ''[[The Tension and the Spark]]''. Other than the track "I Forgive You", which was produced with Madonna collaborator [[Marius De Vries]], the entire album was produced by Hayes and [[Robert Conley (producer/songwriter)|Robert Conley]] (with whom he had previously toured and recorded "Crush (1980 Me)" for ''Spin'' and "Do You Believe" for Specificus). The album marked a bold change of direction for Hayes. Conley's production was almost entirely electronic, with acoustic instruments buried under walls of sequenced sounds. Although artistically this was a huge step forward and earned Hayes the strongest praise of his career, it alienated a large portion of his audience, who were expecting another album of radio-friendly pop songs. The first single, "Pop!ular", was released on 12 July 2004. This single reached Number One on the US Dance Charts, and fared well in the UK. Hayes's follow-up single, "Darkness", charted in the lower regions of the ARIA top 50 charts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Darren+Hayes&titel=Darkness&cat=s|title=Darren Hayes – Darkness|website=Australian Charts|access-date=29 June 2022}}</ref>
[[File:Darren hayes1.jpg|thumb|left|Darren Hayes performing on tour in 2006]]


One of his out-takes from the ''Spin'' sessions, "[[When you say you love me (Human Nature song)|When You Say You Love Me]]", was recorded by [[Clay Aiken]] in 2003 for his ''[[Measure of a Man (Clay Aiken album)|Measure of a Man]]'' album. It was later covered by [[Human Nature (band)|Human Nature]], resulting in an Australian top 20 single in April 2004 off their ''[[Walk The Tightrope]]'' album, and was then re-recorded in 2008 featuring Hayes himself.
One of his out-takes from the ''Spin'' sessions, "[[When you say you love me (Human Nature song)|When You Say You Love Me]]", was recorded by [[Clay Aiken]] in 2003 for his ''[[Measure of a Man (Clay Aiken album)|Measure of a Man]]'' album. It was later covered by [[Human Nature (band)|Human Nature]], resulting in an Australian top 20 single in April 2004 off their ''[[Walk The Tightrope]]'' album, and was then re-recorded in 2008 featuring Hayes himself.


[[File:Darren hayes1.jpg|thumb|Darren Hayes performing on tour in 2006]]
===2005–2006: ''Truly Madly Completely'' and parting ways with Columbia===
===2005–2006: ''Truly Madly Completely'' and parting ways with Columbia===
In 2005, Hayes recorded a track he wrote with Robert Conley called "[[So Beautiful]]", which was included on the Savage Garden greatest hits compilation, ''[[Truly Madly Completely: The Best of Savage Garden]]''. The compilation also includes a second track by Hayes called "California". Both of these tracks hark back to Hayes's early sound, although still retaining some of the electronic flourishes from ''The Tension and the Spark''.
In 2005, Hayes recorded a track he wrote with Robert Conley called "[[So Beautiful]]", which was included on the Savage Garden greatest hits compilation, ''[[Truly Madly Completely: The Best of Savage Garden]]''. The compilation also includes a second track by Hayes called "California". Both of these tracks hark back to Hayes's early sound, although still retaining some of the electronic flourishes from ''The Tension and the Spark''.
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On 9 April 2007, Hayes released the album track "[[Who Would Have Thought]]" from ''[[This Delicate Thing We've Made]]'' as a teaser track on his official website, as well as his MySpace profile. This was accompanied by an animation for the song created by his partner, animator and director, Richard Cullen. Around April 2007, remixes of the album track "Step into the Light" were being played in clubs around the world. The album version of "Step into the Light" was released as a teaser on Hayes's official website and MySpace on 30 April 2007.
On 9 April 2007, Hayes released the album track "[[Who Would Have Thought]]" from ''[[This Delicate Thing We've Made]]'' as a teaser track on his official website, as well as his MySpace profile. This was accompanied by an animation for the song created by his partner, animator and director, Richard Cullen. Around April 2007, remixes of the album track "Step into the Light" were being played in clubs around the world. The album version of "Step into the Light" was released as a teaser on Hayes's official website and MySpace on 30 April 2007.


During the first half of 2007, Hayes performed selected songs from the album in [[The Time Machine World Tour]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/tyne/content/articles/2007/09/27/darren_hayes_review_feature.shtml|title=Darren Hayes @ Newcastle City Hall|website=BBC|date=27 September 2007|access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref> small, exclusive gigs around the world. Tickets for several of these much sought after shows sold out in under ten minutes. In June 2007, Hayes embarked on a small tour of USA and Canada, stopping in New York, Toronto, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles, along with the band [[Temposhark]]. The shows were well received with very positive reviews.
During the first half of 2007, Hayes performed selected songs from the album in [[The Time Machine World Tour]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/tyne/content/articles/2007/09/27/darren_hayes_review_feature.shtml|title=Darren Hayes @ Newcastle City Hall|publisher=BBC|date=27 September 2007|access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref> small, exclusive gigs around the world. Tickets for several of these much sought after shows sold out in under ten minutes. In June 2007, Hayes embarked on a small tour of USA and Canada, stopping in New York, Toronto, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles, along with the band [[Temposhark]]. The shows were well received with very positive reviews.


On 30 June 2007, Hayes headlined the London Gay Pride at Trafalgar Square.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gay.com/headlines/11637 |title=Darren Hayes to headline London Pride |date=30 May 2007 |website=gay.com |access-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070710050607/http://uk.gay.com/headlines/11637 |archive-date=10 July 2007}}</ref> He performed "I Want You" and "On the Verge of Something Wonderful", as well as a medley that included "Pop!ular".
On 30 June 2007, Hayes headlined the London Gay Pride at Trafalgar Square.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gay.com/headlines/11637 |title=Darren Hayes to headline London Pride |date=30 May 2007 |website=gay.com |access-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070710050607/http://uk.gay.com/headlines/11637 |archive-date=10 July 2007}}</ref> He performed "I Want You" and "On the Verge of Something Wonderful", as well as a medley that included "Pop!ular".
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On 18 December 2007, Hayes announced "The Side Two Tour". The show toured the UK in February 2008 and featured Hayes performing songs from ''This Delicate Thing We've Made'' that were not featured on "The Time Machine Tour", in a more intimate setting. In late 2008, the DVD ''[[This Delicate Film We've Made]]'' was announced. The DVD featured selected songs from the album, arranged in a new sequence, and set to visuals that told a loose, abstract animated narrative. The DVD entered the UK music DVD charts at Number 1.
On 18 December 2007, Hayes announced "The Side Two Tour". The show toured the UK in February 2008 and featured Hayes performing songs from ''This Delicate Thing We've Made'' that were not featured on "The Time Machine Tour", in a more intimate setting. In late 2008, the DVD ''[[This Delicate Film We've Made]]'' was announced. The DVD featured selected songs from the album, arranged in a new sequence, and set to visuals that told a loose, abstract animated narrative. The DVD entered the UK music DVD charts at Number 1.


On 19 April 2009, Hayes teased via Twitter that he was preparing another album.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/darrenhayes/status/1558975646 |title=heading to stockholm tomorrow to start writing songs for my new album |website=Twitter |date=19 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111194729/https://twitter.com/darrenhayes/status/1558975646 |archive-date=11 January 2014}}</ref> On 8 May, Hayes announced, via his MySpace page, that he and Robert Conley had produced an album together titled ''[[We Are Smug (album)|We Are Smug]]''. The ten-track album, with a fair amount of experimentation with both lyrics and music, was made available via a link from his MySpace page, and was made free to download to gauge acceptability of Hayes's shifting musical styles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=140713037&blogId=487816886 |title=Happy Birthday |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090514063512/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=140713037&blogId=487816886 |archive-date=14 May 2009 |website=MySpace |date=8 May 2009}}</ref> The album is heavily electronic with some heavy beats. It also contains some explicit content. Both Hayes and Conley share vocal duties on this album.
On 19 April 2009, Hayes teased via Twitter that he was preparing another album.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/darrenhayes/status/1558975646 |title=heading to stockholm tomorrow to start writing songs for my new album |via=Twitter |date=19 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111194729/https://twitter.com/darrenhayes/status/1558975646 |archive-date=11 January 2014}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=October 2024}} On 8 May, Hayes announced, via his MySpace page, that he and Robert Conley had produced an album together titled ''[[We Are Smug (album)|We Are Smug]]''. The ten-track album, with a fair amount of experimentation with both lyrics and music, was made available via a link from his MySpace page, and was made free to download to gauge acceptability of Hayes's shifting musical styles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=140713037&blogId=487816886 |title=Happy Birthday |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090514063512/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=140713037&blogId=487816886 |archive-date=14 May 2009 |website=MySpace |date=8 May 2009}}</ref> The album is heavily electronic with some heavy beats. It also contains some explicit content. Both Hayes and Conley share vocal duties on this album.


Hayes signed to Sony ATV Music Publishing for a worldwide deal in August 2009. Emma Banks from CAA UK came on board October 2009 to represent Hayes for his touring plans around the new album.
Hayes signed to Sony ATV Music Publishing for a worldwide deal in August 2009. Emma Banks from CAA UK came on board October 2009 to represent Hayes for his touring plans around the new album.
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===2011–2021: ''Secret Codes and Battleships'' and hiatus===
===2011–2021: ''Secret Codes and Battleships'' and hiatus===
On 17 April 2011, Hayes announced that he had signed a record deal with Mercury Records/Universal Music Australia and signed to EMI Services UK /Europe. He released his fourth studio album in October 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.undercover.fm/news/14417-darren-hayes-signs-to-mercury-records-australia |title=Darren Hayes Signs To Mercury Records Australia – Undercover.fm News |publisher=Undercover.fm |date=17 April 2011 |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com.au/music/sitecomponent/a37455/albums-release-diary.html |title=Albums Release Diary – Music |publisher=Digital Spy |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> The first single titled "[[Talk Talk Talk (song)|Talk Talk Talk]]" was announced in May and was released on 24 June. The single contains a cover version of [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]]'s "[[Angel (Madonna song)|Angel]]" as the B-side.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/notes/darren-hayes/talk-talk-talk-june-24-worldwide-release-date/10150207523176026 |title='Talk Talk Talk' – June 24 worldwide release date |publisher=Facebook |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref>
On 17 April 2011, Hayes announced that he had signed a record deal with Mercury Records/Universal Music Australia and signed to EMI Services UK /Europe. He released his fourth studio album in October 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.undercover.fm/news/14417-darren-hayes-signs-to-mercury-records-australia |title=Darren Hayes Signs To Mercury Records Australia – Undercover.fm News |publisher=Undercover.fm |date=17 April 2011 |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com.au/music/sitecomponent/a37455/albums-release-diary.html |title=Albums Release Diary – Music |work=Digital Spy |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> The first single titled "[[Talk Talk Talk (song)|Talk Talk Talk]]" was announced in May and was released on 24 June. The single contains a cover version of [[Madonna]]'s "[[Angel (Madonna song)|Angel]]" as the B-side.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/notes/darren-hayes/talk-talk-talk-june-24-worldwide-release-date/10150207523176026 |title='Talk Talk Talk' – June 24 worldwide release date |via=Facebook |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=October 2024}}


It was announced on 20 June, via Hayes's [[Facebook]] page, that his new album would be titled ''[[Secret Codes and Battleships]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/DarrenHayesOfficial?v=wall&viewas=0 |title=Darren Hayes |publisher=Facebook |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref>
It was announced on 20 June, via Hayes's Facebook page, that his new album would be titled ''[[Secret Codes and Battleships]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/DarrenHayesOfficial?v=wall&viewas=0 |title=Darren Hayes |via=Facebook |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=October 2024}}


