The Darkness
22nd October 2022
Powerstation, Auckland, New Zealand
Review by Rene Black, photography by Doug Peters.
Having followed front man Justin Hawkins youtube channel religiously over the past six months, I was excited to witness The Darkness in all of their bombastic glory on this, their third New Zealand tour to date in such an intimate and reasonably small setting.
Starting off the night were local band Mini Simmons who delivered a insanely catchy, psychedelic-trip that reminded me of San Francisco vibes, late 60s early 70s retro goodness – with a charismatic lead vocalist who held elements of a young Mick Jagger/Jim Morrison with a great voice to boot. Great musicianship all round with some excellent harmonies and an eye for that retro style visually, these guys won the crowd over and were an excellent group to warm up the sardine packed venue.
As the band we were all there to see emerged on stage to this sold out frenzied Powerstation you could literally feel the electricity in the air as they launched into an incredibly tight, dazzling and unforgettable performance.
Justin Hawkins is such a personable, charismatic, funny and humble front man who effortlessly commands the appreciative crowd who were literally eating out of his hands, complete with witty banter and a true sense that this man just loves his job. Soaring vocals and stunning guitar solos, solidifying himself as the classic English front man, resplendent with call and response vocals to the adoring crowd and an unexpected ‘headstand footclap’ – something that needed to be witnessed.
Backed by his younger brother Dan Hawkins on rhythm guitar, adding a heaviness and crunch to this stunning performance. Frankie Poullain donning his signature sun visor and billowing afro held down his solid bass duties like a boss, while drummer Ryfus Tiger Taylor (son of Queen drummer Roger Taylor) delivered a spirited and enthusiastic performance with a drum sound that needed to be heard to be believed .
Delivering all of the classics from ‘I Believe In A Thing Called Love’ to my personal favourite of the night, ‘Love Is Only A Feeling’, The Darkness delivered nearly the entirely of their first album while surprising me with some much heavier elements musically than I was expecting.
This was a stadium quality show backed by a brilliant light show, drenched in pure professionalism and laced with undeniable passion. If we are graced with another show from The Darkness in the future you need to be there. It was an incredible and unforgettable night that will be remembered by all who were there.
Were you there at the Powerstation for this comedy-tinged metal gig? Or have you seen The Darkness perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Setlist:
- Motorheart
- Black Shuck
- Growing on Me
- Welcome Tae Glasgae
- One Way Ticket
- It’s Love, Jim
- Givin’ Up
- Heart Explodes
- Barbarian
- Love Is Only a Feeling
- Friday Night
- Japanese Prisoner of Love
- Solid Gold
- Get Your Hands Off My Woman
- I Believe in a Thing Called Love
- Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End) [encore]
- Love on the Rocks With No Ice [encore]
Note: Ambient Light was provided passes to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only. This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase a product using an affiliate link, Ambient Light will automatically receive a small commission at no cost to you.
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I’ve been following ‘Justin Hawkins rides again’ also, great channel. Guttered I missed the show but will be keeping an eye out for the next one.