The Darkness

The Darkness return to Manchester on 11 December 2026 for a show at AO Arena, with their blend of glam flair and classic rock hooks. Formed in Lowestoft by brothers Justin and Dan Hawkins with Frankie Poullain, the band broke through with Permission to Land in 2003, carried by Justin Hawkins’ falsetto, twin-guitar harmonies and melodic choruses. The story rolled on with One Way Ticket to Hell… and Back, a reunion on Hot Cakes, then Last of Our Kind, Pinewood Smile, Easter Is Cancelled, Motorheart and, most recently, Dreams on Toast. Since 2015, Rufus Taylor has anchored the drums.

On stage, the quartet leans into the songs that marked their path, from I Believe in a Thing Called Love and Love Is Only a Feeling to the seasonal single Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End), alongside newer tracks that keep their sound sharp and direct. Guitars up front, vocals in full flight, rhythm section tight: a set designed for big rooms and shared choruses.