Walking through Wembley Park down towards the OVO Arena, a sea of people sprinkled with leather jackets, velvet bootcut trousers, Dr Martens and animal print. Had our reviewer been transported to the 1970s? Uncertain. But, one thing was for certain, and that was The Darkness were playing a sold out show at Londons’ Wembley Arena.

Ash began the show as support and did well to remind the audience why they are still household names of pop-punk and rock. One might argue that the style of music from the Northern Irish originating band was a strange combination to the classic rock influenced headliner, but that didn’t matter in this case. Evident from the crowds enjoyment, a mixture of original fans of Ash and those who’d never heard of them, the three-piece band did a solid job of warming up the already packed arena. This achieved through their setlist mainly focusing on their earlier work, and even a cover of Harry Belafonte’s Jump In Line to get the crowd quite literally jumping and ready for the main act.

The beauty of The Darkness having the ability to master the nostalgia of classic rock and roll means that even their new songs feel like they’ve been playing them for years. This is a particularly impressive, given that at the time of their London show, their latest album, Dreams on Toast, had only been out for a day.

Listening to the new album, it begins with a kick the door down riff to cement a solid start within the album, courtesy of the opening song, Rock and Roll Party Cowboy. One can’t help but listen to the song and think it would be a brilliant show opener. So, it was the perfect start to the Wembley Arena show to be softly lifted up by the ethereal notes of ABBAs Arrival, followed by that very same riff from the new albums opener.

Fans old and new of The Darkness were treated to a curated setlist of the bands best songs from the new album, dotted throughout their greatest hits. But if a fan wanted that experience, they could listen to the band at home on shuffle. So, The Darkness made sure the crowd got their moneys worth.

The set was simple. No large set pieces, additional walls, curtains etc.. The stage was simply as is, with a screen background of  “The Darkness” signature logo at the back. This screen however would change design throughout that show, a different aesthetic between songs. One song would display an seemingly AC/DC inspired fire and flames style, whilst another would give a more black and white vintage television aesthetic, with live footage of the band members from different and deliberately wonky angles to give the impression of CCTV – the latter being a particularly nice touch. These stylistic changes would also be combined with displays of shooting sparks and flames from the stage.

This combined with the electric energy from the band proved for an incredible performance. Speaking to fans after the show, one gentleman said “That was brilliant, makes me want to go home and play!”. A statement hard to disagree with after watching over an hour of Justin Hawkins quite literally sprint back and forth across the stage during guitar solos, to initiating an on-the-spot, choreographed march for Walking Through Fire.

Given the cancellation of recent shows due to Justins’ chest infection, it made his performance and range all the more impressive, and attending the show a more appreciated experience than before for the fans.

The shows energy was contagious and without a doubt seamlessly entertaining. From a passionate rant from Justin about another band and their banjo player, to headstands and clapping with his legs, to teasing “our most popular song”. Only for Justin to begin singing the opening verse of Christmas Time. Good one, lads.

Ultimately, whether you’re a long time fan or only appreciate the hits, The Darkness put on a cohesive and explosive show to keep even the mildest of fans entertained.

Photos and review by Ellie Albone