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LIVE REVIEW
THE DARKNESS
NEWCASTLE 07/12/23
Photos: David Weddle -@dweddlephotography
At the start of the new millennium, the world had no idea it was about to change in a very big way. The world of rock, that is. 2003 saw The Darkness release their debut album, 'Permission to Land'. An iconic album to this very day, having given us some of the most memorable music and music videos of the day. The album still holds a special place in the hearts and minds of generations of The Darkness fans the world over. Twenty years on from its initial release, the band has re-released the album, titled 'Permission to Land...Again', in celebration of two decades of incredible music.
With a tour to support the release of the album, The Darkness stopped off at Newcastle City Hall to give the North East one hell of a party. Having brought Essex indie rockers Bad Nerves along to help get the party started, The Darkness definitely had a high-energy atmosphere in mind for these shows.
Bad Nerves gave a fantastic performance with an energy that is so infectious. They are an absolute rock powerhouse, and the audience seemed to feel that way as well. They were singing along and having a great time.
Songs like 'Terminal Boy' and 'Can't Be Mine' got the crowd going. Two tracks from the end, singer Bobby spotted a young fan in the front row with a pair of drum sticks in hand. The lad, called Max, was eager to get up and play drums, but sadly, there wasn't enough time left. As drummer Samuel walked off the stage, he handed Max his sticks, which was a nice touch.
Bad Nerves gave a fantastic performance with an energy that is so infectious. They are an absolute rock powerhouse, and the audience seemed to feel that way as well. They were singing along and having a great time.
Songs like 'Terminal Boy' and 'Can't Be Mine' got the crowd going. Two tracks from the end, singer Bobby spotted a young fan in the front row with a pair of drum sticks in hand. The lad, called Max, was eager to get up and play drums, but sadly, there wasn't enough time left. As drummer Samuel walked off the stage, he handed Max his sticks, which was a nice touch.
Having had their ears well and truly cleared out by Bad Nerves, the Newcastle audience were ready for The Darkness to get their dancing shoes on. The stage was designed to look like an airstrip, with landing lights on either side. As the house lights dimmed, the landing lights glowed an emerald green as atmospheric pipes played, and the crowd shouted and screamed as the band walked on stage.
Kicking off straight into 'Black Shuck' with that instantly recognisable guitar riff announcing to the audience that The Darkness had indeed landed. Justin's voice sounded incredible, as always. He had recently been resting his voice in preparation for the tour, notably not singing the theme tune to his YouTube show 'Justin Hawkins Rides Again' to make sure he was able to give his all to the show, and that rest definitely paid off.
Bassist Frankie was looking very swish in a very sparkly suit, his rock star stance striking an imposing figure on the stage. That cheeky smile, still shining bright even after twenty years, genuinely looked really pleased to be there.
Part way through the song, Justin signalled to some members of the audience to put their phones down, which they did straight away. After the song, he spoke of a previous show where he had to stop Black Shuck because too many people were filming. He said, 'Tonight, I saw a few people filming. I gestured, and the phones went away. I applaud you, Newcastle.' Introducing a touch of humour, he also commented that 'the band and the fans are together, united at last ........ Newcastle United.'
The second song in 'Get Your Hands Off My Woman' saw plenty of pyrotechnics light up the stage as Justin, clad in a red and black jumpsuit, gave a Freddie Mercury-esque back and forth with the crowd, which was awesome to hear. Talking of the twentieth anniversary of the album, Justin introduced drummer Rufus 'Tiger' Taylor, quipping that he didn't play on the original and asking what's in it for him? .....'Hard cash, and it's richly deserved.' something I am sure everyone there agreed with.
'Growing on Me' was up next, with guitarist Dan Hawkins giving a stunning performance with his guitar work hitting the spot. This is seriously one of the most positively charged shows you are likely to get the chance to see. 'Best of Me' came next with a groove that just makes it impossible to stand still. The set was predominantly the 'Permission to Land' album, which is no bad thing, with a few other solid gold nuggets thrown in for good measure.
At one point, Justin took to sitting on someone's shoulders and paraded through the crowd with a guitar in hand. Making for some pretty special memories for those lucky enough to have been standing in the auditorium.
From 'Giving Up' to 'I Believe in a Thing Called Love', The Darkness were on top form, and the crowd was loving every minute. Given that it's December, the lads belted out their Christmas hit 'Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End),' which, as you can probably imagine, involved a Santa hat.
A really great show that paid tribute to a classic album as well as giving the fans the chance to party with the band on this very special tour. It was a spectacle that was well worth seeing, and those that were there will not forget it in a hurry.
Kicking off straight into 'Black Shuck' with that instantly recognisable guitar riff announcing to the audience that The Darkness had indeed landed. Justin's voice sounded incredible, as always. He had recently been resting his voice in preparation for the tour, notably not singing the theme tune to his YouTube show 'Justin Hawkins Rides Again' to make sure he was able to give his all to the show, and that rest definitely paid off.
Bassist Frankie was looking very swish in a very sparkly suit, his rock star stance striking an imposing figure on the stage. That cheeky smile, still shining bright even after twenty years, genuinely looked really pleased to be there.
Part way through the song, Justin signalled to some members of the audience to put their phones down, which they did straight away. After the song, he spoke of a previous show where he had to stop Black Shuck because too many people were filming. He said, 'Tonight, I saw a few people filming. I gestured, and the phones went away. I applaud you, Newcastle.' Introducing a touch of humour, he also commented that 'the band and the fans are together, united at last ........ Newcastle United.'
The second song in 'Get Your Hands Off My Woman' saw plenty of pyrotechnics light up the stage as Justin, clad in a red and black jumpsuit, gave a Freddie Mercury-esque back and forth with the crowd, which was awesome to hear. Talking of the twentieth anniversary of the album, Justin introduced drummer Rufus 'Tiger' Taylor, quipping that he didn't play on the original and asking what's in it for him? .....'Hard cash, and it's richly deserved.' something I am sure everyone there agreed with.
'Growing on Me' was up next, with guitarist Dan Hawkins giving a stunning performance with his guitar work hitting the spot. This is seriously one of the most positively charged shows you are likely to get the chance to see. 'Best of Me' came next with a groove that just makes it impossible to stand still. The set was predominantly the 'Permission to Land' album, which is no bad thing, with a few other solid gold nuggets thrown in for good measure.
At one point, Justin took to sitting on someone's shoulders and paraded through the crowd with a guitar in hand. Making for some pretty special memories for those lucky enough to have been standing in the auditorium.
From 'Giving Up' to 'I Believe in a Thing Called Love', The Darkness were on top form, and the crowd was loving every minute. Given that it's December, the lads belted out their Christmas hit 'Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End),' which, as you can probably imagine, involved a Santa hat.
A really great show that paid tribute to a classic album as well as giving the fans the chance to party with the band on this very special tour. It was a spectacle that was well worth seeing, and those that were there will not forget it in a hurry.