The Darkness Rock Rough Trade with Record Store Show of a Lifetime
Last night, The Darkness took over Rough Trade for a one-of-a-kind record store performance, proving that rock ‘n’ roll isn’t about the size of the venue but the spirit of the show. With 150 fans crammed into the tiny upstairs room, this wasn’t just a gig—it was a hilarious, high-octane masterclass in entertainment.
Gone were the flamboyant latex outfits of yore, replaced with sharp suits—except for drummer Rufus Tiger Taylor, channeling Angus Young with a shirt, tie, shorts, and a baseball cap. Even in a suit, frontman Justin Hawkins radiated theatrical energy, blending rock-star swagger with the wit of a stand-up comedian.
The chaos began immediately. Justin demanded all drinks be removed from his stage before confiscating phones and ceremoniously depositing them into the bass drum. “If you don’t behave,” he warned with a devilish grin, “I’ll put them down my trousers.” This wasn’t an idle threat—long-time fans (myself included) can confirm he’s followed through on such promises before.
Adding to the hilarity, Justin bemoaned the lack of toilets upstairs, confessing he had to blend into the bar crowd to use the facilities. “Luckily, I went unnoticed,” he quipped, “thanks to this brilliant new merch,” expertly turning an inconvenience into a sales pitch.
Despite the modest setting, Justin joked, “Normally, we play to much bigger crowds… with at least six more people than tonight.” The band fully leaned into the intimacy of the evening, making the audience feel like part of the show.
During “Walking Through Fire,” Justin demanded the crowd march left and right in unison, warning, “If you don’t do it, I’ll punch you in the throat.” It’s that kind of banter—equal parts cheeky and menacing—that makes The Darkness gigs as much about the laughs as the music.
A First Look at Dreams On Toast
The setlist was a bold move: all six tracks were fresh from their upcoming album, Dreams On Toast. From the soaring falsettos of “Mortal Dread” to the glam-punk stomp of “I Hate Myself,” each song offered a glimpse into the next chapter of The Darkness’ journey. Fans were treated to Justin’s dynamic vocals, Dan’s electrifying guitar work, Frankie’s bass grooves, and Rufus’ thunderous drumming—delivered with the exuberance you’d expect from a band hungry to debut new material.
The Setlist:
- Rock And Roll Party Cowboy
- Mortal Dread
- Battle For Gadgetland
- Walking Through Fire
- The Longest Kiss
- I Hate Myself
The new tracks carried all the hallmarks of The Darkness: outrageous energy, soaring choruses, and riffs that swagger like they own the room. If this sneak peek is anything to go by, Dreams On Toast is set to be another masterpiece from one of rock’s most flamboyant bands.
For those lucky enough to attend, this Rough Trade performance was more than a gig—it was a night of unforgettable stories, riotous laughs, and, of course, incredible new music. If this is a taste of what’s to come on the Dreams On Toast tour, fans are in for a treat.
Don’t miss your chance to see The Darkness live in 2025, all dates below.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the Dreams On Toast Tour are available now via https://www.thedarknesslive.com
The pre-sale, including VIP upgrades, will open at 10am on Wednesday, September 25th and will remain live until any remaining tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday, September 27th.
MARCH 2025 UK HEADLINE TOUR DATES
07/03 – Ipswich, Regent’s Theatre
08/03 – Oxford, New Theatre
09/03 – Swansea, Arena
11/03 – Guildford, G Live
12/03 – Hull, Connexin Arena
14/03 – Liverpool, Guild Of Students
15/03 – Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
17/03 – York, Barbican
18/03 – Edinburgh, Usher Hall
20/03 – Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall
21/03 – Newcastle, O2 City Hall
22/03 – Manchester, O2 Apollo
24/03 – Bristol, Beacon Theatre
25/03 – Portsmouth, Guildhall
27/03 – Leicester, De Montford Hall
28/03 – Cambridge, Corn Exchange
29/03 – London, OVO Arena Wembley
The Darkness Rock Rough Trade with Record Store Show of a Lifetime @ RockNews
The Darkness are
Justin Hawkins – Lead vocals, Guitar
Dan Hawkins – Guitar
Frankie Poullain – Bass
Rufus Tiger Taylor Drums
The Darkness discography.
Permission to Land
One Way Ticket to Hell… and Back
Hot Cakes
Last of Our Kind
Pinewood Smile
Easter Is Cancelled
Motorheart
Dreams On Toast
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