The music of The Darkness is characterized by twin-guitar harmonies, driving riffs, and Justin Hawkins' signature use of falsetto. Lyrically, the band balances genuine emotion with a heavy dose of British wit, self-deprecation, and camp humor. Songs often tackle classic rock tropes—love, sex, and rock and roll—alongside absurd or mundane topics, such as the local physical education department in "Growing on Me."
In 2011, The Darkness announced their reunion with the original four-piece lineup. They made a triumphant return to the stage at the Download Festival and served as the opening act for Lady Gaga's "Born This Way Ball" European tour. The Darkness
The success of Permission to Land was consolidated at the 2004 Brit Awards, where the band won Best British Group, Best British Rock Act, and Best British Album. They quickly became one of the most prominent live acts in the world, known for Justin's habit of riding through the crowd on the shoulders of a security guard or a giant suspended platform while playing guitar. The music of The Darkness is characterized by
The band was formed after Dan Hawkins saw his brother Justin perform a spectacular karaoke rendition of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" on New Year's Eve 1999. Recognizing Justin's incredible vocal range and natural showmanship, they formed The Darkness with bassist Frankie Poullain and drummer Ed Graham. They made a triumphant return to the stage
Their comeback album, Hot Cakes , was released in 2012 to positive reviews, proving that their signature sound still had an audience. Though drummer Ed Graham left the band again in 2014 due to health issues, he was eventually replaced in 2015 by Rufus Tiger Taylor—the son of legendary Queen drummer Roger Taylor. Taylor's powerful drumming injected fresh energy into the band.
In an era dominated by the stripped-down garage rock revival of The Strokes and the melancholy indie sounds of Coldplay, The Darkness offered a stark, theatrical contrast. They embraced the excesses of 1970s glam and hard rock, drawing heavy influence from Queen, AC/DC, Aerosmith, and Thin Lizzy.
The Darkness has remained highly prolific in the years since, releasing a steady stream of albums including Last of Our Kind (2015), Pinewood Smile (2017), Easter Is Cancelled (2019), and Motorheart (2021). Musical Style and Legacy