The Darkness Serves Up ‘Dreams on Toast’ at the Old Egyptian
By Cornelius Mitchley | september 17, 2025
As the lights dimmed, the sound of ABBA’s ‘Arrival’ slowly intensified over the sound system, the crowd’s cheers grew louder and louder, finally Dan, Rufus, Justin, and Frankie hitting the stage with their new electrifying opener – ‘Rock and Roll Party Cowboy’ from their latest album, ‘Dreams on Toast’.
The Darkness hold a special place in my heart, having been a fan for 20+ years. I wasn’t convinced about the opening song and how it would bode with purist fans. Much to my joy, I loved it, and by the sound of the screaming and singing along happening behind me, the fans did too. Having an expansive discography as they do, the band made sure not to forget the originals that the world loved so much. Songs two and three were ‘Get Your Hands Off My Woman’ and ‘Growing On Me’. By this point, the crowd was warmed up and truly belting along as the band delivered an unmatched performance. Justin Hawkins, the frontman of The Darkness, charismatically bounded across the stage, sporting his signature whites and a cowboy hat for the first part of the show. He belted his way through the night, hitting the high notes, commanding the quiet moments when he took the time to engage with the crowd between songs, and flawlessly shredding solos on his expansive collection of custom Atkin guitars. While Justin has been performing for over 25 years at such high intensity, it is clear that there is no slowing down in sight; age is merely a number!
As the night continued, the setlist included old and new music:
Mortal Dread
Motorheart
Walking Through Fire (which commanded full crowd participation!)
Barbarian
Love Is Only A Feeling
Givin’ Up
My Only (Performed by Rufus on vocals, who stepped away from the drums for this)
Heart Explodes
*Creep* (a shortened cover by Radiohead)
The Longest Kiss
Friday Night
Japanese Prisoner of Love
I Believe In A Thing Called Love
*Sweet Child O’ Mine* (performed by Tory Mercardo from the floor section as a crowd participant)
I Hate Myself (ENCORE)
Dan Hawkins on guitar, NOT sporting a Thin Lizzy shirt (for a change), complemented Justin effortlessly, absolutely slaying his solos and harmonising with backing vocals. The ever-so-suave Frankie Poullain, commanding a stage presence like no other, with his custom-fit suit and rocking an epic moustache, played from the shadows, stepping out from time to time with his quintessential smooth-as-can-be grandeur, plucking those bass strings, so as to make you feel each note. Rufus on drums, shirtless, naturally, kept the band in time, only taking a short time away from the kit to perform ‘My Only’, what an incredible voice!
It was truly a privilege to photograph The Darkness, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Many thanks to The Darkness’ touring agent for the opportunity, the venue, and my publication for enabling this night!
Cornelius Mitchley is a Photojournalist for our publication, see more of his work here