Hayes announced on Twitter on 22 July that he was shooting a second music video from the album. On 14 August, he revealed in a radio interview that "Black Out the Sun" will be the second single from ''Secret Codes and Battleships''. Since its release in the UK, [[BBC Radio 2]] has selected the track to feature on their A list the week commencing 1 October 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/music-events/playlist/ |title=Radio 2 – Playlist |publisher=BBC |date=6 April 2009 |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> He later confirmed, on Twitter, that this song will be the single for the UK and other international markets, while "Bloodstained Heart" would be the second single in Australia. Hayes played dates on "The Secret" Tour in the UK and Australia beginning on 15 October in Liverpool.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Digital Spy – TV, Movies and Entertainment News|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/|access-date=8 March 2022|website=Digital Spy|language=en-GB}}</ref> Hayes tweeted, on 2 March 2012, that he would be shooting another music video the week after.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/darrenhayes|title=Darren Hayes (@darrenhayes) – Twitter}}</ref> He later confirmed the music video was being shot for "Stupid Mistake", which was released as the album's fourth single in May 2012.
Hayes announced on Twitter on 22 July that he was shooting a second music video from the album. On 14 August, he revealed in a radio interview that "Black Out the Sun" will be the second single from ''Secret Codes and Battleships''. Since its release in the UK, [[BBC Radio 2]] has selected the track to feature on their A list the week commencing 1 October 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/music-events/playlist/ |title=Radio 2 – Playlist |publisher=BBC |date=6 April 2009 |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> He later confirmed, on Twitter, that this song will be the single for the UK and other international markets, while "Bloodstained Heart" would be the second single in Australia. Hayes played dates on "The Secret" Tour in the UK and Australia beginning on 15 October in Liverpool.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Digital Spy – TV, Movies and Entertainment News|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/|access-date=8 March 2022|website=Digital Spy|language=en-GB}}</ref> Hayes tweeted, on 2 March 2012, that he would be shooting another music video the week after.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/darrenhayes|title=x.com}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=October 2024}} He later confirmed the music video was being shot for "Stupid Mistake", which was released as the album's fourth single in May 2012.


Since 2013, Hayes stopped his music career and tried to build a stand-up comedy career. At the same time, he kept creating short singing videos in his social media accounts for his fans. In a 2022 interview with ''[[Queerty]]'', Hayes said that he had actually planned to retire at that point.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.queerty.com/darren-hayes-talks-gay-shame-days-savage-garden-new-solo-album-homosexual-20221007|title=Darren Hayes talks gay shame, his days in Savage Garden, and his new solo album 'Homosexual'|website=Queerty|last=Russell|first=John|date=7 October 2022|access-date=8 October 2022}}</ref> In 2018 Hayes briefly returned on stage with one-off performance of two songs, including "I Knew I Loved You". In 2019, Hayes featured on [[Cub Sport]]'s single "[[I Never Cried So Much in My Whole Life]]". He did not appear in the official video. In 2020 he recorded a new version of "Truly Madly Deeply" with slightly modified lyrics. The video of his studio performance was released on YouTube on 24 April.
Since 2013, Hayes stopped his music career and tried to build a stand-up comedy career. At the same time, he kept creating short singing videos in his social media accounts for his fans. In a 2022 interview with ''[[Queerty]]'', Hayes said that he had actually planned to retire at that point.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.queerty.com/darren-hayes-talks-gay-shame-days-savage-garden-new-solo-album-homosexual-20221007|title=Darren Hayes talks gay shame, his days in Savage Garden, and his new solo album 'Homosexual'|website=Queerty|last=Russell|first=John|date=7 October 2022|access-date=8 October 2022}}</ref> In 2018 Hayes briefly returned on stage with one-off performance of two songs, including "I Knew I Loved You". In 2019, Hayes featured on [[Cub Sport]]'s single "[[I Never Cried So Much in My Whole Life]]". He did not appear in the official video. In 2020 he recorded a new version of "Truly Madly Deeply" with slightly modified lyrics. The video of his studio performance was released on YouTube on 24 April.
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On 26 January 2022, Hayes released the single, "[[Let's Try Being in Love]]". A music video for the song was released the same day, starring Hayes and featuring actor [[Scott Evans (actor)|Scott Evans]]. The video was directed by Andrew Putschoegl.<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 January 2022|title=Darren Hayes unveils new single 'Let's Try Being In Love'|url=https://retropopmagazine.com/darren-hayes-new-single-lets-try-being-in-love/|access-date=8 March 2022|website=Retro Pop|language=en-GB}}</ref> Referred to as a "[[queer]] anthem"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/darren-hayes-returns-to-the-spotlight-with-queer-anthem-lets-try-being-in-love-3147322|title=Darren Hayes returns to the spotlight with queer anthem 'Let's Try Being In Love'|website=NME|last=Doria|first=Matt|date=27 January 2022|access-date=28 January 2022}}</ref> by ''[[NME]]'', in promotional interviews, Hayes explained "I've been married to [[Richard Cullen (artist)|Richard]] [Cullen] for almost 17 years, [and] I'm in this really comfortable place in my life. But at the same time at mid-life I'm grieving the fact I never got to celebrate who I really was at the period of my life where I was most famous. I look at this world we live in now where someone like [[Lil Nas X]] can push forward his true self, full of pride and self-love and have the chance to be loved for who he truly is [...] A lot of the time I was my most famous, I was deeply sad." Less than 24 hours of release, "Let's Try Being in Love" debuted at number 96 on the Official UK Singles Download Chart Top 100 and at number 98 on the Official UK Singles Sales Chart Top 100.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-downloads-chart/|title=Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100 – 28 January 2022 – 03 February 2022|website=Official Charts|access-date=28 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-sales-chart/|title=Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100 – 28 January 2022 – 03 February 2022|website=Official Charts|access-date=28 January 2022}}</ref> The single also peaked at number 9 on the Australian Independent singles chart. "I wanted to show I love the feminine in me, be proud of the gay me. There's a dance scene that is so passionate, everything's alive and thriving and blooming. That's how I feel in general about music. And that's a hugely sharp contrast to how I felt 10 years ago."
On 26 January 2022, Hayes released the single, "[[Let's Try Being in Love]]". A music video for the song was released the same day, starring Hayes and featuring actor [[Scott Evans (actor)|Scott Evans]]. The video was directed by Andrew Putschoegl.<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 January 2022|title=Darren Hayes unveils new single 'Let's Try Being In Love'|url=https://retropopmagazine.com/darren-hayes-new-single-lets-try-being-in-love/|access-date=8 March 2022|website=Retro Pop|language=en-GB}}</ref> Referred to as a "[[queer]] anthem"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/darren-hayes-returns-to-the-spotlight-with-queer-anthem-lets-try-being-in-love-3147322|title=Darren Hayes returns to the spotlight with queer anthem 'Let's Try Being In Love'|website=NME|last=Doria|first=Matt|date=27 January 2022|access-date=28 January 2022}}</ref> by ''[[NME]]'', in promotional interviews, Hayes explained "I've been married to [[Richard Cullen (artist)|Richard]] [Cullen] for almost 17 years, [and] I'm in this really comfortable place in my life. But at the same time at mid-life I'm grieving the fact I never got to celebrate who I really was at the period of my life where I was most famous. I look at this world we live in now where someone like [[Lil Nas X]] can push forward his true self, full of pride and self-love and have the chance to be loved for who he truly is [...] A lot of the time I was my most famous, I was deeply sad." Less than 24 hours of release, "Let's Try Being in Love" debuted at number 96 on the Official UK Singles Download Chart Top 100 and at number 98 on the Official UK Singles Sales Chart Top 100.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-downloads-chart/|title=Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100 – 28 January 2022 – 03 February 2022|website=Official Charts|access-date=28 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-sales-chart/|title=Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100 – 28 January 2022 – 03 February 2022|website=Official Charts|access-date=28 January 2022}}</ref> The single also peaked at number 9 on the Australian Independent singles chart. "I wanted to show I love the feminine in me, be proud of the gay me. There's a dance scene that is so passionate, everything's alive and thriving and blooming. That's how I feel in general about music. And that's a hugely sharp contrast to how I felt 10 years ago."


On 27 January 2022, Hayes announced he would be headlining the [[Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras|2022 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade]] and would be performing on 5 March 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_SP8erX38w|title = Darren Hayes performing at 2022 Parade|website = [[YouTube]]| date=26 January 2022 }}</ref> Hayes performed "The Animal Song", "I Want You", "Affirmation" plus, live for the very first time, "Let's Try Being in Love".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Darren Hayes Setlist at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade 2022|url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/darren-hayes/2022/sydney-cricket-ground-sydney-australia-1b8989e4.html|access-date=8 March 2022|website=setlist.fm|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-05/sydney-mardi-gras-parade-2022-again-takes-over-scg/100885630|title=Sparkles, unity and messages of equality as COVID-weary Sydney welcomes Mardi Gras|website=ABC|last=Hildebrandt|first=Carla|date=5 March 2022|access-date=7 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/ten-years-after-quitting-darren-hayes-is-back-20220301-p5a0p7.html|title=Ten years after quitting, Darren Hayes is back|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|last=Zuel|first=Bernard|date=2 March 2022|access-date=7 March 2022}}</ref>
On 27 January 2022, Hayes announced he would be headlining the [[Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras|2022 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade]] and would be performing on 5 March 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_SP8erX38w|title = Darren Hayes performing at 2022 Parade|via = YouTube| date=26 January 2022 }}</ref> Hayes performed "The Animal Song", "I Want You", "Affirmation" plus, live for the very first time, "Let's Try Being in Love".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Darren Hayes Setlist at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade 2022|url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/darren-hayes/2022/sydney-cricket-ground-sydney-australia-1b8989e4.html|access-date=8 March 2022|website=setlist.fm|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-05/sydney-mardi-gras-parade-2022-again-takes-over-scg/100885630|title=Sparkles, unity and messages of equality as COVID-weary Sydney welcomes Mardi Gras|website=ABC|last=Hildebrandt|first=Carla|date=5 March 2022|access-date=7 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/ten-years-after-quitting-darren-hayes-is-back-20220301-p5a0p7.html|title=Ten years after quitting, Darren Hayes is back|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|last=Zuel|first=Bernard|date=2 March 2022|access-date=7 March 2022}}</ref>


