The Darkness

Awesome to be up close in line with the mic. Scored a broken drum stick from Rufus Taylor. Never seen a drummer hit the skins so hard, such energy in his playing. Great to see one of my all-time favorite bands live. Drove 1600kms return journey for it. No synthesizers, backing tracks, or loops. All music live from the band. Tired of bands using a backing track for the base guitarist because they can't hold a band together. If I want recordings I'll listen online. We pay to see live music being made in front of us, like an orchestra does. Hawkins commanded the stage with his shirt off tattooed body, antics, signature falseto, and guitar brilliance. Even jammed a bit showing he could master riffs of greats like Led Zep (Land of Ice and Snow) and ACDC (Thunderstruck) — thought I was in for a cover treat. A fun show, such a gelled, tight band, with harmonies, as good live as recoreed; and I love their piss-take, light hearted hard rock music. Played many of their greats and my favorite 'Barbarian' (and I didn't experience it through my phone Justin!).

**Artist and Event** The Darkness put on a great live show. The lead singer is very personable and interacts with the audience constantly throughout the show. They also played for longer than most of the bands I've seen live. If you like the Darkness you don't want to miss seeing them live. If you just got invited cuz your buddy who likes The Darkness didn't want to go alone, then you also don't want to miss seeing them live. **Venue** One of the better places bars I've ever seen live show in. There is so much floor room room there for the standing audience with a small VIP section on the side containing a handful of tables. The A/C is pumped constantly though the building and its cold enough that you won't be sweating your a*s off even if you are surrounded by people. Will for sure see more shows there.

Thanks, Bandsintown, all I did was click “I was there” and a bit forcefully, I would love to take some precious time away from my two little boys and wife to leave a review. The Darkness’s music and overall gift to humankind is like a star in a sea of darkness. No play on words, my 8th grade art teacher wrote that I was that for him in my yearbook as a student. The venue was/is a bit s**t but the Hawkins brothers and crew sent it hard. I a VIP who’s heart literally fell out of my throat when Justin picked a name, after many joking around tickets from the band and staff that I can only imagine what they said because he belly laughed hard every time! I loved it, but when my name wasn’t called, my knees buckled. It was strange/ embarrassing. But Justin saw me and did an amazing thing and you know what, this review is getting too long and what Justin did was for me and will never forget their kindness. Go see The Darkness at every opportunity. The VIP is worth it! Come on! Dan f*****g Hawkins! Justin!! Frankie!!! Last but not damn lease the Tiger Ru!!! Can’t wait for Houston Gents.

The darkness has been one of my top favorite bands for over 20 years now. I'm not sure why but I just never thought I would see them in person. Not only because my husband and I are perpetually broke but because they are one of the best. When they came out they were so different from everything else that was out there. The lyrics could be heartbreaking, funny, and so relatable. They were exactly what I needed. I listen to them all the time. My husband surprised me with tickets to see them. We were in the front row and I couldn't believe I was seeing the coolest bass player and 2 of my most favorite guitarists and such a f*****g badass drummer. Well we were outside hoping to get a glimpse of them coming out and all of them were so kind and patient. Just the best musicians and band ever. The show itself was fantastic. Justin was so funny and he really seemed to enjoy himself. Dan was so fantastic and played so f*****g perfectly. Rufus's singing blew me away same with his drumming. Franky was perfect, so chill and his voice was fantastic. It's hard to not write a novel. I have so much more to say. I'm just so thankful for people like them being out there. Best night ever

Been wanting to see these guys for the last 20 odd years, finally the stars aligned and I was not disappointed. Having watched plenty of videos of them performing live on YouTube I had an idea what to expect and despite the smaller venue and crowd the guys brought the same energy they'd give at an audience of 100,000. Would absolutely recommend going to see them even if you only know the hits 👍

Took my 2 sons and brother in law. Youngest son’s first concert and what a show it was. Rock at its finest. Brilliant set list and flawless performances. Good mix of new and older songs. Ash were great support act too. We all really enjoyed ourselves. Youngest son’s first concert kept saying “I k ew they’d be good, but I didn’t think they’d be that good!” We weren’t disappointed at all and hope the new album is a great success. Fantastic, good job guys.

