Glam, Guts, and Guitar Gods: The Darkness Set Bristol Ablaze
More than 20 years after The Darkness exploded onto the scene with the big bang that redefined British rock, their flamboyant, falsetto-fuelled anthems still hit harder than a glitter cannon in a mosh pit. Their legacy has outlived many a trend, many a skinny jean, and, most impressively, many a cynic. In 2024, they even earned the ultimate ‘Zillenial’ co-sign when Taylor Swift herself was spotted belting out ‘I Believe In A Thing Called Love’ at the US Open. Swifties around the globe promptly lost their collective minds, propelling the 21-year-old hit to Number 1 on the US iTunes Rock Chart as it had never left.
Now, in 2025, The Darkness return with Dreams On Toast, a gloriously over-the-top album title only they could pull off, and a tour to match. With support from ASH, a setlist stacked with new scorchers and cult classics, and a crowd that roared louder than Justin Hawkins’ vocal runs, this was no ordinary Monday night, it was a rock and roll revival. Let’s get into it.
Indie rock legends ASH burst onto the stage with a moody performance that sent the audience into a headbanging frenzy. Their set was a dynamic mix of nostalgia and raw energy, which had the crowd bouncing from the get-go.
A standout moment came with an epic drum solo that had the entire venue locked in, before launching into the uplifting Shining Light, a track that had the now well-revved-up crowd swaying in admiration.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get better, ASH pulled a surprise move, delivering a pop-punk-infused cover of Harry Belafonte’s Jump in the Line. While the crowd wasn’t necessarily shaking their body lines (get it?), they were definitely soaking up every second of the unexpected but electric performance.
By the time Girl From Mars hit, the audience was fully warmed up, with flashing red and green lights perfectly timed to the drummer’s impressive outro, creating a multi-sensory explosion of unity. And as they closed their set with Burn Baby Burn, ASH took a final bow and exited the stage to the tune of Jump in the Line one last time.
Review: Rhiannon Ellen
Photography: Emma Painter
Ascending onto the stage, The Darkness were met with an adoring crowd, kicking off the night with Rock and Roll Party Cowboy, a fitting choice for a world currently obsessed with country music, cowboy boots, and hats. (Guilty!)
“Put your phones away, guys, let’s have some fun!” Justin Hawkins announced. But let’s be honest, those of us who want to relay this night to our fellow rock ’n’ roll lovers need some sort of digital notepad, so I digress.
Hawkins, ever the showman, wasted no time delivering his signature blend of rock star charisma and stand-up comedy. “I’ve taken my shoes off, not because I’m one of those hippy ***s who wants to be more connected to the Earth, but because it’s slippy,” he quipped, a bold move for a Bristol audience, but one that landed effortlessly.
As the band tore through the setlist with explosive falsetto and stadium-ready riffs, Hawkins demanded more from the crowd. “One by one the kingdoms fall,” he chanted, introducing Barbarian, but the audience’s initial response didn’t quite meet his standards. After a couple of retries, he finally got the primal roar he required before launching into one of the band’s most riotous headbangers.
Next up was Walking Through Fire, a new track that, if I didn’t know any better, felt like it was designed for a TikTok dance challenge. But who’s complaining? The bravado and sass were fully present, and Hawkins, recovering from a recent chest infection, was back on top form, delivering the kind of charisma that early fans know and love.
Between shredding guitar solos and vocal acrobatics, Hawkins entertained with some unexpected commentary on his choice of white trousers and the foreboding concept of a “50-year-old man sh***ing himself in front of your very eyes.” As if that wasn’t enough, he went full rock-and-roll salesman, trying to convince the crowd to buy a lanyard for “5 BRISTOLIAN pounds” which, to those of you in the know, was a thing – up until 2021.
As Japanese Prisoner of Love filled the venue with Queen-esque theatricality, it was clear that Freddie Mercury’s influence runs deep in Hawkins’ stage presence. His flamboyance, extravagant vocal runs, and sheer showmanship had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand.
The connection between band and crowd was undeniable. “You lot make it too easy for me,” Hawkins declared before peeling off his skin tight white vest, much to the delight of the audience, and launching into Friday Night.
As the crowd chanted “TWO MORE SONGS, TWO MORE SONGS!” It raised the question: has the internet removed the element of surprise from live gig encores? Perhaps. But when you’re dealing with die-hard fans, they don’t care if it’s predictable, they need those final two cult classics.
Returning to the stage dressed to the nines in a sharp suit-and-tie combo, Hawkins led the band into Weekend in Rome, giving us rock and roll romance at its finest.
And to close? Love on the Rocks with No Ice, a glam rock glory finale that left the crowd buzzing long after the final chord rang out.
If you’re a fan of intricate and beautiful guitar solos, witty (and cheeky) frontmen, and the ultimate in rock-and-roll glamour, then this final leg of Dreams On Toast is not one to be missed. The Darkness may have started as a band that made you believe in a thing called love, but nights like these prove they’re so much more than nostalgia, they’re still one of the most electrifying live acts on the planet.
DREAMS ON TOAST
NEW ALBUM OUT MARCH 28TH 2025
VIA COOKING VINYL
PRE-ORDER HERE
The Darkness headline tour continues this week through the UK, swiftly followed by a further 21 dates across Europe. Full dates and last few remaining tickets are available here https://www.thedarknesslive.
Remaining UK dates are listed below:
THE DARKNESS 2025 UK HEADLINE TOUR DATES
24/03 – Bristol, Beacon Theatre (SOLD OUT)
25/03 – Portsmouth, Guildhall (SOLD OUT)
27/03 – Leicester, De Montford Hall (SOLD OUT)
28/03 – Cambridge, Corn Exchange (SOLD OUT)
29/03 – London, OVO Arena Wembley (SOLD OUT)
31/03 – Manchester, O2 Apollo (SOLD OUT) *
01/04 – Newcastle, O2 City Hall (SOLD OUT) *
*rescheduled date
Review: Rhiannon Ellen
Photography: Emma Painter
