WORDS AND IMAGES ALAN BRYCE
The Darkness burst onto the scene in 2003 with their debut album, ‘Permission to Land’, which went to Number 1 on the charts. After three years, Justin left the band for personal reasons, leading to an extended hiatus. Five years later, the original members reformed and went on to record the ‘Hot Cakes’ album in 2012. In 2014, original drummer, Ed Graham, departed and was briefly replaced by Emily Dolan, who recorded the ‘Last of Our Kind’ album before being succeeded by Rufus Taylor. This current lineup has recorded the last three full-length albums and is set to release their latest offering.
The band returns to the stage on their ‘Dreams on Toast’ Tour, supporting their forthcoming 9th studio album, of the same name, due for release on the 28th of this month. Tonight, at G Live in Guildford, marks the 5th date of the 18-date UK leg of this tour, which will culminate in a sold-out show at the London Arena, a day after the album release. The setlist includes seven songs from the forthcoming album and six from their debut, ‘Permission to Land,’ with songs from the bands other albums sprinkled in between.
Justin strutted onto the stage, impeccably dressed in a sharp grey checked suit, paired with a crisp white button-down shirt that gave him an air of sophistication without losing his rock ‘n’ roll edge. With a commanding presence, he took the lead as the band launched into the fiery opener, ‘Rock and Roll Party Cowboy,’ the first track from their much-anticipated new album. The crowd erupted, swept up in the electric atmosphere as the high-energy performance set the tone for the night. Justin’s charisma was palpable as he worked the stage, setting the pace for an unforgettable evening. The band effortlessly flowed into fan favorites ‘Growing on Me’ and ‘Get Your Hands Off My Woman,’ both from their iconic, 4x Platinum debut album. The energy surged as the familiar riffs echoed through the venue, with the audience singing along passionately, lost in the nostalgia of those early hits.
Each song seemed to outshine the one before it, as the band delivered a meticulously crafted set. Behind them, a massive video wall projected vivid, ever-changing imagery that complemented the music perfectly, creating a full sensory experience. The combination of solid, driving drumbeats, vibrant, face-melting guitar solos, and Justin’s commanding, powerful vocals filled the space, proving the band’s sound remains as tight and exhilarating as ever. It was clear from the first note that this performance would be one for the books, with every element of the show combining into a festival of sound and color.
The new tracks, showcased throughout the night, injected a burst of fresh energy into the setlist. In 2025, they’ve managed to create something that feels both timeless and refreshing, blending a ‘classic’ rock feel with their distinctive style, while still managing to sound new, unique, and undeniably The Darkness. The audience was treated to some standout moments, like ‘The Longest Kiss,’ the infectious lead single from the upcoming album. Its upbeat, high-octane vibe got everyone moving, and it was clear that this track was destined to be a hit. Another highlight came during the encore, when they played ‘I Hate Myself,’ a track that balances raw emotion with their signature wit and rock intensity. The diversity of the band’s new material was on full display, offering a perfect snapshot of their ability to evolve while remaining true to their roots.
What made the evening truly special were a few key takeaways that will linger long after the final chord faded. First and foremost, the new album, ‘Dreams on Toast,’ already feels like a masterpiece in the making, destined to be played on repeat once it’s released. The audience left buzzing with excitement, knowing they had witnessed something extraordinary. Another standout from the night was Rufus Taylor, whose impressive singing talents were on full display, proving that he’s much more than just the band’s drummer – his voice added a rich new layer to the performance.
Most importantly, The Darkness themselves remain as exhilarating, relevant, and vital to the rock landscape as they were when they first burst onto the scene in 2003. If anything, they’ve only grown more dynamic and polished with time, while still capturing the raw energy that made them so beloved in the first place. If you haven’t seen them live yet, now’s the time. Trust me – you need to experience this band in all their glory, and don’t forget to pick up the album when it drops!
SET LIST
1/ Rock n Roll party Cowboy
2/ Growing on me
3/ Get your hands off my woman
4/ Mortal dead
5/ Motorheart (Tour debut)
6/ Walking through fire
7/ Barbarian
8/ The Battle for Gadget Land
9/ Love is only a feeling
10/ The longest kiss
11/ Heart explodes
12/ My only – Rufus on vocals
13/ Japanese prisoner of love
14/ Friday night
15/ I believe in a thing called love
Encore
16/ Weekend in Rome
17/ I hate myself
18/ Love on the rocks with no ice.
FOLLOW THE DARKNESS
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