On 2 March 2022, Hayes announced the Do You Remember? Tour that would be performed in six Australian cities between January and February 2023 and would feature songs from his musical career as part of Savage Garden and as a solo artist. On 10 March 2022, Hayes released the single "Do You Remember?",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://entertainment-focus.com/2022/03/11/listen-darren-hayes-debuts-club-track-do-you-remember/|title=Listen: Darren Hayes debuts club track 'Do You Remember?'|first=Pip|last=Ellwood-Hughes|website=Entertainment-focus.com|date=11 March 2022 |access-date=1 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.teg.com.au/darren-hayes-announces-6-city-do-you-remember-tour/|title = Darren Hayes announces 6-city 'Do You Remember?' Tour|website=Teg.com.au|date=2 March 2022|access-date=4 March 2022
On 2 March 2022, Hayes announced the Do You Remember? Tour that would be performed in six Australian cities between January and February 2023 and would feature songs from his musical career as part of Savage Garden and as a solo artist. On 10 March 2022, Hayes released the single "Do You Remember?",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://entertainment-focus.com/2022/03/11/listen-darren-hayes-debuts-club-track-do-you-remember/|title=Listen: Darren Hayes debuts club track 'Do You Remember?'|first=Pip|last=Ellwood-Hughes|website=Entertainment-focus.com|date=11 March 2022 |access-date=1 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.teg.com.au/darren-hayes-announces-6-city-do-you-remember-tour/|title = Darren Hayes announces 6-city 'Do You Remember?' Tour|website=Teg.com.au|date=2 March 2022|access-date=4 March 2022
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/darren-hayes-announces-do-you-remember-australian-tour-dates-3172852|title=Darren Hayes announces 'Do You Remember?' Australian tour dates|website=NME|last=Young|first=David James|date=2 March 2022|access-date=7 March 2022}}</ref> following with the official video on 16 March 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://attitude.co.uk/article/exclusive-darren-hayes-enjoys-a-big-gay-night-out-in-raucous-do-you-remember-video-1/26781/|title=Exclusive: Darren Hayes Enjoys a Big Gay Night Out in Raucous 'Do You Remember?' Video|website=Attitude.co.uk|last=Stroude|first=Will|date=16 March 2022|access-date=17 March 2022}}</ref> In June 2022, Hayes released "Poison Blood",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.therockpit.net/2022/darren-hayes-unveils-his-most-raw-and-honest-music-to-date-poison-blood/|title=DARREN HAYES unveils his most raw and honest music to date 'POISON BLOOD'|website=The Rockpit|date=6 June 2022|access-date=14 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/darrenhayes/status/1533681089822494720|title=Poison Blood SINGLE and LYRIC VIDEO out now.|date=6 June 2022|access-date=14 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/poison-blood-single/1623904095|title=Darren Hayes – Poison Blood|website=Apple Music|date=6 June 2022|access-date=14 June 2022}}</ref> which details his life living with depression, and others affected by it. Hayes released the official "Poison Blood" music video on 26 June 2022,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertainment-focus.com/2022/06/27/darren-hayes-announces-2023-uk-tour/|title=Darren Hayes Announces 2023 UK Tour – The singer has also unveiled the video for 'Poison Blood'|website=Entertainment Focus|last=Ellwood-Hughes|first=Pip|date=27 June 2022|access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/darrenhayes/status/1536576873739612161|title=Poison Blood music video coming soon|date=14 June 2022|access-date=14 June 2022}}</ref> announcing UK Tour dates on the same day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smoothradio.com/news/music/darren-hayes-uk-tour-savage-garden-anniversary/|title=Darren Hayes announces massive UK tour to mark Savage Garden's 25th anniversary|website=Smooth Radio|last=Nissim|first=Mayer|date=27 June 2022|access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref> A remix of "Let's Try Being in Love" was released on 15 July 2022, with production helmed by [[Louis La Roche]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/lets-try-being-in-love-louis-la-roche-remix/1633321511?i=1633321512|title=Darren Hayes – Let's Try Being in Love (Louis La Roche Remix)|website=Apple Music|date=15 July 2022|access-date=16 July 2022}}</ref> This was followed on 29 July by Roche's remix to "Do You Remember?".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.amazon.in/albums/B0B69M4JYX|title=Do You Remember? Louis La Roche Remix|website=Amazon|date=29 July 2022|access-date=29 August 2022}}</ref>
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/darren-hayes-announces-do-you-remember-australian-tour-dates-3172852|title=Darren Hayes announces 'Do You Remember?' Australian tour dates|website=NME|last=Young|first=David James|date=2 March 2022|access-date=7 March 2022}}</ref> following with the official video on 16 March 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://attitude.co.uk/article/exclusive-darren-hayes-enjoys-a-big-gay-night-out-in-raucous-do-you-remember-video-1/26781/|title=Exclusive: Darren Hayes Enjoys a Big Gay Night Out in Raucous 'Do You Remember?' Video|website=Attitude.co.uk|last=Stroude|first=Will|date=16 March 2022|access-date=17 March 2022}}</ref> In June 2022, Hayes released "Poison Blood",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.therockpit.net/2022/darren-hayes-unveils-his-most-raw-and-honest-music-to-date-poison-blood/|title=DARREN HAYES unveils his most raw and honest music to date 'POISON BLOOD'|website=The Rockpit|date=6 June 2022|access-date=14 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/darrenhayes/status/1533681089822494720|title=Poison Blood SINGLE and LYRIC VIDEO out now.|date=6 June 2022|access-date=14 June 2022}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=October 2024}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/poison-blood-single/1623904095|title=Darren Hayes – Poison Blood|website=Apple Music|date=6 June 2022|access-date=14 June 2022}}</ref> which details his life living with depression, and others affected by it. Hayes released the official "Poison Blood" music video on 26 June 2022,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertainment-focus.com/2022/06/27/darren-hayes-announces-2023-uk-tour/|title=Darren Hayes Announces 2023 UK Tour – The singer has also unveiled the video for 'Poison Blood'|website=Entertainment Focus|last=Ellwood-Hughes|first=Pip|date=27 June 2022|access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/darrenhayes/status/1536576873739612161|title=Poison Blood music video coming soon|date=14 June 2022|access-date=14 June 2022}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=October 2024}} announcing UK Tour dates on the same day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smoothradio.com/news/music/darren-hayes-uk-tour-savage-garden-anniversary/|title=Darren Hayes announces massive UK tour to mark Savage Garden's 25th anniversary|website=Smooth Radio|last=Nissim|first=Mayer|date=27 June 2022|access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref> A remix of "Let's Try Being in Love" was released on 15 July 2022, with production helmed by [[Louis La Roche]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/lets-try-being-in-love-louis-la-roche-remix/1633321511?i=1633321512|title=Darren Hayes – Let's Try Being in Love (Louis La Roche Remix)|website=Apple Music|date=15 July 2022|access-date=16 July 2022}}</ref> This was followed on 29 July by Roche's remix to "Do You Remember?".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.amazon.in/albums/B0B69M4JYX|title=Do You Remember? Louis La Roche Remix|publisher=Amazon.com|date=29 July 2022|access-date=29 August 2022}}</ref>
On 18 August 2022, Hayes announced that ''[[Homosexual (album)|Homosexual]]'', his fifth studio album, would be released that October.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/darrenhayes/status/1560185216672620546|title=My brand new album HOMOSEXUAL comes out Oct 7.|website=Twitter|date=18 August 2022|access-date=19 August 2022}}</ref> A fourth single, "All You Pretty Things", was released on 19 August 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/darren-hayes-announces-homosexual-his-first-album-in-over-a-decade-3293627|title=Darren Hayes announces 'Homosexual', his first album in over a decade|website=NME|last=Gallagher|first=Alex|date=19 August 2022|access-date=19 August 2022}}</ref> When the album was released on 7 October 2022, Hayes said "My new album was born from a desire to rid myself of the grief I developed over the years I lost to shame growing up in a world where being gay was met with rejection and condemnation. I wanted to revisit my teenage years with the wisdom of a proud 50-year-old gay man and revisit my youthful memories and view them through this new peach-tinted lens of joy. I imagined an adolescence where I could be loved for who I truly am today. Through this music, my goal was to reclaim my happiness and reclaim my identity. That confidence gave me the courage to explore deep wounds in my life and explore old trauma from the perspective of an effervescent endless summer."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/features/darren-hayes-the-sounds-that-inspired-his-new-album-homosexual/|title=Darren Hayes: The Sounds That Inspired His New Album 'Homosexual'|website=Music Feeds|last=Billy|first=August|date=7 October 2022|access-date=7 October 2022}}</ref> ''Homosexual'' debuted at number 6 on the [[ARIA Digital Album Chart|Australian Digital Albums]]<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 17 October 2022|magazine=The ARIA Report|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]]|issue=1702|pages=7, 10|date=21 October 2022}}</ref> and number 16 on the Australian Artist Albums Chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/australian-artist-albums-chart/2022-10-17|title=ARIA Top 20 Australian Albums Chart|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]]|date=17 October 2022|access-date=21 October 2022}}</ref> The album debuted at number 82 on the [[UK Albums Chart]], also placing on the UK Download and Album Sales charts, placing at numbers 3 and 13, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-sales-chart/20221014|title=Albums Sales Top 100|website=Official Charts|date=14 October 2022|access-date=14 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-downloads-chart/20221014|title=Albums Downloads Top 100|website=Official Charts|date=14 October 2022|access-date=14 October 2022}}</ref>
On 18 August 2022, Hayes announced that ''[[Homosexual (album)|Homosexual]]'', his fifth studio album, would be released that October.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/darrenhayes/status/1560185216672620546|title=My brand new album HOMOSEXUAL comes out Oct 7.|via=Twitter|date=18 August 2022|access-date=19 August 2022}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=October 2024}} A fourth single, "All You Pretty Things", was released on 19 August 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/darren-hayes-announces-homosexual-his-first-album-in-over-a-decade-3293627|title=Darren Hayes announces 'Homosexual', his first album in over a decade|website=NME|last=Gallagher|first=Alex|date=19 August 2022|access-date=19 August 2022}}</ref> When the album was released on 7 October 2022, Hayes said "My new album was born from a desire to rid myself of the grief I developed over the years I lost to shame growing up in a world where being gay was met with rejection and condemnation. I wanted to revisit my teenage years with the wisdom of a proud 50-year-old gay man and revisit my youthful memories and view them through this new peach-tinted lens of joy. I imagined an adolescence where I could be loved for who I truly am today. Through this music, my goal was to reclaim my happiness and reclaim my identity. That confidence gave me the courage to explore deep wounds in my life and explore old trauma from the perspective of an effervescent endless summer."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/features/darren-hayes-the-sounds-that-inspired-his-new-album-homosexual/|title=Darren Hayes: The Sounds That Inspired His New Album 'Homosexual'|website=Music Feeds|last=Billy|first=August|date=7 October 2022|access-date=7 October 2022}}</ref> ''Homosexual'' debuted at number 6 on the [[ARIA Digital Album Chart|Australian Digital Albums]]<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 17 October 2022|magazine=The ARIA Report|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]]|issue=1702|pages=7, 10|date=21 October 2022}}</ref> and number 16 on the Australian Artist Albums Chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/australian-artist-albums-chart/2022-10-17|title=ARIA Top 20 Australian Albums Chart|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]]|date=17 October 2022|access-date=21 October 2022}}</ref> The album debuted at number 82 on the [[UK Albums Chart]], also placing on the UK Download and Album Sales charts, placing at numbers 3 and 13, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-sales-chart/20221014|title=Albums Sales Top 100|website=Official Charts|date=14 October 2022|access-date=14 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-downloads-chart/20221014|title=Albums Downloads Top 100|website=Official Charts|date=14 October 2022|access-date=14 October 2022}}</ref>


