The Darkness Illuminates Belfast’s Telegraph Building on Opening Night of Permission To Land 20th Anniversary Tour
In the pulsating heart of the British rock scene, a sonic storm is brewing, and at the eye of this hurricane stands Bad Nerves. This explosive quartet has been making waves not only for their infectious studio recordings but also for their reputation as a formidable live entity. With an unapologetic blend of punk, rock, and an undeniably Britpop edge, Bad Nerves have carved a niche for themselves in the vibrant landscape of contemporary rock.
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In a dazzling display of flamboyance and unbridled rock energy, The Darkness set Belfast’s Telegraph Building ablaze on the opening night of their Permission To Land 20th Anniversary Tour. The iconic British rock band, known for their theatrical performances and infectious anthems, took fans on a nostalgic journey back to the glory days of 2003 when their debut album, “Permission To Land,” catapulted them to stardom.
The historic Telegraph Building, with its industrial charm and intimate atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for The Darkness to kick off their milestone tour. Fans packed into the venue, eager to witness the band recreate the magic of their breakthrough album that defined a generation of rock enthusiasts.
The Darkness always has that magical connection for me, the album arriving all those years ago reminds me of better times, simpler times, working for Carphone Whorehouse, yes you read that right, and listening to Radio 1 upstairs doing admin, Jo Wylie was playing Dave Grohl ‘I believe in a thing called love’ it was his first time hearing it, and mine too, that solo at the end, guitar solos’s remember them? Both myself and Dave were #mindblown, fast forward to a long weekend in New York, I was walking around Times Square on my first night there, I wandered into The Virgin Megastore taking in the sheer scale of the store and as I was leaving across the PA came an announcement, The Darkness will be playing downstairs in 5 minutes! #mindblown again! So when I think of this band, for me it is a time capsule that will forever be close to my heart and mind, with glorious glam metal classics, glorious guitar solos and some of the greatest and funniest videos you’ll ever see.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd roared in anticipation, The Darkness emerged on stage with frontman Justin Hawkins leading the charge. Dressed in their trademark glam-rock attire, the band wasted no time in launching into the opening chords of “Black Shuck,” the infectious track that first introduced the world to their electrifying sound.
The setlist was a carefully curated trip down memory lane, featuring all the hits from “Permission To Land.” From the anthemic “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” to the riff-heavy “Get Your Hands Off My Woman,” each song resonated with the audience, transporting them back to a time when The Darkness ruled the airwaves.
Justin explains that both himself and his bro Dan were in Belfast’s iconic Crown Bar the day before chilling and taking in the sights of this fine city when the 7 Dwarfs walked in for a pint, he’s not joking either, situated across from The Grand Opera House cleary panto season is in full swing! This is going to be one of those nights, great craic between the band and the Belfast crowd as a night of majestic music takes place.
Two decades since the release of their debut album, The Darkness showcased not only their timeless hits but also the enduring power of their live performances. Justin Hawkins, with his soaring falsetto and charismatic stage presence, commanded the audience’s attention from start to finish. The chemistry between band members, including guitarist Dan Hawkins, bassist Frankie Poullain, and drummer Rufus Taylor, was palpable, creating an electrifying atmosphere throughout the night.
True to their reputation for theatrical flair, The Darkness incorporated dazzling visual elements into their performance. A spectacular light show, accompanied by pyrotechnics and confetti cannons, added an extra layer of excitement to the already vibrant show. Justin Hawkins’ flamboyant costumes, complete with glitter and sequins, further enhanced the band’s larger-than-life persona.
Throughout the evening, The Darkness engaged with their audience, creating an intimate connection that transcended the stage. Justin Hawkins interacted with fans, sharing anecdotes and expressing gratitude for their unwavering support over the past two decades. The sense of camaraderie in the room was palpable, as fans and band alike celebrated the enduring legacy of “Permission To Land.”
The Darkness’ opening night in Belfast’s Telegraph Building was a triumphant celebration of rock and roll history. As they embark on their Permission To Land 20th Anniversary Tour, the band proves that their music is as relevant and exhilarating as ever. The night served as a testament to the enduring power of The Darkness and their ability to captivate audiences with a blend of nostalgia, showmanship, and unapologetic rock energy. A sold-out Irish leg of the tour will drive home the love for great, classic rock on this island and the love affair will continue once again, you can never get too much of a good thing! Even if it is called love!
Photography: Mark McGrogan
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