Concert Review: The Darkness at Wembley Arena in London on March 29, 2025
The OVO Arena Wembley was set ablaze by The Darkness on a Saturday night, as they delivered a show packed with glam rock vibes, soaring falsettos, and a generous dose of homages to Freddie Mercury. Two decades since the debut of ‘Permission to Land’, their unique blend of vintage hard rock mixed with comedic flair continues to hit the mark perfectly. The electrifying evening began with the band’s new song ‘Rock and Roll Party Cowboy’, setting the stage for what promised to be an epic night of rock. Classics like ‘Growing on Me’ from 2003 followed, showcasing the band’s ability to transport the audience back to the golden age of glam rock with their infectious guitar riffs.
While frontman Justin pranced around the stage engaging the 12,500-strong crowd, he also displayed his remarkable guitar skills with impressive flips and taps – a testament to the band’s musical prowess hidden behind their quirky exterior. Tracks like ‘Get Your Hands Off My Woman’ had the audience fervently singing along, while Justin engaged in a playful call and response moment with the crowd, highlighting his vocal range. A hint of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ injected some nostalgia into the performance, as the band’s infectious energy and catchy lyrics had the audience fully immersed in the rock ‘n’ roll experience.
With the thunderous headbanger ‘Motorheart’, complete with fiery displays on stage, the band’s raw energy and heavy metal influences shone through. Justin’s declaration that the band is part of a grassroots resistance against mainstream music added a rebellious edge to their performance. Lamenting the current musical landscape, he urged the audience to support their latest album, ‘Beans on Toast’, to make a positive change in the charts. Other highlights of the night included choreographed routines for crowd favorites like ‘Walking Through Fire’ and heartfelt performances like ‘The Longest Kiss’.
A surprise band member switch-up saw a touching tribute to Rufus Tiger Taylor’s late dog, accompanied by ‘When We’re Together’. The iconic ‘Don’t Let the Bells End’ and the crowd-pleaser ‘I Believe In a Thing Called Love’ had the audience in a frenzy, proving the band’s enduring appeal. Closing the night with ‘I Hate Myself’, surrounded by showers of flowers from fans, The Darkness left the stage amidst thunderous applause, signifying a successful and love-filled performance that solidified their status as rock icons. After more than two decades in the industry, their live shows still continue to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.