They did not disappoint, I was entertained the whole way through. It was a great set list with a good mix of some of the oldies and the new stuff. What a fantastic night, I loved it. Ash were excellent too, a great opening gig. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on Dreams on Toast at the end of March.

Brilliant, pure enjoyment and great entertainment. Great venue too as everyone had an uninterrupted view. Loved the fact there was a change of roles for one song and Rufus was excellent at singing. This is what makes this band unusual - they are all great entertainers and obviously love being together and playing together. Makes for a fabulous evening. Thanks guys x

Great show - short but sweet, as I've heard people say. Six songs from the new album, a bit of banter with the crowd, and a try out of some segues and dance sequences. The venue is a great place to get very close to the band - if you get in early and to the front. Audience area is narrow and has lots of view obscuring pillars.

I was right up front despite my arthritic legs, and never felt any pain until the next day. I've been a fan of The Darkness since their first album, and they don't disappoint live. Terrific live shows! Justin gave me his last pick near the end of the show, and his hands were as soft as a baby's b**t! I'll go to see them again anytime they come to Kansas City and I'm still alive.....I love 💕 those guys.

Classic riffs, bombastic drums, virtuoso solos and heart-stopping vocals - The Darkness deliver it all in their inimitable cat-suited, silk pyjama-ed, Thin Lizzy t-shirt and black denim jacketed style. This last night of the tour had the requisite party atmosphere. In addition to all the hits and antics, we were treated to, amongst other things; a church choir, a sarcastic electronic dance version of IBIATCL, snippets of Radiohead, Led Zeppelin and Queen, momentary concern for a prone fan which turned out to be a marriage proposal during Love is Only a Feeling, and a David Brent impersonator. Most of us in the crowd were past the first flush of our youth, but for a couple of hours we forgot this and bounced like it was 2003. What more can you want for your money? Ed Sheeran? Well if you came on 9th Dec you got him too.

Phenomenal!!! The best live band I've ever seen (and I've seen some amazing big acts in my time). Justin's voice is just perfect and the guitar playing from Justin, Frankie, Dan and Rufus was hard, glorious and rocked us to the core!! I woke up the next morning with my long lost mo-jo!! I was finally raring to go after 5 yrs of being low. Absolutely recommend seeing The Darkness live ❤️ thank you guys ❤️ x*x

Good gig up until the encore. Probably the worst encore me and friends have ever seen (we discussed this afterwards). Love The Darkness but this show just felt a bit flat unfortunately. They could have raised the energy by going a few tracks back to back for example. The U2 With or Without You cover was good until Justin stopped it and semi-cussed U2, which was weird. Just a bit mediocre overall and maybe it was just an end of tour thing.

A balmy O2 Academy in Edinburgh welcomed The Darkness and support act Bad Nerves on Tuesday night. The latter performed a 10 song set of polished indie rock which immediately placed them on my Spotify "follow" list. They put on a tightly packed show with stand out tracks "Palace" , "Can't Be Mine" & "Dreaming". The hall filled for the 9pm arrival of Justin, Dan, Frankie and Rufus to the stage where they immediately set off into a raucous rendition of "Black Shuck". Soured slightly by a somewhat petulant outburst about their fans taking mobile phone memories, Justin got back to his showman best and rocked out some of their first album stonkers, "Get Your Hands Off of My Woman" and "Growing on Me". They moved on to cover a couple of their early B Sides before getting back to the main Permission to Land fayre. Reminding us all just how incredible this album is. The traditional cover of Radiohead classic "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" was truly phenomenal and followed by equally brilliant versions of "Holding My Own" and "Friday Night". Justin then brought the crowd to rapture by producing a Santa hat and breaking out the greatest Xmas song of all time "Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End) leading into everyones favourite "I Believe in a Thing Called Love". A somewhat elongated wait for the encore was explained when the band appeared again in dressing gowns and underwear, the time clearly extended by trying to peel Justin out of his catsuit. The event was thusly brought to climax with a rendition of "I Love You 5 times" and crowd pleaser anthem "Love on the Rocks with No Ice" where both Justin and Rufus ended the event stripped to their briefs. Truly, The Darkness bring "IT" to every live performance and they deserve even more widespread success.

The Darkness puts on a fantastic show. They are extremely talented artists and they have a powerful sound that screams rock and roll. It’s evident how much effort they put into preparation because the songs sound great and they are very engaged with the crowd. They make it a really fun and satisfying experience. I was smiling throughout the show! St. Andrew’s is also an awesome venue.

These guys always kick a*s. All the charisma and prowess of the best. If only the Foo Fighters could have someone up front who could capture an audience this well, they might be as large. Gigs should be overblown, they should be epic and they shouldn't ever take the thing too seriously. In a world that seems to have forgotten how to collectively enjoy themselves, we have The Darkness to remind us all once more.

B****y magnificent! Nonstop face melting rock that pleases the ears and rocks you to the core of your soul. Justin Hawkins is the ULTIMATE frontman! He’s energetic, charismatic and sounds every bit as good, if not even better, live as he does on the records! 10 out of 10 these guys are 100%. I would highly recommend everyone who likes music to see them live! Viva The Darkness!

The band was amazing live, as always. They never disappoint. Justin's voice is still as good and powerful as ever and they are fun and energetic live. We also did the VIP experience and it is worth every dime. You get soundcheck, Q&A, pictures with the band (following Covid protocols) and early entrance to guarantee that front row experience. The guys are always very nice and attentive with their fans. Always a blast. Do not miss this show if you like good Rock n Roll!!!!!

Shows by The Darkness are always a good time - great, hard and crunchy riffs, and the band has a great sense of humor. I've seen them for nearly 20 years (since 2003), and it seems they get better every time. Definitely for fans of 70's hard and glam-ish rock (Queen, Thin Lizzy, The Sweet, Humble Pie, etc). In a just world, they'd be huge, huge stars in the US. And a great time at the El Rey - probably the most intimate venue i've seen them in, and the crowd was really into the show and the band looked like they were having a blast.

The Darkness are TOO MUCH FUN!!!! This band and Justin have always been so entertaining as well as very talented. He is just hilarious on stage, the antics, the acrobats, you can't NOT have a good time at their show. The real bright spot was watching so many people discover their opening band, The Dead Deads. 3 girls absolutely shredding with similar style and timing to their music as the Darkness. What a great night it was!

Awesome to be up close in line with the mic. Scored a broken drum stick from Rufus Taylor. Never seen a drummer hit the skins so hard, such energy in his playing. Great to see one of my all-time favorite bands live. Drove 1600kms return journey for it. No synthesizers, backing tracks, or loops. All music live from the band. Tired of bands using a backing track for the base guitarist because they can't hold a band together. If I want recordings I'll listen online. We pay to see live music being made in front of us, like an orchestra does. Hawkins commanded the stage with his shirt off tattooed body, antics, signature falseto, and guitar brilliance. Even jammed a bit showing he could master riffs of greats like Led Zep (Land of Ice and Snow) and ACDC (Thunderstruck) — thought I was in for a cover treat. A fun show, such a gelled, tight band, with harmonies, as good live as recoreed; and I love their piss-take, light hearted hard rock music. Played many of their greats and my favorite 'Barbarian' (and I didn't experience it through my phone Justin!).

**Artist and Event** The Darkness put on a great live show. The lead singer is very personable and interacts with the audience constantly throughout the show. They also played for longer than most of the bands I've seen live. If you like the Darkness you don't want to miss seeing them live. If you just got invited cuz your buddy who likes The Darkness didn't want to go alone, then you also don't want to miss seeing them live. **Venue** One of the better places bars I've ever seen live show in. There is so much floor room room there for the standing audience with a small VIP section on the side containing a handful of tables. The A/C is pumped constantly though the building and its cold enough that you won't be sweating your a*s off even if you are surrounded by people. Will for sure see more shows there.

Thanks, Bandsintown, all I did was click “I was there” and a bit forcefully, I would love to take some precious time away from my two little boys and wife to leave a review. The Darkness’s music and overall gift to humankind is like a star in a sea of darkness. No play on words, my 8th grade art teacher wrote that I was that for him in my yearbook as a student. The venue was/is a bit s**t but the Hawkins brothers and crew sent it hard. I a VIP who’s heart literally fell out of my throat when Justin picked a name, after many joking around tickets from the band and staff that I can only imagine what they said because he belly laughed hard every time! I loved it, but when my name wasn’t called, my knees buckled. It was strange/ embarrassing. But Justin saw me and did an amazing thing and you know what, this review is getting too long and what Justin did was for me and will never forget their kindness. Go see The Darkness at every opportunity. The VIP is worth it! Come on! Dan f*****g Hawkins! Justin!! Frankie!!! Last but not damn lease the Tiger Ru!!! Can’t wait for Houston Gents.

The darkness has been one of my top favorite bands for over 20 years now. I'm not sure why but I just never thought I would see them in person. Not only because my husband and I are perpetually broke but because they are one of the best. When they came out they were so different from everything else that was out there. The lyrics could be heartbreaking, funny, and so relatable. They were exactly what I needed. I listen to them all the time. My husband surprised me with tickets to see them. We were in the front row and I couldn't believe I was seeing the coolest bass player and 2 of my most favorite guitarists and such a f*****g badass drummer. Well we were outside hoping to get a glimpse of them coming out and all of them were so kind and patient. Just the best musicians and band ever. The show itself was fantastic. Justin was so funny and he really seemed to enjoy himself. Dan was so fantastic and played so f*****g perfectly. Rufus's singing blew me away same with his drumming. Franky was perfect, so chill and his voice was fantastic. It's hard to not write a novel. I have so much more to say. I'm just so thankful for people like them being out there. Best night ever

Been wanting to see these guys for the last 20 odd years, finally the stars aligned and I was not disappointed. Having watched plenty of videos of them performing live on YouTube I had an idea what to expect and despite the smaller venue and crowd the guys brought the same energy they'd give at an audience of 100,000. Would absolutely recommend going to see them even if you only know the hits 👍

Took my 2 sons and brother in law. Youngest son’s first concert and what a show it was. Rock at its finest. Brilliant set list and flawless performances. Good mix of new and older songs. Ash were great support act too. We all really enjoyed ourselves. Youngest son’s first concert kept saying “I k ew they’d be good, but I didn’t think they’d be that good!” We weren’t disappointed at all and hope the new album is a great success. Fantastic, good job guys.

They did not disappoint, I was entertained the whole way through. It was a great set list with a good mix of some of the oldies and the new stuff. What a fantastic night, I loved it. Ash were excellent too, a great opening gig. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on Dreams on Toast at the end of March.

Brilliant, pure enjoyment and great entertainment. Great venue too as everyone had an uninterrupted view. Loved the fact there was a change of roles for one song and Rufus was excellent at singing. This is what makes this band unusual - they are all great entertainers and obviously love being together and playing together. Makes for a fabulous evening. Thanks guys x

Great show - short but sweet, as I've heard people say. Six songs from the new album, a bit of banter with the crowd, and a try out of some segues and dance sequences. The venue is a great place to get very close to the band - if you get in early and to the front. Audience area is narrow and has lots of view obscuring pillars.

I was right up front despite my arthritic legs, and never felt any pain until the next day. I've been a fan of The Darkness since their first album, and they don't disappoint live. Terrific live shows! Justin gave me his last pick near the end of the show, and his hands were as soft as a baby's b**t! I'll go to see them again anytime they come to Kansas City and I'm still alive.....I love 💕 those guys.

Classic riffs, bombastic drums, virtuoso solos and heart-stopping vocals - The Darkness deliver it all in their inimitable cat-suited, silk pyjama-ed, Thin Lizzy t-shirt and black denim jacketed style. This last night of the tour had the requisite party atmosphere. In addition to all the hits and antics, we were treated to, amongst other things; a church choir, a sarcastic electronic dance version of IBIATCL, snippets of Radiohead, Led Zeppelin and Queen, momentary concern for a prone fan which turned out to be a marriage proposal during Love is Only a Feeling, and a David Brent impersonator. Most of us in the crowd were past the first flush of our youth, but for a couple of hours we forgot this and bounced like it was 2003. What more can you want for your money? Ed Sheeran? Well if you came on 9th Dec you got him too.

