Following a successful run in 2023, celebrating their 20th anniversary, The Darkness returned to North America for another trek. This time, rather than focusing on career milestones, the band toured in support of their new album Dreams on Toast, released in March 2025 as the follow-up to 2021’s Motorheart. Never a dull moment and always a pleasure to witness, Metal Insider was there for their New York City stop on September 10, 2025, at Irving Plaza.
Mark Daly and the Ravens opened the evening at 7:50 PM, bringing a dose of Irish rock. With members hailing from Ireland, Scotland, and England, Daly thanked the crowd for their support, declaring that “playing in America is the best feeling in the world.” Their set proved to be an ideal prelude for what was to come.
Mark Daly and the Ravens
Photo Credit: Mathieu Bredeau
After a short break, The Darkness took the stage and transformed the room into a glam rock playground. Justin Hawkins’ originality and humor carried the performance, striking a balance between comedy and hard rock. The crowd stayed engaged throughout the nearly hour-and-forty-five-minute set, voices rising to sing along with each song.
The setlist blended material from across the band’s twenty-plus-year career with tracks from Dreams on Toast. Standouts included “Love Is Only a Feeling,” “Givin’ Up,” “Friday Night,“ and new single “The Longest Kiss.“ Between high kicks and antics, the group teased a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song“ and offered a stripped-back version of “Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End).“ They closed with “I Believe in a Thing Called Love“ and “Conquerors,“ the latter featuring bassist Frankie Poullain on vocals while Hawkins swapped to bass, adding a spontaneous twist to the finale.
On record or on stage, The Darkness continue to resurrect glam rock with personality, charisma, and hilarity. Touring in support of Dreams on Toast, they’ve perfected their rock spectacle, proving they remain one of the most entertaining live acts today. The September leg of the tour wraps on September 21 in Cleveland before picking up again on November 7 in Houston and running through November 22 in Denver. Energetic, fun, The Darkness are a guaranteed good time you don’t want to miss.
The Darkness
Photo Credit: Mathieu Bredeau
Setlist:
Rock and Roll Party Cowboy
Growing on Me
Get Your Hands Off My Woman
Mortal Dread
Motorheart
Walking Through Fire
Barbarian
Love Is Only a Feeling
Givin’ Up
My Only
Heart Explodes
The Longest Kiss
Friday Night
Japanese Prisoner of Love
Immigrant Song
Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)
I Believe in a Thing Called Love
Conquerors
I Hate Myself
Remaining Tour Dates:
09/16 Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
09/17 Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrew’s Hall
09/19 Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
09/20 Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave/Eagles Club – The Rave Hall
09/21 Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre and Ballroom
11/07 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live Midtown
11/08 Austin, TX @ Emo’s
11/09 Dallas, TX @ The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
11/12 Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
11/13 San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
11/15 Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory Concert House
11/17 Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall
11/18 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
11/19 Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
11/21 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
11/22 Denver, CO @ Summit
