The Darkness Announce Largest UK Headline Tour in 20 Years
The Darkness Announce Largest UK Headline Tour in 20 Years: 7 Arena Dates Dec 2026 with Brothers Osborne & A – Plus Iron Maiden Support at Knebworth
Lowestoft/London, 20 November 2025 – Glam-rock legends The Darkness have unveiled their biggest headline tour in two decades: a seven-date UK arena run in December 2026, kicking off at Glasgow OVO Hydro on December 8 and culminating in their debut headline at London’s O2 on December 16. Dubbed the “Bands of Brothers” tour, it features GRAMMY-winning country-rockers Brothers Osborne and fellow Lowestoft natives A as supports – a “veritable Bands of Brothers” alliance of seven siblings delivering “powerful rock” in “huge rectangular buildings.”
The announcement follows their eighth album Dreams On Toast (#2 UK Albums Chart, April 2025 – most successful since 2003’s Permission To Land, recently crowned the 21st century’s top British rock album). Ahead, they’ll support Iron Maiden at Knebworth Park on July 11, 2026 – their return to the iconic site.
“Powerful rock was designed to be played in huge rectangular buildings… The Darkness are a powerful rock band and the arenas listed below are huge rectangular buildings… In December 2026 this elegantly logical proposition will become a reality, driven by three bands consisting of seven brothers.” – Justin Hawkins
Pre-sale starts Wednesday, November 26 at 10am (sign up at thedarkness.co.uk for code); general sale Friday, November 28 at 10am via Ticketmaster. Prices from £45+ fees; expect sell-outs fast after Wembley 2025’s triumph.
Pre-Sale Registration | Tickets On Sale Nov 28
The Darkness 2026 UK Arena Tour Dates – Full Schedule
| Date | City | Venue | Supports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 11 | Knebworth | Knebworth Park | Iron Maiden (special guests) |
| Tue 8 Dec | Glasgow | OVO Hydro | Brothers Osborne, A |
| Wed 9 Dec | Leeds | First Direct Arena | Brothers Osborne, A |
| Fri 11 Dec | Manchester | AO Arena | Brothers Osborne, A |
| Sat 12 Dec | Birmingham | Utilita Arena | Brothers Osborne, A |
| Sun 13 Dec | Cardiff | Utilita Arena | Brothers Osborne, A |
| Tue 15 Dec | Brighton | Brighton Centre | Brothers Osborne, A |
| Wed 16 Dec | London | The O2 | Brothers Osborne, A |
Doors ~6:30pm; shows ~7pm. 14+ (under 14s with adult). Accessibility info at venues.
Why This Tour is The Darkness’ Boldest Yet
- Biggest in 20 Years: Since 2006’s Permission To Land tour – now with Rufus Tiger Taylor (Queen’s Roger Taylor’s son) on drums.
- Bands of Brothers: Three sibling-led acts (Hawkins bros, Osborne bros, Perry bros from A) for “what could be more powerful?”
- Post-Dreams On Toast: #2 chart smash, Wembley return, global tours (Europe, Aus, US) – new tracks already fan favorites alongside “I Believe in a Thing Called Love.”
“There was cosmic ripple in the space time continuum that led to our paths crossing. Can’t wait to prove, once again, that brothers do it best and guitar solos are alive and well.” – TJ Osborne (Brothers Osborne)
The O2 debut? “The exception which proves the rule” – Hawkins’ nod to its dome.
The Darkness Lineup
- Justin Hawkins – Vocals/Guitar
- Dan Hawkins – Guitar
- Frankie Poullain – Bass
- Rufus Tiger Taylor – Drums
Tickets: Pre-Sale & General Sale Info
- Pre-Sale: Wed Nov 26, 10am – Register at thedarkness.co.uk for code
- General Sale: Fri Nov 28, 10am – Ticketmaster.co.uk
- VIP/Upgrades: Limited packages (meet & greet, early entry) via official site
- Resale Warning: Use Ticketmaster Fan-to-Fan for verified tickets
Prices: Standing £45+, seated £55+ (fees apply). Expect high demand after Wembley’s sell-out.
Stream, Follow The Darkness
- Website: TheDarkness.co.uk
- Tickets: Ticketmaster
- Instagram / Facebook / YouTube: @thedarkness
The Darkness aren’t touring – they’re invading arenas. 20 years since their last big swing, 2026’s “Bands of Brothers” run with Osborne & A is pure Hawkins magic. Pre-sale tomorrow – this is the rock revival you’ve been waiting for.
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The Darkness Announce Largest UK Headline Tour in 20 Years @RockNews