In April 2023, Hayes graced the cover of Washington, DC's [[Metro Weekly]]. The magazine featured a 13-page pictorial and Q&A about Hayes' past career and recently-concluded Do You Remember? tour.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://magazine.metroweekly.com/books/yljp/#p=40|title=Darren Hayes opens up about his return to music with new 'Homosexual' album|website=MetroWeekly|last=Fenity|first=Joseph|date=27 April 2023|access-date=1 May 2023}}</ref> On 10 February 2023, [[Peking Duk]] released a version of "[[I Want You (Savage Garden song)|I Want You]]" featuring re-recorded vocals by Hayes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/peking-duk-and-darren-hayes-reimagine-savage-gardens-i-want-you-3395811|title=Peking Duk and Darren Hayes reimagine Savage Garden's 'I Want You'|website=[[NME]]|date=10 February 2023|access-date=11 February 2023|author=Alex Gallagher}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/70iyV4Q8e55CzUhTsKKOE8?si=LgLFjgSwR76pSvQZhqm3xw|title=Peking Duk - I Want You (feat Darren Hayes)|website=Spotify|date=10 February 2023|access-date=11 February 2023}}</ref> On 1 May 2023, Hayes released an official music video for "[[Homosexual (album)#Singles|Feels Like It's Over]]", directed by Andrew Huebscher.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9xBH-Fhisw|title=Darren Hayes - Feels Like Its Over|website=Youtube|date=1 May 2023|access-date=12 May 2023}}</ref> An edited version of the song was released as the fifth single from ''Homosexual'' on 12 May 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/feels-like-its-over-edit-single/1686258723|title=Darren Hayes - Feels Like It's Over (Edit)|website=Apple Music|date=12 May 2023|access-date=12 May 2023}}</ref> In June 2023, it was announced that Hayes' memoir would be published in 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://retropopmagazine.com/darren-hayes-sets-2024-release-for-debut-memoir/|title=Darren Hayes sets 2024 release for debut memoir|website=Retro Pop Magazine|last=Gotto|first=Connor|date=27 June 2023|access-date=18 January 2024}}</ref> In November 2023, Hayes competed as Grim Reaper on the [[The Masked Singer (Australian season 5)|fifth season]] of ''[[The Masked Singer (Australian TV series)|The Masked Singer Australia]]''. After eight performances, he ended up in second place on the season, behind [[Dami Im]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bond |first=Nick |date=7 November 2023 |title=Final three celebs revealed in The Masked Singer's 2023 season finale |work=[[news.com.au]] |publisher=[[News Corp Australia]] |url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/reality-tv/final-three-celebs-revealed-in-the-masked-singers-2023-season-finale/news-story/2357c9eda139659ed343f3bcaa00b11a |access-date=9 November 2023}}</ref>
In April 2023, Hayes graced the cover of Washington, DC's [[Metro Weekly]]. The magazine featured a 13-page pictorial and Q&A about Hayes' past career and recently-concluded Do You Remember? tour.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://magazine.metroweekly.com/books/yljp/#p=40|title=Darren Hayes opens up about his return to music with new 'Homosexual' album|website=MetroWeekly|last=Fenity|first=Joseph|date=27 April 2023|access-date=1 May 2023}}</ref> On 10 February 2023, [[Peking Duk]] released a version of "[[I Want You (Savage Garden song)|I Want You]]" featuring re-recorded vocals by Hayes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/peking-duk-and-darren-hayes-reimagine-savage-gardens-i-want-you-3395811|title=Peking Duk and Darren Hayes reimagine Savage Garden's 'I Want You'|website=[[NME]]|date=10 February 2023|access-date=11 February 2023|author=Alex Gallagher}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/70iyV4Q8e55CzUhTsKKOE8?si=LgLFjgSwR76pSvQZhqm3xw|title=Peking Duk - I Want You (feat Darren Hayes)|website=Spotify|date=10 February 2023|access-date=11 February 2023}}</ref> On 1 May 2023, Hayes released an official music video for "[[Homosexual (album)#Singles|Feels Like It's Over]]", directed by Andrew Huebscher.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9xBH-Fhisw|title=Darren Hayes - Feels Like Its Over|via=YouTube|date=1 May 2023|access-date=12 May 2023}}</ref> An edited version of the song was released as the fifth single from ''Homosexual'' on 12 May 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/feels-like-its-over-edit-single/1686258723|title=Darren Hayes - Feels Like It's Over (Edit)|website=Apple Music|date=12 May 2023|access-date=12 May 2023}}</ref> In June 2023, it was announced that Hayes' memoir would be published in 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://retropopmagazine.com/darren-hayes-sets-2024-release-for-debut-memoir/|title=Darren Hayes sets 2024 release for debut memoir|website=Retro Pop Magazine|last=Gotto|first=Connor|date=27 June 2023|access-date=18 January 2024}}</ref> In November 2023, Hayes competed as Grim Reaper on the [[The Masked Singer (Australian season 5)|fifth season]] of ''[[The Masked Singer Australia]]''. After eight performances, he ended up in second place on the season, behind [[Dami Im]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bond |first=Nick |date=7 November 2023 |title=Final three celebs revealed in The Masked Singer's 2023 season finale |work=[[news.com.au]] |publisher=[[News Corp Australia]] |url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/reality-tv/final-three-celebs-revealed-in-the-masked-singers-2023-season-finale/news-story/2357c9eda139659ed343f3bcaa00b11a |access-date=9 November 2023}}</ref> Hayes' memoir, ''Unlovable'', was released on 5 November 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://qnews.com.au/darren-hayes-confirms-release-date-of-memoir-unlovable/|title=Darren Hayes confirms release date of memoir Unlovable|website=Q News|last=Hirst|first=Jordan|date=24 June 2024|access-date=11 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/nov/04/new-book-releases-australia-november|title=Music memoirs, cooking classes and squatting at Kanye's: the best Australian books out in November|website=The Guardian|author=Various|date=3 November 2024|access-date=10 November 2024}}</ref>


==Other media==
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Hayes married his childhood sweetheart, makeup artist Colby Taylor, in 1994.<ref name="instinctint" /> They were still married when Savage Garden "skyrocketed to fame around the globe in the late 1990s."<ref name="instinctint">{{cite news |url=http://instinctmagazine.com/archives/celebrity-interviews/darren-hayes |title=The Marrying Man |last=Steele |first=Tyler |date=1 November 2006 |work=[[Instinct (magazine)|Instinct]] |access-date=5 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129032213/http://instinctmagazine.com/archives/celebrity-interviews/darren-hayes |archive-date=29 January 2012}}</ref> They separated in 1998 and were divorced in 2000. Much of the lyrics for the band's second album, ''[[Affirmation (Savage Garden album)|Affirmation]]'', dealt with his divorce.<ref name="instinctint" /> He recorded ''Affirmation'' in San Francisco mid-1999 and eventually bought a house there.<ref name="instinctint" /> He also maintained a base in London since 2004. In 2013, Hayes moved to Los Angeles.<ref name="darrenhayes.com">{{Cite web|url=https://darrenhayes.com/bio|title=Bio &#124; Darren Hayes|website=Darrenhayes.com|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
Hayes married his childhood sweetheart, makeup artist Colby Taylor, in 1994.<ref name="instinctint" /> They were still married when Savage Garden "skyrocketed to fame around the globe in the late 1990s."<ref name="instinctint">{{cite news |url=http://instinctmagazine.com/archives/celebrity-interviews/darren-hayes |title=The Marrying Man |last=Steele |first=Tyler |date=1 November 2006 |work=[[Instinct (magazine)|Instinct]] |access-date=5 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129032213/http://instinctmagazine.com/archives/celebrity-interviews/darren-hayes |archive-date=29 January 2012}}</ref> They separated in 1998 and were divorced in 2000. Much of the lyrics for the band's second album, ''[[Affirmation (Savage Garden album)|Affirmation]]'', dealt with his divorce.<ref name="instinctint" /> He recorded ''Affirmation'' in San Francisco mid-1999 and eventually bought a house there.<ref name="instinctint" /> He also maintained a base in London since 2004. In 2013, Hayes moved to Los Angeles.<ref name="darrenhayes.com">{{Cite web|url=https://darrenhayes.com/bio|title=Bio &#124; Darren Hayes|website=Darrenhayes.com|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>


Hayes started [[coming out]] as gay to friends and the head of his label, [[Sony]], in the early 2000s.<ref name="instinctint" /> He entered into a private marriage ceremony with his boyfriend of two years, [[Richard Cullen (artist)|Richard Cullen]], on 23 July 2005 in London. On 19 June 2006, also in London, they entered into a formal [[civil partnership]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://darrenhayes.com/bio|title=Bio &#124; Darren Hayes|website=darrenhayes.com|access-date=25 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/DarrenHayesOfficial/posts/10155360921235056 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/9443655055/10155360921235056 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |url-access=limited|title=Darren Hayes|website=www.facebook.com|access-date=25 April 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Hayes and Cullen applied for a marriage licence in California, and were married on 15 July 2013, to show their support for those fighting for same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/savage-garden-singer-darren-hayes-marries-richard-cullen-for-third-time-as-act-of-solidarity-with-those-fighting-for-samesex-marriage-rights/story-e6frfn09-1226680214442|title=Savage Garden singer Darren Hayes marries Richard Cullen for third time|date=16 July 2013|publisher=News.com.au|access-date=2 September 2013|archive-date=1 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901230945/http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/savage-garden-singer-darren-hayes-marries-richard-cullen-for-third-time-as-act-of-solidarity-with-those-fighting-for-samesex-marriage-rights/story-e6frfn09-1226680214442|url-status=dead}}</ref> Though public speculation about his [[sexual orientation]] had been present throughout his career, he kept his personal life private.<ref name="instinctint" /> He announced the event the day prior on his official website.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid33883.asp |title=? |work=[[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060721232801/http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid33883.asp |archive-date=21 July 2006 }}</ref> Before the announcement, Cullen's name had appeared on the website as the designer of the cover for Hayes's single "[[So Beautiful]]". In a 2017 interview with ''Attitude'', Hayes commented, "I don't regret [publicly coming out] for a second. It wasn't that I was blacklisted, but it was that I became a 'niche' artist purely based on my sexuality. There was a kind of unintentionally patronizing view of me. No longer a sexual object, but more of someone you might take home to Mom [...] I was suddenly your gay uncle. That was frustrating. My sexuality was used as a descriptor, and if you think about it, that's nuts. No one says 'Openly heterosexual singer [[Adele]].' "
Hayes started [[coming out]] as gay to friends and the head of his label, [[Sony]], in the early 2000s.<ref name="instinctint" /> He entered into a private marriage ceremony with his boyfriend of two years, [[Richard Cullen (artist)|Richard Cullen]], on 23 July 2005 in London. On 19 June 2006, also in London, they entered into a formal [[civil partnership]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://darrenhayes.com/bio|title=Bio &#124; Darren Hayes|website=darrenhayes.com|access-date=25 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/DarrenHayesOfficial/posts/10155360921235056 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/9443655055/10155360921235056 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |url-access=limited|title=Darren Hayes|via=Facebook|access-date=25 April 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Hayes and Cullen applied for a marriage licence in California, and were married on 15 July 2013, to show their support for those fighting for same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/savage-garden-singer-darren-hayes-marries-richard-cullen-for-third-time-as-act-of-solidarity-with-those-fighting-for-samesex-marriage-rights/story-e6frfn09-1226680214442|title=Savage Garden singer Darren Hayes marries Richard Cullen for third time|date=16 July 2013|publisher=News.com.au|access-date=2 September 2013|archive-date=1 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901230945/http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/savage-garden-singer-darren-hayes-marries-richard-cullen-for-third-time-as-act-of-solidarity-with-those-fighting-for-samesex-marriage-rights/story-e6frfn09-1226680214442|url-status=dead}}</ref> Though public speculation about his [[sexual orientation]] had been present throughout his career, he kept his personal life private.<ref name="instinctint" /> He announced the event the day prior on his official website.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid33883.asp |title=? |work=[[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060721232801/http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid33883.asp |archive-date=21 July 2006 }}</ref> Before the announcement, Cullen's name had appeared on the website as the designer of the cover for Hayes's single "[[So Beautiful]]". In a 2017 interview with ''Attitude'', Hayes commented, "I don't regret [publicly coming out] for a second. It wasn't that I was blacklisted, but it was that I became a 'niche' artist purely based on my sexuality. There was a kind of unintentionally patronizing view of me. No longer a sexual object, but more of someone you might take home to Mom [...] I was suddenly your gay uncle. That was frustrating. My sexuality was used as a descriptor, and if you think about it, that's nuts. No one says 'Openly heterosexual singer [[Adele]].' "


