The Darkness : Dreams on Toast, Served Loud: No Seats, No Barriers, Just Rock and Roll
Tonight was a night of many firsts. For me, it was my first time seeing The Darkness and visiting the Regent Theatre in Ipswich. For The Darkness, it marked the opening night of their Dreams on Toast tour, a chance to debut material from their latest album while testing the waters, seeing what works and what doesn’t. 🤘🔥
Stepping into the Regent Theatre, a 1,500-seat, no-standing venue, the atmosphere felt more like a matinee. Even the intercom announcements counting down to the start of the first performance added to that theatrical feel. 🎭
That same atmosphere carried into the first half of ASH’s performance as they support The Darkness on their tour. The crowd felt more like an audience at a show, sitting back, listening attentively, and clapping after each song. By the end, some fans were on their feet, dancing in the aisles to the classics like Burn Baby Burn and Girl from Mars. 🎶💃
When The Darkness took the stage, frontman Justin Hawkins quickly addressed the subdued energy. After kicking off with one of their new songs Rock and Roll Party Cowboy, they set the tone for the night, with Justin urging the audience to stand and move closer to the stage. With no barriers or security between the band and the now tightly packed crowd, the venue suddenly felt far more like a Rock and Roll party with Justin interacting and chatting with the crowd between songs. 🎤🔥
For me, it was a nostalgic blast from my teenage years, hearing them tear through classics like Get Your Hands Off My Woman and Growing on Me, seamlessly blending them with newer tracks. The entire crowd marched along to Walking Through Fire, then swayed as drummer Rufus took the mic for My Only, a song reminiscent of the slow-dancing rock and roll love ballads of the ’60s and ’70s. But just as the mood settled, Justin cranked the energy back up with Givin’ Up. 🎸🎶
As the night drew to a close, the band returned for their encore, with Justin emerging in a black suit and white shirt, collar flared. He was met with cheers and roses thrown onto the stage, which he graciously accepted. 🌹🤘
They wrapped up the night with A Weekend in Rome and Love on the Rocks with No Ice, a fitting finale. But not before Justin, in true rockstar fashion, climbed onto the shoulders of a security guard and was paraded through the crowd, still shredding on his guitar. 🎸🔥
It was the perfect way to end the night—loud, chaotic, and undeniably fun, just as a Darkness show should be. 🤘🎶
The Darkness 2025 UK Headline Tour Dates:
- March 8 – Oxford, New Theatre (SOLD OUT)
- March 9 – Swansea, Arena
- March 11 – Guildford, G Live (SOLD OUT)
- March 12 – Hull, Connexin Arena
- March 14 – Liverpool, Guild Of Students (SOLD OUT)
- March 15 – Wolverhampton, Civic Hall (SOLD OUT)
- March 17 – York, Barbican (SOLD OUT)
- March 18 – Edinburgh, Usher Hall
- March 20 – Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall (SOLD OUT)
- March 21 – Newcastle, O2 City Hall (SOLD OUT)
- March 22 – Manchester, O2 Apollo (SOLD OUT)
- March 24 – Bristol, Beacon Theatre (SOLD OUT)
- March 25 – Portsmouth, Guildhall
- March 27 – Leicester, De Montfort Hall
- March 28 – Cambridge, Corn Exchange (SOLD OUT)
- March 29 – London, OVO Arena Wembley
Dreams On Toast Tracklist:
- Rock And Roll Party Cowboy
- I Hate Myself
- Hot On My Tail
- Mortal Dread
- Don’t Need Sunshine
- The Longest Kiss
- The Battle For Gadget Land
- Cold Hearted Woman
- Walking Through Fire
- Weekend In Rome
The Darkness : Dreams on Toast, Served Loud: No Seats, No Barriers, Just Rock and Roll @ 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
Check out even more from The Darkness
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