From the moment The Darkness stormed the stage, it was clear that this was going to be a night of pure rock and roll chaos. Opening with “Rock and Roll Party Cowboy”, the band set the tone for the evening, delivering a raucous, energetic performance that was impossible to resist. Justin Hawkins, now embracing a new image for the band, was clad in a sharp suit and cowboy boots, looking every bit the "rock and roll party cowboy" as he commanded the stage. By the end of the show, he was shirtless, flaunting his tattooed physique and continuing his wild antics, jumping and strutting like the showman he is. His electrifying presence was matched by his bandmates—Dan Hawkins on guitar, Frankie B on bass, and Rufus on drums—who delivered tight, blistering performances all night long.

The setlist expertly balanced fan favorites with new tracks. The crowd were of course wildly happy with songs like “Growing on Me”, “Get Your Hands Off My Woman”, and “I Believe in a Thing Called Love”, which had everyone singing along at the top of their lungs. But the newer material, including “I Hate Myself” and “Mortal Dread”, was just as engaging. Justin was very keen to get the crowd involved in some marching choreography as they played my personal favourite from the new album “Walking Through Fire”. But one of the night’s standout moments came with “My Only”, which saw Rufus ’Tiger’ Taylor step out from behind the drum kit and take the lead on vocals. This track was especially heartwarming, as the song was a heartfelt tribute to his beloved dog, The Don. As Rufus sang the emotional lyrics, a giant screen behind him displayed images of The Don, creating a beautiful and personal moment in an otherwise high-energy show. The crowd was completely on board, embracing the love and warmth that Rufus shared with them in this tender, yet rock-tinged tribute to his furry friend.

As always, The Darkness kept the atmosphere light-hearted and fun, with the band’s playful antics shining through. One of the most memorable and humorous moments was a spontaneous improvised song “Merch Desk”, where Justin encouraged the audience to visit the merch desk and buy a lanyard (with Album download code including extra content) for FIVE ENGLISH POUNDS. It was just one example of the band’s knack for creating an interactive experience that feels like a private joke shared between them and the crowd.

Even in a seated venue like the Regent Theatre, The Darkness ensured that no one stayed in their seat for long. The crowd was on their feet throughout the performance, waving their arms, jumping, and singing along with every word. The band’s ability to connect with the audience remains one of their greatest strengths, and it was evident that this night was a celebration of their enduring appeal.

The encore, which included “Weekend in Rome” and “Love on the Rocks With No Ice”, was the perfect way to close out the show. The band took a playful mid-song break for a roll call of each member, making the whole performance feel like one big, raucous celebration of everything The Darkness stand for—rock and roll, humor, and a deep connection to their fans.

The Ipswich show was a testament to The Darkness’ ability to combine old-school glam rock energy with fresh, exciting material, and the crowd’s enthusiasm was a clear reflection of how much the band’s live shows are still as thrilling and dynamic as ever. With Dreams On Toast just around the corner, it’s clear that The Darkness are not only keeping the flame of rock and roll alive but are also continuing to evolve in ways that promise even more memorable performances in the future. It was an unforgettable night that left the crowd buzzing with excitement, eagerly awaiting the next chance to see this electrifying band perform live.