Glam returns to Guildford, thanks to The Darkness! Bringing their trademark flamboyance and electrifying rock god energy to one of their many sold out gigs on their UK tour.

Promoting their upcoming eighth studio album release, Dreams On Toast, set to be released later this month, The Darkness delivered a performance that balanced nostalgia with thrilling new material, proving once again why they remain one of rock’s most entertaining acts.

Supported by Ash, they warmed up the crowd with their indie-rock hits but The Darkness ensured the night belonged to them. Starting their show with highland-inspired entrance music, Justin Hawkins, the ever-charismatic frontman, confidently walks out on stage, and launches into “Rock and Roll Party Cowboy,” setting the pace for an evening of rock anthems.

The setlist was a well-crafted journey through their greatest hits alongside singles “Walking Through Fire,” and “I Hate Myself” taken from their new album. Of course, fan favourites like “Growing on Me” and “Get Your Hands Off My Woman” were met with ecstatic cheers!

Blending soaring falsettos and playful guitar licks, Hawkins was in his element, engaging the audience with tongue-in-cheek banter, dramatic monologues and, towards the end of the night, a crowd-surfing escapade atop a security guard’s shoulders – all while shredding guitar riffs with effortless precision. Meanwhile, bassist Frankie Poullain looked like a mad scientist, guitarist Dan Hawkins radiated rock’n’roll and drummer Rufus Tiger Taylor kept the energy surging.

There were plenty of moments of levity, which included Hawkins channelling Freddie Mercury, taking jabs at Ariana Grande and Mumford & Sons and encouraging us to get involved in marching choreography, waving of arms and presenting devil horns. Their signature theatrics were extended into their crew, as the band included everyone into the fun. With vocals provided by an unnamed stage hand as well as, one of their technicians, Scott Whisker stepping in to play drums, whilst Rufus took centre stage to provide vocals on “My Only,” - accompanied by visuals of their dog in form of an homage!

Highlights:
1. Get Your Hands Off My Woman (with a cheeky snippet of The Smiths’ “I Know It’s Over”)
2. Singing a Christmas song (but not that one)!
3. I Believe in a Thing Called Love

It was definitely a performance that left fans buzzing long after the final note. Rock ‘n’ roll deserves to live forever, and The Darkness are keeping it alive and kicking!

Photo Credit: Michael Phillips