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LIVE REVIEW
THE DARKNESS
NEWCASTLE CITY HALL
01/04/25
Photos and review: David Weddle
There are few bands that I can think of whose back catalogue contains as many solid gold rock anthems as British rock outfit The Darkness. Right from their debut album 'Permission to Land', it was clear that they were a force to be reckoned with, refreshing the genre of rock music with their own unique sound that was laced with humour and wit but was at its very core just awesome rock music.
That debut was waaaaay back in 2003, and now, 22 years later, The Darkness are back with possibly some of their finest work to date. 'Dreams On Toast' has taken the music world by storm, and the band has been touring hard to get that music directly into the fans lugs.
That debut was waaaaay back in 2003, and now, 22 years later, The Darkness are back with possibly some of their finest work to date. 'Dreams On Toast' has taken the music world by storm, and the band has been touring hard to get that music directly into the fans lugs.
Having postponed their Newcastle show due to frontman Justin Hawkins suffering from a chest infection, the band came good and rescheduled the show for the Geordie faithful. Joining them was Ash, who last toured with The Darkness back in 2004.The Northern Irish rock legends were a perfect match then and were most definitely a great choice for the 'Dreams On Toast' tour. Ash were on fire (not literally), playing a set that was crammed with hit after hit, including fan favourites 'Girl From Mars' and, of course, 'Kung-Fu', and the crowd lapped it up.
Vocalist Tim Wheeler acknowledged the rescheduled date, commenting that the original date was bassist Mark's birthday, and the Newcastle crowd sang a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday. Ash have just released their latest single, a cover of 'Jump In The Line', and it definitely went down well with the crowd jumping around and singing along with gusto. City Hall was in for an extra special treat as the Hawkins brothers joined Ash on stage for a stellar performance of 'Burn, Baby Burn'. It was one of those moments that make you grin from ear to ear when you realise just how incredible it was to see them all jamming together.
Vocalist Tim Wheeler acknowledged the rescheduled date, commenting that the original date was bassist Mark's birthday, and the Newcastle crowd sang a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday. Ash have just released their latest single, a cover of 'Jump In The Line', and it definitely went down well with the crowd jumping around and singing along with gusto. City Hall was in for an extra special treat as the Hawkins brothers joined Ash on stage for a stellar performance of 'Burn, Baby Burn'. It was one of those moments that make you grin from ear to ear when you realise just how incredible it was to see them all jamming together.
A short break for refreshments, etc., and it was time for headliners The Darkness to take their place on stage. As the crowd waited, they were entertained by music played through the PA system. The room was already hyped up, and hearing Rage Against The Machine's 'Killing In The Name' just fanned the flames and had everyone singing along. The track ended abruptly to an audible groan of disappointment, which was instantly replaced with cheers of excitement as the house lights went down and everyone realised what was about to happen.
Rage Against the Machine made way for Abba's 'Arrival' as the band took up their positions onstage, the room erupting with excitement. Justin stood with his back to the audience as he played the opening riff to 'Rock and Roll Party Cowboy', kicking off a night of pure rock goodness.
Rage Against the Machine made way for Abba's 'Arrival' as the band took up their positions onstage, the room erupting with excitement. Justin stood with his back to the audience as he played the opening riff to 'Rock and Roll Party Cowboy', kicking off a night of pure rock goodness.
The set was a decent mix of old and new, with classics like 'Get Your Hands Off My Woman' sitting comfortably alongside the likes of 'Mortal Dread' from the new album. With a back catalogue as extensive as The Darkness', creating a coherent setlist must be a tough job, but the Dreams On Toast setlist is a total success.
Justin's ability to connect with the crowd is still a joy to witness, as he got the crowd competing against each other early doors during 'Get Your Hands Off My Woman' and shortly after had them joining in with 'Barbarian'. He really is a great showman; even taking a slight tumble into the drumkit didn't put him off his stride. Justin did take time to apologise for having to reschedule due to illness. I think the vast majority of fans would rather he was fit and well anyway, but it was definitely appreciated all the same.
One thing you can say about The Darkness is to expect the unexpected, as they played a cracking version of Take That's 'Back For Good', unexpected but brilliant. The energy from the whole band is infectious, with Dan and Frankie keeping things going with style. It was great to see drummer Rufus Taylor switching things up by taking to the microphone for his part in 'Weekend In Rome'. This was the last show of the tour, but the band played with as much energy and vigour as you would expect on an opening night.
The Darkness are in a league of their own; they are a rock band, but there is not another band like them. Their ability to entertain and be a bit quirky and funny is always underpinned by the clever, catchy as hell music that they write, and they are still unrivalled in that to this day.
Their new album 'Dreams On Toast' is available everywhere right now.
Justin's ability to connect with the crowd is still a joy to witness, as he got the crowd competing against each other early doors during 'Get Your Hands Off My Woman' and shortly after had them joining in with 'Barbarian'. He really is a great showman; even taking a slight tumble into the drumkit didn't put him off his stride. Justin did take time to apologise for having to reschedule due to illness. I think the vast majority of fans would rather he was fit and well anyway, but it was definitely appreciated all the same.
One thing you can say about The Darkness is to expect the unexpected, as they played a cracking version of Take That's 'Back For Good', unexpected but brilliant. The energy from the whole band is infectious, with Dan and Frankie keeping things going with style. It was great to see drummer Rufus Taylor switching things up by taking to the microphone for his part in 'Weekend In Rome'. This was the last show of the tour, but the band played with as much energy and vigour as you would expect on an opening night.
The Darkness are in a league of their own; they are a rock band, but there is not another band like them. Their ability to entertain and be a bit quirky and funny is always underpinned by the clever, catchy as hell music that they write, and they are still unrivalled in that to this day.
Their new album 'Dreams On Toast' is available everywhere right now.