In May 2023, Hayes shared a statement confirming his separation from Cullen,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whines |first1=Emma |title=Darren Hayes Announces Separation From Partner |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/darren-hayes-announces-separation-from-partner/d8fFa2ptbG8/04-05-23?vgo_ee=%2BnFc6Yu6jcuJ0dIeq7knXoOwd2%2FrNigZq1eZ4CcdabrZfg1xt7611YF9ZmsbNg0%3D%3Ama%2FHtwzD9r8NgN%2FKsPMHjono0GJ%2F%2FcoG |website=theMusic.com.au |publisher=SCG Media |access-date=4 May 2023}}</ref> in which he said:
In May 2023, Hayes shared a statement confirming his separation from Cullen,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whines |first1=Emma |title=Darren Hayes Announces Separation From Partner |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/darren-hayes-announces-separation-from-partner/d8fFa2ptbG8/04-05-23?vgo_ee=%2BnFc6Yu6jcuJ0dIeq7knXoOwd2%2FrNigZq1eZ4CcdabrZfg1xt7611YF9ZmsbNg0%3D%3Ama%2FHtwzD9r8NgN%2FKsPMHjono0GJ%2F%2FcoG |website=theMusic.com.au |publisher=SCG Media |access-date=4 May 2023}}</ref> in which he said:
Line 121: Line 120:
"After 17 years of marriage to the best person I ever met, Richard and I have chosen to accept that our union has gently and beautifully come to rest. In honour of this realisation, we separated earlier this year and have been supporting each other emotionally throughout this massive change in our lives. Because people will ask, let me answer the ugly questions to get them out of the way forever – no, there's no scandal to report, no infidelity, guilty or third party. It's just life. We adore each other and always will. We view our marriage as our greatest collaboration. Nobody can ever take away what we achieved together. We are still best friends. We always will be."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2023/05/04/savage-gardens-darren-hayes-splits-from-husband-richard-cullen-18721303/|title=Savage Garden's Darren Hayes splits from husband Richard Cullen after 17-year marriage|website=Metro|last=Brazier|first=Tori|date=4 May 2023|access-date=13 May 2023}}</ref></blockquote>
"After 17 years of marriage to the best person I ever met, Richard and I have chosen to accept that our union has gently and beautifully come to rest. In honour of this realisation, we separated earlier this year and have been supporting each other emotionally throughout this massive change in our lives. Because people will ask, let me answer the ugly questions to get them out of the way forever – no, there's no scandal to report, no infidelity, guilty or third party. It's just life. We adore each other and always will. We view our marriage as our greatest collaboration. Nobody can ever take away what we achieved together. We are still best friends. We always will be."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2023/05/04/savage-gardens-darren-hayes-splits-from-husband-richard-cullen-18721303/|title=Savage Garden's Darren Hayes splits from husband Richard Cullen after 17-year marriage|website=Metro|last=Brazier|first=Tori|date=4 May 2023|access-date=13 May 2023}}</ref></blockquote>


Hayes announced via his Instagram on 16th September 2024 that his and Cullen's divorce was finalised on 29th August in London.
Hayes announced via his Instagram on 16 September 2024 that his and Cullen's divorce was finalised on 29 August in London.


Hayes has often been open about his mental health struggles, namely with depression, that go back to his childhood, and his depression with hiding his sexuality whilst in Savage Garden. "I was deeply unhappy, barely containing secrets that would soon devastate me emotionally and send me to the brink of suicide at the height of my fame."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/darren-hayes-savage-garden-secrets-depression-gay_n_62bb37c9e4b094be76a90714|title=I Was One Of The Most Famous Pop Stars In The World. No One Knew The Secret Pain I Hid.|website=HuffPost|last=Hayes|first=Darren|date=1 July 2022|access-date=12 May 2023}}</ref> Whilst promoting his 2022 single "Poison Blood", Hayes told ''Retro Pop Magazine'': "I describe my depression as a blessing, a gift and a curse all at once. I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy and yet I'm aware I am a deeply sensitive person, and that my unique brain allows me to feel depths of emotions that many people don't experience [...] I have learned to use those moments to channel melodies and stories that I hope are so real and so relatable they might reach someone else who is in pain, like me, and remind them to stay, like I choose to, every single day."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://themusic.com.au/features/darren-hayes-i-m-making-music-that-s-sexual-if-it-s-uncomfortable-for-you-that-s-a-you-problem/-APg6u3s7-4/05-01-23|title=Darren Hayes: 'I'm Making Music That's Sexual & If It's Uncomfortable For You, That's A You Problem'|website=The Music|last=Varvaris|first=Mary|date= January 2023|access-date=12 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/darren-hayes-new-single-poison-blood-3240376|title=Darren Hayes shares vulnerable new single 'Poison Blood'|website=NME|last=Gallagher|first=Alex|date=6 June 2022|access-date=12 May 2023}}</ref> In 2023, Hayes elaborated, "I think we always have to remember that each one of us is essential and that we change and improve everybody's lives. Everybody is affected positively by our place on this earth. Every time that I've had a thought about wishing that I wasn't here, when the mood passes, the next day, something trivial will happen, and I think, "I'm so glad I was here to witness that." And that trivial moment can be as simple as having the best mac and cheese ever, or as brilliant as Madonna releasing a new song."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://themusic.com.au/features/darren-hayes-i-m-making-music-that-s-sexual-if-it-s-uncomfortable-for-you-that-s-a-you-problem/-APg6u3s7-4/05-01-23|title=Darren Hayes: 'I'm Making Music That's Sexual & If It's Uncomfortable For You, That's A You Problem'|website=The Music|last=Varvaris|first=Mary|date=5 January 2023|access-date=12 May 2023}}</ref>
Hayes has often been open about his mental health struggles, namely with depression, that go back to his childhood, and his depression with hiding his sexuality while in Savage Garden. "I was deeply unhappy, barely containing secrets that would soon devastate me emotionally and send me to the brink of suicide at the height of my fame."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/darren-hayes-savage-garden-secrets-depression-gay_n_62bb37c9e4b094be76a90714|title=I Was One Of The Most Famous Pop Stars In The World. No One Knew The Secret Pain I Hid.|website=HuffPost|last=Hayes|first=Darren|date=1 July 2022|access-date=12 May 2023}}</ref> While promoting his 2022 single "Poison Blood", Hayes told ''Retro Pop Magazine'': "I describe my depression as a blessing, a gift and a curse all at once. I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy and yet I'm aware I am a deeply sensitive person, and that my unique brain allows me to feel depths of emotions that many people don't experience [...] I have learned to use those moments to channel melodies and stories that I hope are so real and so relatable they might reach someone else who is in pain, like me, and remind them to stay, like I choose to, every single day."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://themusic.com.au/features/darren-hayes-i-m-making-music-that-s-sexual-if-it-s-uncomfortable-for-you-that-s-a-you-problem/-APg6u3s7-4/05-01-23|title=Darren Hayes: 'I'm Making Music That's Sexual & If It's Uncomfortable For You, That's A You Problem'|website=The Music|last=Varvaris|first=Mary|date= January 2023|access-date=12 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/darren-hayes-new-single-poison-blood-3240376|title=Darren Hayes shares vulnerable new single 'Poison Blood'|website=NME|last=Gallagher|first=Alex|date=6 June 2022|access-date=12 May 2023}}</ref> In 2023, Hayes elaborated, "I think we always have to remember that each one of us is essential and that we change and improve everybody's lives. Everybody is affected positively by our place on this earth. Every time that I've had a thought about wishing that I wasn't here, when the mood passes, the next day, something trivial will happen, and I think, "I'm so glad I was here to witness that." And that trivial moment can be as simple as having the best mac and cheese ever, or as brilliant as Madonna releasing a new song."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://themusic.com.au/features/darren-hayes-i-m-making-music-that-s-sexual-if-it-s-uncomfortable-for-you-that-s-a-you-problem/-APg6u3s7-4/05-01-23|title=Darren Hayes: 'I'm Making Music That's Sexual & If It's Uncomfortable For You, That's A You Problem'|website=The Music|last=Varvaris|first=Mary|date=5 January 2023|access-date=12 May 2023}}</ref>


Hayes is a ''[[Star Wars]]'' fan, and has been since childhood. He also collects ''Star Wars'' memorabilia, and he even auditioned for a role in ''[[Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/community/news/rocks/news20070312.html |title=Darren Hayes: Singing Star Wars' Praises |date=12 March 2007 |website=StarWars.com |access-date=8 November 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024101354/http://www.starwars.com/community/news/rocks/news20070312.html |archive-date=24 October 2007 }}</ref> After ''[[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure]]'' licensed the Savage Garden song "I Want You" to be used in the television adaptation of ''[[Diamond Is Unbreakable]]'', Hayes expressed his gratitude and also revealed that he is a fan of the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/en-gb/anime-news/2016/04/22-1/savage-garden-singles-collection-gets-a-jojos-bizarre-adventure-diamond-is-unbreakable-anime-cover|title=Savage Garden Singles Collection Gets A "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure – Diamond Is Unbreakable" Anime Cover|website=Crunchyroll.com|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
Hayes is a ''[[Star Wars]]'' fan, and has been since childhood. He also collects ''Star Wars'' memorabilia, and he even auditioned for a role in ''[[Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/community/news/rocks/news20070312.html |title=Darren Hayes: Singing Star Wars' Praises |date=12 March 2007 |website=StarWars.com |access-date=8 November 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024101354/http://www.starwars.com/community/news/rocks/news20070312.html |archive-date=24 October 2007 }}</ref> After ''[[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure]]'' licensed the Savage Garden song "I Want You" to be used in the television adaptation of ''[[Diamond Is Unbreakable]]'', Hayes expressed his gratitude and also revealed that he is a fan of the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/en-gb/anime-news/2016/04/22-1/savage-garden-singles-collection-gets-a-jojos-bizarre-adventure-diamond-is-unbreakable-anime-cover|title=Savage Garden Singles Collection Gets A "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure – Diamond Is Unbreakable" Anime Cover|website=Crunchyroll.com|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
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==Awards and nominations==
==Awards and nominations==
===APRA Awards===
The [[Australasian Performing Right Association]] awards were established by APRA in 1982 to honour the achievements of songwriters and music composers.

