Glam rock revivalists The Darkness brought their signature mix of theatricality, soaring vocals, and high-octane riffs to a sold-out Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, delivering an electrifying night of music and showmanship.
Opening the night were Ash, the Northern Irish alt-rockers who wasted no time in energising the crowd. With their signature mix of melodic hooks and grungy riffs, they delivered a dynamic set, setting the tone for the evening ahead. The multi award winning trio were in great form with bassist Mark Hamilton throwing out some magnificent shapes!
The main act didn’t keep the audience waiting long and from the moment Justin Hawkins strutted onto the stage, it was clear the audience was in for a performance that was as much about spectacle as it was about music.
Known for his flamboyant stage presence, Hawkins showcased his gymnastics prowess, executing a handstand on the drum riser and launching into a series of high jumps and kicks, all while maintaining his signature falsetto with remarkable ease.
Interaction with the audience was plentiful as Hawkins played with audience chant battles; he also picked out a member of the audience that he recognised as being a super fan… a nice touch.
They kicked off with ‘Rock and Roll Party Cowboy’ before launching into a setlist which was a perfect balance of fan favourites and deep cuts, with classics like ‘I Believe in a Thing Called Love’ and ‘Love on the Rocks with No Ice’ sending the already enthusiastic crowd into a frenzy. The audience matched the band’s energy, singing along with gusto, making the atmosphere electric from start to finish.
The Royal Concert Hall proved to be the perfect setting, with its incredible acoustics ensuring that every wailing guitar solo, pounding drumbeat, and soaring vocal reached every corner of the venue with clarity and power.
The normally all seated venue reconfigured the floor plan to allow a standing section in front of the stage, lending itself to the kind of music on show.
With a high-energy performance, theatrical flair, and an audience that was fully engaged, The Darkness once again proved why they are one of the most entertaining live bands in rock today. Paired with the stellar support of Ash, this was a night of music that left Glasgow fans buzzing.
Review & Photographs by John Brown Photography
