Legendary British rock band The Darkness are back with a brand-new album, Dreams On Toast, set for release in March 2025. Alongside this highly anticipated eighth studio album, the band has also announced a massive UK headline tour, culminating in a huge show at London’s OVO Arena Wembley on 29th March 2025. For long-time fans and new listeners alike, this promises to be a landmark moment in rock history.
Having seen The Darkness live twice before—once with Justin Hawkins soaring over the crowd on a zip wire and, more recently, riding a giant stuffed white tiger—I couldn’t be more thrilled to see them continue their larger-than-life performances. Their shows are a spectacle, full of spandex, theatrics, and, of course, Hawkins’ unmistakable falsetto.
New Single The Longest Kiss Out Now
The lead single from Dreams On Toast, titled ‘The Longest Kiss’, is already making waves. Released on 18th September 2024, the track is a pop-infused rock anthem that draws on influences from both Queen and Paul McCartney. With its catchy piano melody and upbeat tempo, it’s The Darkness at their flamboyant best. Frontman Justin Hawkins, ever the wordsmith, described the inspiration for the song in his typically quirky style: “I awakened to a vista in the delightful Scottish town of Nairn, locked in an unending embrace with my (mid)life partner. Weird that I can still sing, but that’s a testament to the resilience of humans, especially lead singers.”
Fans can listen to The Longest Kiss on all major streaming platforms now and experience that unmistakable Darkness sound, blending witty lyricism with undeniable rock energy.
Dreams On Toast – A Lavish Feast of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Following the success of their GRAMMY-nominated albums and a career that spans over two decades, Dreams On Toast is set to be another iconic addition to The Darkness’ catalogue. Frontman Justin Hawkins humorously commented on the album, saying: “We knuckled down and thought really hard about the best of the best, the elite songs, the life-changing music of the ages. Then we popped out a dozen bangers before lunch.”
This album is expected to feature some of their best work yet, including upbeat rock bangers and introspective anthems that showcase their unmistakable style. Fans can expect more of the bold, high-energy rock that made The Darkness famous, with Hawkins’ theatrical vocals and the band’s signature guitar riffs front and centre.
The Darkness UK Tour 2025 – Dates and Venues
In support of Dreams On Toast, The Darkness will embark on a 17-date UK headline tour in March 2025. The tour will feature support from Northern Irish indie-rock legends Ash, who first toured with The Darkness over 20 years ago during their breakthrough Permission to Land era. The tour is set to be one of the band’s biggest in years, with tickets expected to sell fast.
2025 UK Headline Tour Dates:
- 07/03 – Ipswich, Regent’s Theatre
- 08/03 – Oxford, New Theatre
- 09/03 – Swansea, Arena
- 11/03 – Guildford, G Live
- 12/03 – Hull, Connexin Arena
- 14/03 – Liverpool, Guild Of Students
- 15/03 – Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
- 17/03 – York, Barbican
- 18/03 – Edinburgh, Usher Hall
- 20/03 – Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall
- 21/03 – Newcastle, O2 City Hall
- 22/03 – Manchester, O2 Apollo
- 24/03 – Bristol, Beacon Theatre
- 25/03 – Portsmouth, Guildhall
- 27/03 – Leicester, De Montfort Hall
- 28/03 – Cambridge, Corn Exchange
- 29/03 – London, OVO Arena Wembley
For fans who want to secure their tickets early, pre-sales begin on Wednesday, 25th September, with general tickets going on sale at 10 AM, Friday, 27th September. VIP upgrades will also be available, giving fans the chance to meet the band or enjoy exclusive merchandise.
The Darkness Continue to Capture New Generations
More than 20 years after exploding onto the scene with their debut album Permission to Land and iconic hits like ‘I Believe In A Thing Called Love’, The Darkness continue to captivate audiences across the globe. Their ability to blend rock anthems with tongue-in-cheek humour has earned them a special place in British music history. Most recently, their hit I Believe In A Thing Called Love experienced a resurgence when Taylor Swift was spotted singing along to it at the US Open, propelling the song back up the charts and reminding the world why The Darkness are so beloved.
Pre-Order Dreams On Toast Now
Fans eager to get their hands on Dreams On Toast can pre-order the album now from The Darkness’ official website. By pre-ordering, you’ll gain access to the exclusive tour pre-sale, ensuring you don’t miss out on what promises to be a truly unforgettable tour.
Head to www.thedarknesslive.com for more details on the album, tour tickets, and VIP packages.
In an era of fleeting musical trends, The Darkness remain rock’s ultimate showmen, and with Dreams On Toast on the horizon, their legacy only grows stronger. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their eccentric brand of rock, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for The Darkness.
Photo Credit: Simon Emmett