{{Awards table}}
! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
| rowspan="6"| [[APRA Music Awards of 1998|1998]] || rowspan="2"| "[[To the Moon and Back (Savage Garden song)|To the Moon and Back]]" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) || Song of the Year || {{nom}} || rowspan="6"| <ref name="APRA1998">{{Cite web|url=http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/Nominations/Nominations1998.aspx |title=APRA Music Awards – Nominations 1998 |publisher=[[Australasian Performing Right Association]] (APRA) |access-date=15 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706100915/http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/Nominations/Nominations1998.aspx |archive-date=6 July 2011 }}</ref><ref name="APRA1998Win">{{Cite web|url=http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/History/1998Winners.aspx |title=APRA Music Awards – 1998 Winners |publisher=Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) |access-date=15 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100321105216/http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/History/1998Winners.aspx |archive-date=21 March 2010 }}</ref>
|-
| Most Performed Australian Work || {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| "[[Truly Madly Deeply (song)|Truly Madly Deeply]]" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) || Song of the Year || {{nom}}
|-
| Most Performed Australian Work || {{nom}}
|-
| Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones || Songwriter of the Year|| {{won}}
|-
| "[[I Want You (Savage Garden)|I Want You]]" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) || Most Performed Australian Work Overseas || {{won}}
|-
| [[APRA Music Awards of 1999|1999]] || "Truly Madly Deeply" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) || Most Performed Australian Work Overseas || {{won}} || <ref name="APRA1999Win">{{Cite web | url = http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/History/1999Winners.aspx | title = APRA Music Awards – 1999 Winners | publisher = Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | access-date = 15 October 2010 }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="5"| [[APRA Music Awards of 2000|2000]] || "Truly Madly Deeply" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) || Most Performed Australian Work Overseas || {{won}} || rowspan="5"| <ref name="APRA2000Win">{{Cite web | url = http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/History/2000Winners.aspx | title = APRA Music Awards – 2000 Winners | publisher = Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | access-date = 15 October 2010 }}</ref><ref name="APRA2000">{{Cite web | url = http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/Nominations/Nominations2000.aspx | title = APRA Music Awards – Nominations 2000 | publisher = Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | access-date = 15 October 2010 }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2"|"[[I Knew I Loved You (Savage Garden song)|I Knew I Loved You]]" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) || Song of the Year || {{nom}}
|-
| Most Performed Australian Work || {{nom}}
|-
| "[[The Animal Song]]" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones)|| Most Performed Australian Work || {{won}}
|-
| Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones|| Songwriter of the Year || {{won}}
|-
|rowspan="3"| [[APRA Music Awards of 2001|2001]] || "I Knew I Loved You" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) || Most Performed Australian Work Overseas || {{won}} ||rowspan="3"| <ref name="APRA2001Win">{{Cite web | url = http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/History/2001Winners.aspx | title = APRA Music Awards – 2001 Winners | publisher = Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | access-date = 15 October 2010 }}</ref>
|-
|"[[Affirmation (Savage Garden song)|Affirmation]]" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) || Most Performed Australian Work || {{nom}}
|-
|"[[Crash and Burn (Savage Garden song)|Crash and Burn]]" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) || Most Performed Australian Work || {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[APRA Music Awards of 2002|2002]] || "Hold Me" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) || Most Performed Australian Work || {{won}} || rowspan="2"| <ref name="APRA2002Win">{{Cite web|url=http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/History/2002Winners.aspx |title=APRA Music Awards – 2002 Winners |publisher=Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) |access-date=15 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308004321/http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/History/2002Winners.aspx |archive-date=8 March 2011 }}</ref>
|-
| "Crash and Burn" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) || Most Performed Australian Work Overseas || {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[APRA Awards of 2003|2003]] || "I Knew I Loved You" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) || Most Performed Australian Work Overseas || {{won}} || rowspan="2"| <ref name="APRA2003Win">{{Cite web|url=http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/History/2003Winners.aspx |title=APRA Music Awards – 2003 Winners |publisher=Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) |access-date=15 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308004154/http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/History/2003Winners.aspx |archive-date=8 March 2011 }}</ref>
|-
| "[[Insatiable (Darren Hayes song)|Insatiable]]" (Darren Hayes & [[Walter Afanasieff]])|| Most Performed Australian Work || {{nom}}
|-
| [[APRA Awards of 2005|2005]] || "Truly Madly Deeply" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) || Most Performed Australian Work Overseas || {{nom}} || <ref name="APRA2005Nom">{{cite web|url=http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/Nominations/Nominations2005.aspx |title=APRA Music Awards – Nominations 2005 |publisher=Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) |access-date=14 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725230730/http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/Nominations/Nominations2005.aspx |archive-date=25 July 2013 }}</ref>
{{end}}

===ARIA Awards===
The [[ARIA Music Awards]] have been presented by the [[Australian Record Industry Association]] (ARIA) since 1987.

{{Awards table}}
! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
| [[ARIA Music Awards of 2000|2000]] || ''Affirmation'' || [[ARIA Award for Producer of the Year|Producer of the Year]] || {{nom}} || <ref name="TallP2000">{{cite web|url=http://alldownunder.com/oz-p/aria/2000-aria.htm |title=Australia 2000 ARIA Awards |publisher=ALLdownunder.com |access-date=5 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225205804/http://www.alldownunder.com/oz-p/aria/2000-aria.htm |archive-date=25 February 2009 }}</ref>
{{end}}

===Other Awards===
{| class=wikitable
{| class=wikitable
|-
|-
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| {{won}}
| {{won}}
|-
|-
| rowspan=4|[[Smash Hits Poll Winners Party]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pollwinnersparty.com/pollwinnersparty/vote.shtml|title=www.smashhits.net|date=5 December 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041205063623/http://www.pollwinnersparty.com/pollwinnersparty/vote.shtml|access-date=25 April 2020|archive-date=5 December 2004}}</ref>
| rowspan=4|[[Smash Hits Poll Winners Party]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pollwinnersparty.com/pollwinnersparty/vote.shtml|title=smashhits.net|date=5 December 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041205063623/http://www.pollwinnersparty.com/pollwinnersparty/vote.shtml|access-date=25 April 2020|archive-date=5 December 2004}}</ref>
| Best International Act
| Best International Act
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
Line 167: Line 223:
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|2003
| rowspan=1|2003
| Lunas del Auditorio
| Lunas del Auditorio
| Himself
| Himself
| Best Foreign Pop Artist
| Best Foreign Pop Artist
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[APRA Music Awards of 2003|APRA Music Awards]]
| "[[Insatiable (Darren Hayes song)|Insatiable]]"
| Most Performed Australian Work
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|}
|}
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[[Category:Australian expatriates in the United States]]
[[Category:Australian expatriates in the United States]]
[[Category:Australian gay musicians]]
[[Category:Australian gay musicians]]
[[Category:Australian LGBT singers]]
[[Category:Australian LGBTQ singers]]
[[Category:Australian LGBT songwriters]]
[[Category:Australian LGBTQ songwriters]]
[[Category:Australian male singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:Australian male singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:Australian pop singers]]
[[Category:Australian pop singers]]

Latest revision as of 21:17, 16 December 2024

Darren Hayes
Hayes in 2012
Born
Darren Stanley Hayes

(1972-05-08) 8 May 1972 (age 52)
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • music producer
  • composer
Years active1993–present
Spouses
  • Colby Taylor
    (m. 1994; div. 2000)
  • (m. 2006; div. 2024)
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Labels
Formerly ofSavage Garden
Websitedarrenhayes.com

Darren Stanley Hayes (born 8 May 1972)[2] is an Australian singer, songwriter, music producer and composer.[3] He was the frontman and singer of the pop duo Savage Garden until their disbandment. Their 1997 album Savage Garden peaked at number 1 in Australia, number 2 in the United Kingdom and number 3 in the United States. It spawned the singles "I Want You", "To the Moon and Back", and Australian and US number 1 "Truly Madly Deeply". The duo followed the success of their debut album with Affirmation (1999), which provided additional hits such as Australian and US number 1 "I Knew I Loved You", and Australian number 3 "The Animal Song". Savage Garden parted ways in 2001.

Hayes released his first solo album Spin in 2002. The album sold two million copies worldwide, debuted at Number 2 in the UK and number 3 in Australia. It delivered the hit single "Insatiable". Hayes's second album, The Tension and the Spark, preceded by single "Pop!ular", was released in 2004. Hayes parted ways with his record label Columbia Records in 2006 and started his own independent record label, Powdered Sugar, from which he would release his third and fourth solo albums, 2007's double-album This Delicate Thing We've Made and 2011's Secret Codes and Battleships. After a decade-long hiatus, Hayes returned in 2022 with his fifth studio album; Homosexual, which was released in October 2022, spawned the singles "Let's Try Being in Love", "Do You Remember?", "Poison Blood", "All You Pretty Things" and "Feels Like It's Over". Hayes' autobiography Unlovable was published in November 2024.[4]

Early life and education

[edit]

At school, Hayes was bullied and physically and verbally abused.[5] He described himself as "a big-hearted, emotional, and excitable" teenager, with an obsession for Star Wars and E.T.[6] Hayes' father was an alcoholic, and regularly subjected Hayes and his mother to violence.[7][8][9]

In late 1987, he got the chance to see his hero Michael Jackson performing live in Brisbane as part of the Bad Tour.[6] He credits this as encouraging him to pursue a career in entertainment. His other acknowledged influences are Stevie Nicks, Madonna,[10] Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush,[11] Annie Lennox,[12] Prince and Marvin Gaye,[13] and he has cited U2's "With or Without You" as the most touching song he has ever heard.[14]

Music career

[edit]

1993–2001: Savage Garden

[edit]

In 1993, Hayes answered an advertisement in a Brisbane music magazine, Time Off, placed by Daniel Jones, for a lead vocalist position in the band called Red Edge. Hayes was successful, despite his voice breaking in the audition, as he mentioned in an interview with Rosie O'Donnell. The cover band broke up in 1994 and Hayes formed a partnership with Jones, a duo band initially called Crush. However, another band in the UK already owned the rights to the name. Hayes and Jones submitted their first demo tape to record companies under the name Bliss, before they eventually changed their name to Savage Garden, a phrase used by Anne Rice to describe the world through the eyes of Lestat de Lioncourt in her novel The Vampire Lestat. The Savage Garden is a vision of Earth in which the natural laws of the world govern over anything aesthetic or civil.

Savage Garden started recording their debut album in 1995 with producer Charles Fisher. Their first single, "I Want You", was released in 1996 and was the best selling single by an Australian artist that year. The second single, "To the Moon and Back", topped the Australian charts at the end of 1996. The third single, "Truly Madly Deeply", was their second number one and was the best-selling Australian single of 1997. Their debut album, Savage Garden, was the best-selling album in Australia during 1997 and the duo won ten ARIA awards.

Hayes moved to New York City to promote Savage Garden internationally, while Daniel Jones stayed in Brisbane. The move proved to be successful, with "Truly Madly Deeply" going to the top of the American charts in 1998. The Savage Garden album sold seven million copies in the US on the back of this success.

In New York City, Hayes wrote Affirmation. He had recently divorced his wife of several years. Parts of the album reflected the pain from the end of the relationship. Affirmation was released in 1999 and proved to be another hit, with lead single "I Knew I Loved You" going to number one in the United States, and the album selling six million copies worldwide by the end of 2000. The pair played the title track of the album at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Hayes moved to Sausalito in 2000. He became the public face of the duo, doing most of the media. Hayes announced that Savage Garden had broken up in October 2001 during a chat with an Australian journalist.[15] Hayes thought the information would be saved for a later article; it was not. When confronted with this information during the early morning hours, before an unrelated interview, Jones denied the break-up of the band. However, it appears that Jones did not believe the reporter was accurately quoting Hayes and denied what he thought was yet another break-up rumour. Still, the fact that Jones took a back seat in all promotional activities for Affirmation seems indicative that Jones was not content to remain within Savage Garden as it had operated in the past. Savage Garden had sold over 23 million albums by that stage.[16] Luciano Pavarotti and Darren Hayes sang "O Sole Mio" together in a concert in 2000.[17]

In 2005, manager of Savage Garden, John Woodruff confirmed that Jones had announced his intention of leaving Savage Garden prior to the promotion for Affirmation.[18] Woodruff criticised the media for their treatment of Hayes. The duo have never issued a united statement regarding the situation, yet Hayes has guaranteed that the group will "never, by any chance" reunite, adding in 2020, "Imagine if you had come out and survived a really dysfunctional and toxic relationship, and then for years later people would ask you to please get back in that relationship [...] "I once said I'd only do it if it cured cancer and that's still how I feel."[19]

2002–2004: Spin and The Tension and the Spark

[edit]

Hayes recorded his first solo album, Spin, which was released in 2002. The album was produced by Walter Afanasieff, the producer of Affirmation. Spin[20] carried on in the same musical vein as Savage Garden, with a less soft rock sound and more edgy R&B vibe, although the first single "Insatiable" was a ballad, reaching Number 3 in Australia. Other singles "Strange Relationship", "Crush (1980 Me)" and "I Miss You" also performed well in charts. The album reached the Top 5 in Australia at Number 3, and in the UK at Number 2. It also reached the top ten in Denmark, Sweden and Finland. In the United States, the album failed to make the same impact as Savage Garden's previous releases, reaching Number 35 on Billboard. It was later re-issued with a bonus disc consisting of some live and studio tracks.

Hayes spent two years working on his second solo album, The Tension and the Spark. Other than the track "I Forgive You", which was produced with Madonna collaborator Marius De Vries, the entire album was produced by Hayes and Robert Conley (with whom he had previously toured and recorded "Crush (1980 Me)" for Spin and "Do You Believe" for Specificus). The album marked a bold change of direction for Hayes. Conley's production was almost entirely electronic, with acoustic instruments buried under walls of sequenced sounds. Although artistically this was a huge step forward and earned Hayes the strongest praise of his career, it alienated a large portion of his audience, who were expecting another album of radio-friendly pop songs. The first single, "Pop!ular", was released on 12 July 2004. This single reached Number One on the US Dance Charts, and fared well in the UK. Hayes's follow-up single, "Darkness", charted in the lower regions of the ARIA top 50 charts.[21]

One of his out-takes from the Spin sessions, "When You Say You Love Me", was recorded by Clay Aiken in 2003 for his Measure of a Man album. It was later covered by Human Nature, resulting in an Australian top 20 single in April 2004 off their Walk The Tightrope album, and was then re-recorded in 2008 featuring Hayes himself.

Darren Hayes performing on tour in 2006

2005–2006: Truly Madly Completely and parting ways with Columbia

[edit]

In 2005, Hayes recorded a track he wrote with Robert Conley called "So Beautiful", which was included on the Savage Garden greatest hits compilation, Truly Madly Completely: The Best of Savage Garden. The compilation also includes a second track by Hayes called "California". Both of these tracks hark back to Hayes's early sound, although still retaining some of the electronic flourishes from The Tension and the Spark.

On 9 July 2006, Hayes announced that he had parted ways with Columbia Records after ten years and 24 million album sales together.

The tour following this release saw Hayes play the iconic Sydney Opera House. The performance was recorded and released on a DVD titled A Big Night in with Darren Hayes.

2007–2010: This Delicate Thing We've Made and We Are Smug

[edit]

Hayes finished recording his third solo album, This Delicate Thing We've Made, in 2007. The album was a double-disc, with 25 tracks. Many of the tracks were co-written with Robert Conley, and a great deal of the album was written with and produced by Justin Shave, who played keyboards for part of Hayes's Time Machine tour. The album was released on 20 August 2007 on Hayes's own independent record label, Powdered Sugar, while the first single, "On the Verge of Something Wonderful", was released in Australia on 28 July 2007, and in the UK and online on 6 August 2007.

On 9 April 2007, Hayes released the album track "Who Would Have Thought" from This Delicate Thing We've Made as a teaser track on his official website, as well as his MySpace profile. This was accompanied by an animation for the song created by his partner, animator and director, Richard Cullen. Around April 2007, remixes of the album track "Step into the Light" were being played in clubs around the world. The album version of "Step into the Light" was released as a teaser on Hayes's official website and MySpace on 30 April 2007.

During the first half of 2007, Hayes performed selected songs from the album in The Time Machine World Tour[22] small, exclusive gigs around the world. Tickets for several of these much sought after shows sold out in under ten minutes. In June 2007, Hayes embarked on a small tour of USA and Canada, stopping in New York, Toronto, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles, along with the band Temposhark. The shows were well received with very positive reviews.

On 30 June 2007, Hayes headlined the London Gay Pride at Trafalgar Square.[23] He performed "I Want You" and "On the Verge of Something Wonderful", as well as a medley that included "Pop!ular".

In July 2007, Hayes announced The Time Machine Tour that would start out in the UK, and then move on to Hayes's home country Australia. On 29 July 2007, "On the Verge of Something Wonderful" was the most selected music video on The Box in the UK. On 20 August 2007, This Delicate Thing We've Made was released in the UK, America and Australia. 'The Time Machine Tour' included venues such as The Royal Albert Hall and the State Theatre in Sydney. His stage was again designed by Willie Williams and included a large bridge that could extend over the first few rows of seats. On the final night, at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in Hayes's hometown of Brisbane, the performance was recorded in HD for a DVD release. The Time Machine Tour DVD came out in two editions: the special edition which was limited to 2000 copies and contained a four-panel, fold-out, gleaming white box, a thirty-two-page colour booklet with 300 photos and notes from the artist, and the regular edition. The special edition DVD, which was only available from Hayes' website, was shipped to purchasers on 1 July, and the regular edition, which was available in shops, was released on 22 July.

Hayes performing in 2008

Hayes did a mini tour in the US in November and December 2007, making appearances at Borders stores and performing two shows in New York City and Philadelphia.

On 18 December 2007, Hayes announced "The Side Two Tour". The show toured the UK in February 2008 and featured Hayes performing songs from This Delicate Thing We've Made that were not featured on "The Time Machine Tour", in a more intimate setting. In late 2008, the DVD This Delicate Film We've Made was announced. The DVD featured selected songs from the album, arranged in a new sequence, and set to visuals that told a loose, abstract animated narrative. The DVD entered the UK music DVD charts at Number 1.

On 19 April 2009, Hayes teased via Twitter that he was preparing another album.[24][non-primary source needed] On 8 May, Hayes announced, via his MySpace page, that he and Robert Conley had produced an album together titled We Are Smug. The ten-track album, with a fair amount of experimentation with both lyrics and music, was made available via a link from his MySpace page, and was made free to download to gauge acceptability of Hayes's shifting musical styles.[25] The album is heavily electronic with some heavy beats. It also contains some explicit content. Both Hayes and Conley share vocal duties on this album.

Hayes signed to Sony ATV Music Publishing for a worldwide deal in August 2009. Emma Banks from CAA UK came on board October 2009 to represent Hayes for his touring plans around the new album.

Although the album was completed before the holidays in 2009, Hayes announced in early 2010 that he had more song ideas and he was going back into the studio, which delayed the album another year. Hayes completely finished his fourth solo album in mid-2010, working with top writer/producers from around the world and having the record mixed by Robert Orton.

Hayes also recorded a song for the Finn tribute album He Will Have His Way, a cover of "Not Even Close". It was released on Halloween 2010.

2011–2021: Secret Codes and Battleships and hiatus

[edit]

On 17 April 2011, Hayes announced that he had signed a record deal with Mercury Records/Universal Music Australia and signed to EMI Services UK /Europe. He released his fourth studio album in October 2011.[26][27] The first single titled "Talk Talk Talk" was announced in May and was released on 24 June. The single contains a cover version of Madonna's "Angel" as the B-side.[28][non-primary source needed]

It was announced on 20 June, via Hayes's Facebook page, that his new album would be titled Secret Codes and Battleships.[29][non-primary source needed]

Hayes announced on Twitter on 22 July that he was shooting a second music video from the album. On 14 August, he revealed in a radio interview that "Black Out the Sun" will be the second single from Secret Codes and Battleships. Since its release in the UK, BBC Radio 2 has selected the track to feature on their A list the week commencing 1 October 2011.[30] He later confirmed, on Twitter, that this song will be the single for the UK and other international markets, while "Bloodstained Heart" would be the second single in Australia. Hayes played dates on "The Secret" Tour in the UK and Australia beginning on 15 October in Liverpool.[31] Hayes tweeted, on 2 March 2012, that he would be shooting another music video the week after.[32][non-primary source needed] He later confirmed the music video was being shot for "Stupid Mistake", which was released as the album's fourth single in May 2012.

Since 2013, Hayes stopped his music career and tried to build a stand-up comedy career. At the same time, he kept creating short singing videos in his social media accounts for his fans. In a 2022 interview with Queerty, Hayes said that he had actually planned to retire at that point.[33] In 2018 Hayes briefly returned on stage with one-off performance of two songs, including "I Knew I Loved You". In 2019, Hayes featured on Cub Sport's single "I Never Cried So Much in My Whole Life". He did not appear in the official video. In 2020 he recorded a new version of "Truly Madly Deeply" with slightly modified lyrics. The video of his studio performance was released on YouTube on 24 April.

2022–present: Homosexual, tour and memoir

[edit]

On 26 January 2022, Hayes released the single, "Let's Try Being in Love". A music video for the song was released the same day, starring Hayes and featuring actor Scott Evans. The video was directed by Andrew Putschoegl.[34] Referred to as a "queer anthem"[35] by NME, in promotional interviews, Hayes explained "I've been married to Richard [Cullen] for almost 17 years, [and] I'm in this really comfortable place in my life. But at the same time at mid-life I'm grieving the fact I never got to celebrate who I really was at the period of my life where I was most famous. I look at this world we live in now where someone like Lil Nas X can push forward his true self, full of pride and self-love and have the chance to be loved for who he truly is [...] A lot of the time I was my most famous, I was deeply sad." Less than 24 hours of release, "Let's Try Being in Love" debuted at number 96 on the Official UK Singles Download Chart Top 100 and at number 98 on the Official UK Singles Sales Chart Top 100.[36][37] The single also peaked at number 9 on the Australian Independent singles chart. "I wanted to show I love the feminine in me, be proud of the gay me. There's a dance scene that is so passionate, everything's alive and thriving and blooming. That's how I feel in general about music. And that's a hugely sharp contrast to how I felt 10 years ago."