Phenomenal!!! The best live band I've ever seen (and I've seen some amazing big acts in my time). Justin's voice is just perfect and the guitar playing from Justin, Frankie, Dan and Rufus was hard, glorious and rocked us to the core!! I woke up the next morning with my long lost mo-jo!! I was finally raring to go after 5 yrs of being low. Absolutely recommend seeing The Darkness live ❤️ thank you guys ❤️ x*x

Good gig up until the encore. Probably the worst encore me and friends have ever seen (we discussed this afterwards). Love The Darkness but this show just felt a bit flat unfortunately. They could have raised the energy by going a few tracks back to back for example. The U2 With or Without You cover was good until Justin stopped it and semi-cussed U2, which was weird. Just a bit mediocre overall and maybe it was just an end of tour thing.

A balmy O2 Academy in Edinburgh welcomed The Darkness and support act Bad Nerves on Tuesday night. The latter performed a 10 song set of polished indie rock which immediately placed them on my Spotify "follow" list. They put on a tightly packed show with stand out tracks "Palace" , "Can't Be Mine" & "Dreaming". The hall filled for the 9pm arrival of Justin, Dan, Frankie and Rufus to the stage where they immediately set off into a raucous rendition of "Black Shuck". Soured slightly by a somewhat petulant outburst about their fans taking mobile phone memories, Justin got back to his showman best and rocked out some of their first album stonkers, "Get Your Hands Off of My Woman" and "Growing on Me". They moved on to cover a couple of their early B Sides before getting back to the main Permission to Land fayre. Reminding us all just how incredible this album is. The traditional cover of Radiohead classic "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" was truly phenomenal and followed by equally brilliant versions of "Holding My Own" and "Friday Night". Justin then brought the crowd to rapture by producing a Santa hat and breaking out the greatest Xmas song of all time "Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End) leading into everyones favourite "I Believe in a Thing Called Love". A somewhat elongated wait for the encore was explained when the band appeared again in dressing gowns and underwear, the time clearly extended by trying to peel Justin out of his catsuit. The event was thusly brought to climax with a rendition of "I Love You 5 times" and crowd pleaser anthem "Love on the Rocks with No Ice" where both Justin and Rufus ended the event stripped to their briefs. Truly, The Darkness bring "IT" to every live performance and they deserve even more widespread success.

The Darkness puts on a fantastic show. They are extremely talented artists and they have a powerful sound that screams rock and roll. It’s evident how much effort they put into preparation because the songs sound great and they are very engaged with the crowd. They make it a really fun and satisfying experience. I was smiling throughout the show! St. Andrew’s is also an awesome venue.

These guys always kick a*s. All the charisma and prowess of the best. If only the Foo Fighters could have someone up front who could capture an audience this well, they might be as large. Gigs should be overblown, they should be epic and they shouldn't ever take the thing too seriously. In a world that seems to have forgotten how to collectively enjoy themselves, we have The Darkness to remind us all once more.

B****y magnificent! Nonstop face melting rock that pleases the ears and rocks you to the core of your soul. Justin Hawkins is the ULTIMATE frontman! He’s energetic, charismatic and sounds every bit as good, if not even better, live as he does on the records! 10 out of 10 these guys are 100%. I would highly recommend everyone who likes music to see them live! Viva The Darkness!

The band was amazing live, as always. They never disappoint. Justin's voice is still as good and powerful as ever and they are fun and energetic live. We also did the VIP experience and it is worth every dime. You get soundcheck, Q&A, pictures with the band (following Covid protocols) and early entrance to guarantee that front row experience. The guys are always very nice and attentive with their fans. Always a blast. Do not miss this show if you like good Rock n Roll!!!!!

Shows by The Darkness are always a good time - great, hard and crunchy riffs, and the band has a great sense of humor. I've seen them for nearly 20 years (since 2003), and it seems they get better every time. Definitely for fans of 70's hard and glam-ish rock (Queen, Thin Lizzy, The Sweet, Humble Pie, etc). In a just world, they'd be huge, huge stars in the US. And a great time at the El Rey - probably the most intimate venue i've seen them in, and the crowd was really into the show and the band looked like they were having a blast.

The Darkness are TOO MUCH FUN!!!! This band and Justin have always been so entertaining as well as very talented. He is just hilarious on stage, the antics, the acrobats, you can't NOT have a good time at their show. The real bright spot was watching so many people discover their opening band, The Dead Deads. 3 girls absolutely shredding with similar style and timing to their music as the Darkness. What a great night it was!