Written by Michelle Sy | November 13, 2025

Photos by Michelle Sy

San Fransisco - Hailing from Lowestoft, England, iconic 2000s rock band The Darkness sold out SF’s Fillmore last Thursday, November 13. The show came at the tail end of their North American tour before the band embarks on their Australian leg. It also celebrated their most recent album, Dreams on Toast — a name that quite literally depicts the band’s attitude towards their fame and musical journey.

The Darkness is composed of lead singer and guitarist Justin Hawkins, guitarist Dan Hawkins, bassist Frankie Poullain, and drummer Rufus Tiger Taylor. They officially came into the scene in 2003 with their debut album Permission to Land, and have created a strong following since; sometimes even referred to as the “greatest rock band in the world.”

The Darkness’ theatrical flair sets them apart in the sphere of rock, which was emulated by some of the outfit choices of the band. Justin came out in a white dress shirt which had a Shakespearean play vibe, and Frankie was dressed in a classy velvet green suit jacket. They exuded a timeless sense of style and swagger that accurately describes their approach to music and live performances. In fact, they are known for putting on unforgettable shows full of energy, charisma, and humor.

Some describe the band as “glam rock” — a sub-genre that pokes fun at regular rock bands taking themselves too seriously. Their opening song, “Rock and Roll Party Cowboy,” was an upbeat, head-banging tune with sardonic lyrics like “Harley Davidson / yes, please / Zippo lighter / Marlboro Reds.” Setting the atmosphere of the night, the band went full-force on the instrumentals with heavy drums, guitar, and bass as soon as they stepped on stage. They also did not hesitate to bring the energy. Running back and forth while shredding the guitar, the band members were putting up quite the challenge for photographers in the pit scrambling to get the perfect shot. Still, it’s refreshing to see artists get just as caught up in the music as everyone else — everyone has fun when the band does too.

Justin Hawkins, as the band’s front man, significantly contributes to their reputation as a theatrical and dynamic live act. He showcased his range, comfortably shifting between angsty 2000s screaming vocals, falsetto, and dramatic vibrato. Their third song, “Get Your Hands off my Woman,” illustrates this perfectly — a period piece with its crude and scathing lyrics. Only a few songs later, the audience was serenaded by the slightly slower “Love is Only a Feeling”, which features an addictive chorus melody. During “Givin’ Up” Justin then requested some audience participation, inviting fans to sing along to parts of the song.

When taking a look at the audience, there was no clear demographic in attendance. Kids and middle-aged folks alike were head-banging and soaking in the set. It’s the hallmark of The Darkness’ legacy: making music that can be enjoyed by anyone and anytime, even if it’s 22 years later. There aren’t many bands who can do what they do. The fact that they have continued to pump out music and try new sounds, yet still stay true to their roots, is impressive.

Perhaps the band’s earlier origin is what continues to create such an immersive and entertaining concert experience. At one point, Justin instructed the crowd to put their phones away. “Let’s please enjoy this one with no phones, okay?” he announced. Enraptured and in agreement, the crowd cheered, sang, and screamed throughout the next song. No screens. No videos. Just in the moment. It’s a callback to what concerts used to be like, but also a reminder that even in 2025 people can still live it like it’s 2003.

“I didn’t know the songs at all, but they made it feel like I didn’t really need to know the songs, which is pretty cool,” one concert attendee noted after the show — summarizing The Darkness very well. Enjoying their live performances does not require knowledge of their discography or even rock. It simply requires a desire to hear some really great music.