On 27 January 2022, Hayes announced he would be headlining the 2022 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade and would be performing on 5 March 2022.[38] Hayes performed "The Animal Song", "I Want You", "Affirmation" plus, live for the very first time, "Let's Try Being in Love".[39][40][41]

On 2 March 2022, Hayes announced the Do You Remember? Tour that would be performed in six Australian cities between January and February 2023 and would feature songs from his musical career as part of Savage Garden and as a solo artist. On 10 March 2022, Hayes released the single "Do You Remember?",[42][43][44] following with the official video on 16 March 2022.[45] In June 2022, Hayes released "Poison Blood",[46][47][non-primary source needed][48] which details his life living with depression, and others affected by it. Hayes released the official "Poison Blood" music video on 26 June 2022,[49][50][non-primary source needed] announcing UK Tour dates on the same day.[51] A remix of "Let's Try Being in Love" was released on 15 July 2022, with production helmed by Louis La Roche.[52] This was followed on 29 July by Roche's remix to "Do You Remember?".[53] On 18 August 2022, Hayes announced that Homosexual, his fifth studio album, would be released that October.[54][non-primary source needed] A fourth single, "All You Pretty Things", was released on 19 August 2022.[55] When the album was released on 7 October 2022, Hayes said "My new album was born from a desire to rid myself of the grief I developed over the years I lost to shame growing up in a world where being gay was met with rejection and condemnation. I wanted to revisit my teenage years with the wisdom of a proud 50-year-old gay man and revisit my youthful memories and view them through this new peach-tinted lens of joy. I imagined an adolescence where I could be loved for who I truly am today. Through this music, my goal was to reclaim my happiness and reclaim my identity. That confidence gave me the courage to explore deep wounds in my life and explore old trauma from the perspective of an effervescent endless summer."[56] Homosexual debuted at number 6 on the Australian Digital Albums[57] and number 16 on the Australian Artist Albums Chart.[58] The album debuted at number 82 on the UK Albums Chart, also placing on the UK Download and Album Sales charts, placing at numbers 3 and 13, respectively.[59][60]

In April 2023, Hayes graced the cover of Washington, DC's Metro Weekly. The magazine featured a 13-page pictorial and Q&A about Hayes' past career and recently-concluded Do You Remember? tour.[61] On 10 February 2023, Peking Duk released a version of "I Want You" featuring re-recorded vocals by Hayes.[62][63] On 1 May 2023, Hayes released an official music video for "Feels Like It's Over", directed by Andrew Huebscher.[64] An edited version of the song was released as the fifth single from Homosexual on 12 May 2023.[65] In June 2023, it was announced that Hayes' memoir would be published in 2024.[66] In November 2023, Hayes competed as Grim Reaper on the fifth season of The Masked Singer Australia. After eight performances, he ended up in second place on the season, behind Dami Im.[67] Hayes' memoir, Unlovable, was released on 5 November 2024.[68][69]

Other media

[edit]

In December 2014, Hayes announced a comedy podcast "The He Said, He Said Show". The podcast debuted on 10 February 2015. Rosie O'Donnell has appeared as a guest.[citation needed] The podcast ended its run at the end of the year. Hayes has co-hosted a comedic movie review podcast with writer and comedian Anthony Armentano called "We Paid to See This". Some of Hayes' sketch comedy can be found on his YouTube page including a Star Wars spoof documentary and several of his sketches he wrote and performed during his time studying at The Groundlings Theatre and School. On 13 March 2016, Hayes announced he had been writing an original musical with writer and comedian Johnny Menke. As of March 2022, the musical has yet to be publicly performed or recorded.

Personal life

[edit]

Hayes married his childhood sweetheart, makeup artist Colby Taylor, in 1994.[70] They were still married when Savage Garden "skyrocketed to fame around the globe in the late 1990s."[70] They separated in 1998 and were divorced in 2000. Much of the lyrics for the band's second album, Affirmation, dealt with his divorce.[70] He recorded Affirmation in San Francisco mid-1999 and eventually bought a house there.[70] He also maintained a base in London since 2004. In 2013, Hayes moved to Los Angeles.[71]

Hayes started coming out as gay to friends and the head of his label, Sony, in the early 2000s.[70] He entered into a private marriage ceremony with his boyfriend of two years, Richard Cullen, on 23 July 2005 in London. On 19 June 2006, also in London, they entered into a formal civil partnership.[72][73] Hayes and Cullen applied for a marriage licence in California, and were married on 15 July 2013, to show their support for those fighting for same-sex marriage.[74] Though public speculation about his sexual orientation had been present throughout his career, he kept his personal life private.[70] He announced the event the day prior on his official website.[75] Before the announcement, Cullen's name had appeared on the website as the designer of the cover for Hayes's single "So Beautiful". In a 2017 interview with Attitude, Hayes commented, "I don't regret [publicly coming out] for a second. It wasn't that I was blacklisted, but it was that I became a 'niche' artist purely based on my sexuality. There was a kind of unintentionally patronizing view of me. No longer a sexual object, but more of someone you might take home to Mom [...] I was suddenly your gay uncle. That was frustrating. My sexuality was used as a descriptor, and if you think about it, that's nuts. No one says 'Openly heterosexual singer Adele.' "

In May 2023, Hayes shared a statement confirming his separation from Cullen,[76] in which he said:

"After 17 years of marriage to the best person I ever met, Richard and I have chosen to accept that our union has gently and beautifully come to rest. In honour of this realisation, we separated earlier this year and have been supporting each other emotionally throughout this massive change in our lives. Because people will ask, let me answer the ugly questions to get them out of the way forever – no, there's no scandal to report, no infidelity, guilty or third party. It's just life. We adore each other and always will. We view our marriage as our greatest collaboration. Nobody can ever take away what we achieved together. We are still best friends. We always will be."[77]

Hayes announced via his Instagram on 16 September 2024 that his and Cullen's divorce was finalised on 29 August in London.

Hayes has often been open about his mental health struggles, namely with depression, that go back to his childhood, and his depression with hiding his sexuality while in Savage Garden. "I was deeply unhappy, barely containing secrets that would soon devastate me emotionally and send me to the brink of suicide at the height of my fame."[78] While promoting his 2022 single "Poison Blood", Hayes told Retro Pop Magazine: "I describe my depression as a blessing, a gift and a curse all at once. I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy and yet I'm aware I am a deeply sensitive person, and that my unique brain allows me to feel depths of emotions that many people don't experience [...] I have learned to use those moments to channel melodies and stories that I hope are so real and so relatable they might reach someone else who is in pain, like me, and remind them to stay, like I choose to, every single day."[79][80] In 2023, Hayes elaborated, "I think we always have to remember that each one of us is essential and that we change and improve everybody's lives. Everybody is affected positively by our place on this earth. Every time that I've had a thought about wishing that I wasn't here, when the mood passes, the next day, something trivial will happen, and I think, "I'm so glad I was here to witness that." And that trivial moment can be as simple as having the best mac and cheese ever, or as brilliant as Madonna releasing a new song."[81]

Hayes is a Star Wars fan, and has been since childhood. He also collects Star Wars memorabilia, and he even auditioned for a role in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.[82] After JoJo's Bizarre Adventure licensed the Savage Garden song "I Want You" to be used in the television adaptation of Diamond Is Unbreakable, Hayes expressed his gratitude and also revealed that he is a fan of the series.[83]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

Awards and nominations

[edit]

APRA Awards

[edit]

The Australasian Performing Right Association awards were established by APRA in 1982 to honour the achievements of songwriters and music composers.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
1998 "To the Moon and Back" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) Song of the Year Nominated [84][85]
Most Performed Australian Work Nominated
"Truly Madly Deeply" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) Song of the Year Nominated
Most Performed Australian Work Nominated
Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones Songwriter of the Year Won
"I Want You" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) Most Performed Australian Work Overseas Won
1999 "Truly Madly Deeply" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) Most Performed Australian Work Overseas Won [86]
2000 "Truly Madly Deeply" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) Most Performed Australian Work Overseas Won [87][88]
"I Knew I Loved You" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) Song of the Year Nominated
Most Performed Australian Work Nominated
"The Animal Song" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) Most Performed Australian Work Won
Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones Songwriter of the Year Won
2001 "I Knew I Loved You" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) Most Performed Australian Work Overseas Won [89]
"Affirmation" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) Most Performed Australian Work Nominated
"Crash and Burn" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) Most Performed Australian Work Nominated
2002 "Hold Me" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) Most Performed Australian Work Won [90]
"Crash and Burn" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) Most Performed Australian Work Overseas Won
2003 "I Knew I Loved You" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) Most Performed Australian Work Overseas Won [91]
"Insatiable" (Darren Hayes & Walter Afanasieff) Most Performed Australian Work Nominated
2005 "Truly Madly Deeply" (Darren Hayes & Daniel Jones) Most Performed Australian Work Overseas Nominated [92]

ARIA Awards

[edit]

The ARIA Music Awards have been presented by the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) since 1987.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2000 Affirmation Producer of the Year Nominated [93]

Other Awards

[edit]
Year Awards Work Category Result
2002 BT Digital Music Awards[94] Himself People's Choice Award Nominated
Top of the Pops Awards[95] Top Fan Site Won
Smash Hits Poll Winners Party[96] Best International Act Nominated
Best Live Act Nominated
Best Male Solo Nominated
Spin Best Album Nominated
2003 Lunas del Auditorio Himself Best Foreign Pop Artist Nominated

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "'Savage Garden' entry". Worldwide Home of Australasian Music and More Online. Archived from the original on 13 August 2004. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  2. ^ Larkin, Colin (27 May 2011). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Omnibus Press. ISBN 978-0-85712-595-8.
  3. ^ Thompson, Simon (26 October 2022). "'Homosexual' Sees Darren Hayes Win By Taking Control And Getting Down To Business". Forbes. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  4. ^ "Unlovable by Darren Hayes". www.penguin.com.au. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  5. ^ Hayes, Darren (10 May 2012). "Darren Hayes writes letter to his fifteen-year-old self". News.com.au.
  6. ^ a b "Savage Garden's Darren Hayes Talks Adam Lambert, Michael Jackson and Behind-The-Scenes Reaction To His Coming Out". Billboard. 19 June 2017. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  7. ^ Gibsone, Harriet (3 September 2022). "Darren Hayes looks back: 'What you can't see is how unhappy I was'". The Guardian. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  8. ^ Rocca, Jane (22 May 2022). "Darren Hayes on coming out, divorce and what makes his husband 'perfect'". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  9. ^ Hayes, Darren (1 July 2022). "I Was One Of The Most Famous Pop Stars In The World. No One Knew The Secret Pain I Hid". HuffPost. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  10. ^ "Fans wish Madonna a Happy 60th birthday". ANI News. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  11. ^ [1] [dead link]
  12. ^ 28 June 2011 (28 June 2011). "Interview: Darren Hayes". femalefirst.co.uk. Retrieved 25 April 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ "Savage Garden: Biography & Albums". Schoolworkhelper.net. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  14. ^ Lo, Ricky. "Darren Hayes: There's life after Savage Garden". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  15. ^ "Savage Garden Confirms Split". Billboard. 5 October 2001. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  16. ^ Jolly, Nathan (27 June 2022). "'No friendship': The rift that destroyed Savage Garden". News.com.au. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  17. ^ Alexander, Brooke. "Pavarotti: The tenacious tenor". CNN. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  18. ^ "The man behind the band". The Sydney Morning Herald. 8 March 2005. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  19. ^ Jenke, Tyler (21 September 2020). "Darren Hayes Shuts Down Calls for Savage Garden Reunion". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
  20. ^ Hubbard, Michael (1 April 2002). "Darren Hayes – Spin". Music OMH. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  21. ^ "Darren Hayes – Darkness". Australian Charts. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
  22. ^ "Darren Hayes @ Newcastle City Hall". BBC. 27 September 2007. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  23. ^ "Darren Hayes to headline London Pride". gay.com. 30 May 2007. Archived from the original on 10 July 2007. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  24. ^ "heading to stockholm tomorrow to start writing songs for my new album". 19 April 2009. Archived from the original on 11 January 2014 – via Twitter.
  25. ^ "Happy Birthday". MySpace. 8 May 2009. Archived from the original on 14 May 2009.
  26. ^ "Darren Hayes Signs To Mercury Records Australia – Undercover.fm News". Undercover.fm. 17 April 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  27. ^ "Albums Release Diary – Music". Digital Spy. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  28. ^ "'Talk Talk Talk' – June 24 worldwide release date". Retrieved 14 February 2012 – via Facebook.
  29. ^ "Darren Hayes". Retrieved 14 February 2012 – via Facebook.
  30. ^ "Radio 2 – Playlist". BBC. 6 April 2009. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  31. ^ "Digital Spy – TV, Movies and Entertainment News". Digital Spy. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  32. ^ "x.com".
  33. ^ Russell, John (7 October 2022). "Darren Hayes talks gay shame, his days in Savage Garden, and his new solo album 'Homosexual'". Queerty. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
  34. ^ "Darren Hayes unveils new single 'Let's Try Being In Love'". Retro Pop. 23 January 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
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