Gig review: THE DARKNESS – G Live, Guildford, 11 March 2025

THE DARKNESS – Regent Theatre, Ipswich, 6 March 2025

Say what you like about them- and many still do- the tale of The Darkness is a classic tale of redemption. The band that rose too fast to be the biggest thing in the pop let alone the rock world, and crashed to earth almost as swiftly, have had a steadier rise since reforming in 2011.

Thanks to well received tours and albums, singer Justin Hawkins’ presence on the Masked Singer and podcasting activity and the ‘Welcome To The Darkness’ film they are now back playing arenas. Yet admirably, in an age when tours have become shorter, the spring tour takes in 18 dates across the country and rather than the Wembley cowshed, a more intimate set up in Surrey’s county town was preferable for me and still commutable back to London the same night.

ASH - Regent Theatre, Ipswich, 6 March 2025

Support came from Ash, which took me back to the height of Darkness-mania when, killing the time before their headline appearance at the 2004 Reading Festival, the Northern Irish trio were one of the nineties bands I could never get into that I found myself unexpectedly enjoying, alongside the Wildhearts and The Offspring.

Now all in early middle age, there is something a little incongruous at seeing them deliver those exuberant anthems written as teenagers, but singer and lead guitarist Tim Wheeler is still recognisably fresh faced. There was no superfluous chat from him as they thrashed through an opening trio led by ‘Burn Baby Burn’ in no nonsense and punky fashion, though the wall of sound, especially from drummer Rick McMurray was impressive.

One of those many hit singles they had, ‘Shining Light’ was a bit of a change of pace, owing more to Britpop, while Tim’s Flying V seemed rather underused though as the set wore on there was the odd solo such as on ‘Braindead’. Their visual and musical approach was so much plainer than the headliners, but a decent 40 minute aperitif ended in fine style with new single, a punked up cover of Harry Belafonte’s ‘Jump In the Line’, and their trademark ‘Girl From Mars’, one of the enduring pop punk singles that had a fair few people jumping around.

THE DARKNESS – Regent Theatre, Ipswich, 6 March 2025

As The Darkness took the stage as usual to the strains of Abba’s ‘Arrival’, there was a shock as the ever contrary Justin Hawkins sauntered on stage in a loudly checked houndstooth suit, white shirt and neckerchief, though before long his torso was uncovered save for the latter. They opened with one of the recently released singles from new album ‘Dreams On Toast’ in ‘Rock and Roll Party Cowboy’.

As the most fun ode to hedonism since Andrew WK’s ‘Party Hard’ I am convinced it will swiftly become a live favourite for years to come, but the band were in a difficult position timing wise with the album not out for a couple of weeks. Though in a jovial mood all night, Justin took out his frustration that hopes of reaching No 1 were threatened by other high-profile releases, with Mumford and Sons a vitriolic target.

THE DARKNESS – Regent Theatre, Ipswich, 6 March 2025

The atmosphere was still oddly rather subdued during the first of the classic ‘Permission To Land’ singles in ‘Growing on Me’, but Justin successfully warmed people up with audience participation- and a handstand! – during ‘Get Your Hands Off My Woman’. Or course that is one of the songs most prominently showcasing his falsetto; that was always the main reason why they were a marmite-like figure and yet over the evening I thought he was more comfortable singing in that rather than his ‘normal’ singing voice.

‘Mortal Dread’ was totally new to me but boasted a good solid riff and occasional keys from Ian ‘soft lad’ Norfolk, their guitar tech who has now been given a more prominent role, almost as a fifth member.  However sometimes I find their songs rather unfocused and despite the rare sight of Justin on slide and crew member Scott on cowbell, ‘Motorheart’ was a case in point.

THE DARKNESS – Regent Theatre, Ipswich, 6 March 2025

On the upside, Justin’s unpredictable and mischievous quirkiness was shown when another of those new songs that are their best in years, ‘Walking Through Fire’ turned into a riotously entertaining romp as he orchestrated the crowd turning left and right and marching on the spot. After a spoken intro, the heavy riffing of ‘Barbarian’ also impressed but another new song in ‘The Battle For Gadget Land’ tipped too close to nu metal when a roadie came on to join a quasi rap duet.

But as proof of their dizzying array of musical styles, ‘Love Is Only A Feeling’ saw the crowd eagerly swaying arms from side to side and excellent melodic guitar work both from ever reliable brother Dan and Justin. The latter then stopped to hear the crowd heckles and a ‘joker’ (yes there’s one in every crowd) shouting for ‘that Christmas song’ (sic) was deservedly met with a verse of ‘Mistletoe and Wine’. Continuing the diversity, ‘The Longest Kiss’ with prominent piano playing was reminiscent of the seventies when the likes of Queen would dabble in music hall inspired pop, while ‘Heart Explodes’ had a celtic theme.

THE DARKNESS – Regent Theatre, Ipswich, 6 March 2025

A further unpredictable moment was when Rufus Taylor took a break from impressively attacking his drum kit to come out front, sporting a suit jacket and singing the almost lounge like ‘My Only’. He didn’t look wholly confident as a frontman and yet his rich baritone boomed out impressively. Though ‘Japanese Prisoner Of Love’ was another of those rather disjointed numbers, I could see the cheeky smile on Justin’s face as he led those of us near the front in a rendition of ‘Friday Night’.

Then after an oddly aimless solo guitar slot, he announced they would play their most famous hit. Yet early in ‘I Believe In A Thing Called Love’ he abruptly stopped the show, asking people to put their phones away and live in a big collective movement, bouncing as much as possible. The atmosphere lived up to his request, though it is a sad sign of the times that it took his announcement to manufacture what should be such spontaneous joy.

 THE DARKNESS – Regent Theatre, Ipswich, 6 March 2025

There was yet another surprise as the band returned for the encores smartly suited and booted (bassist Frankie Poullain swapping his polo neck for a dinner jacket and dicky bow),  Rufus again out front with some spoken word introductions, and ‘Weekend In Italy’ the sort of pastiche that graces 1970s ice cream adverts, complete with Justin accepting a bouquet of flowers.

In contrast another of those impressive new singles in ‘I Hate Myself’ turned into a full-blown rock out with Justin’s closing solo somewhere between Status Quo and AC/DC. Some things never change though, such as usual set closer ‘Love On The Rocks With No Ice’ extended to over ten minutes with audience participation and Justin going through the crowd on a roadie’s shoulders.

THE DARKNESS – Regent Theatre, Ipswich, 6 March 2025

Though ‘One Way Ticket’ was a disappointing omission, it was a very well balanced set with the best ‘Permission To Land’ classics still there but only forming around a third of the set alongside the blend of more recent favourites and new songs, ensuring this was much more than a noughties nostalgia fest. Ever entertaining and with an edge of unpredictability, the gig confirmed The Darkness as one of Britain’s best rock acts who have weathered the ups and downs to stand the test of time.

Review by Andy Nathan
Photos by Martin Porter (taken at  Regent Theatre, Ipswich, 6 March 2025) 


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 15 June 2025.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 24 June 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 June 2025

THE DAMN TRUTH – Addicted (indie)
MANNIFESTO – Human Kind (indie)
STRIPPING THE PISTOL – Sunshine In The Rain (TLG/Zoid)
SEVEN BLOOD No Breakout (indie)
VAN ROYALE Gold (indie)
MORNINGSTAR Free (indie)
THE VIOLENT HOUR The Violent Hour (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 30 June 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


This entry was posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply