Bristol O2 Academy – December 7th 2021
It’s fair to say the Darkness had been in the dark for the first half of 2021. The reason for this became apparent in June, when they announced they’d been working on a 7th studio album (Motorheart) set for release in August.
As promised Motorheart was released in August to positive reviews, along with an extensive list of UK tour dates for the start of winter, one of which was the Bristol O2 Academy… There was no way we were going to miss the opportunity to catch one of the most beloved and iconic names in British rock over the past twenty years. It was fairly obvious from the near capacity crowd that quite a few others in the city felt the same way.
Renowned for their live performances and Justin’s sense of fun and frivolity the crowd was a buzz awaiting the quartets appearance on stage.
Thundering out of the gates with the opening track off the new album “Welcome tae Glasgae”, and then powering, full throttle into “One Way Ticket” the bar and tempo was truly set for an epic evening.
The early part of the set, as you would expect, was heavily loaded with tracks from the new album, 4 of the first 8. And from reaction it appears the new album is on course to be as loved as 2003’s “Permission to land”. The crowd smiling, singing and jumping in time with title track “Motorheart” and “It’s Love Jim” in particular.
It was a mammoth size set, 19 songs (including the encore). The Darkness are always such great value for money. Not only in terms of how much music they cram into their live shows, but their overall performance and crowd interaction. Justin stopping the set multiple times to have fun with the crowd (even offering to charge their mobile phones for them), doing handstands or with some great self-deprecating humour. It’s impossible not to be charmed by Justin Hawkins (Lead vocals, lead/rhythm guitar), Dan Hawkins (rhythm & lead guitar, backing vocals), Frankie Poullain (Bass, backing vocals) and Rufus Tiger Taylor (drums, backing vocals).
And what is more the band looked like they were enjoying themselves. Poking fun at each other, the occasional sideways glance and smile, it was great to see from a band that have had their bad times as well as good.
The new album appears to have reignited a fire in the belly of the band. And that enthusiasm and need to perform was very evident from first note to last.
Of course, “I believe in a thing called love” was always going to be a special moment. Especially for those that hadn’t been able to see it performed live for so long. And Justin emphasised that with a genuine and heart felt plea for everyone to put their phones away and simply enjoying being in the moment and sing their hearts out. And boy did they sing….
The band left the stage to thunderous applause, whistles and chants of their name. Being December, everyone new / expected “Bells end” to be the encore, but when the band hadn’t reappeared for some time the crowd grew a little restless…. Surely that wasn’t it, surely The Darkness wouldn’t deny the crowd one of the greatest Christmas songs ever written?They needn’t have worried, the reason for the delayed return quickly become apparent as Rufus re-emerged dressed as a giant Christmas tree. Quickly followed by the rest of the band all in Christmas fancy dress. What followed was pure gold, I cant recall a crowd laughing and singing so loudly at the same time. Not least when poor Rufus fell backward of the drum kit and couldn’t get himself back up due to the costume. It really did feel like a special moment.
Thank you, Justin, Dan, Frankie and Rufus,. The Darkness are back….. oh and go download the new album it’s an absolute banger!
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