March 29, 2025

The Darkness gears up for new album ‘Dreams on Toast’ and US tour

Justin Hawkins, the lead singer of The Darkness, recently spoke on BBC Radio 2's Tracks of My Years about how Johnny Nash's music helped shape his sound. He praised Nash’s unique songwriting, especially his use of diminished chords—something rarely heard in pop music at the time. Hawkins called Nash "one of the all-time greats" and said Nash’s album There Are More Questions Than Answers had a lasting impact on him.
The Darkness

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The Darkness
The Darkness
Followers: 460.8K

Formed in 2000 in Lowestoft, England, The Darkness is a hard rock band consisting of Justin Hawkins (vocals, guitar), Dan Hawkins (guitar), Frankie Poullain (bass), and Rufus Tiger Taylor (drums). They gained popularity with the release of their first album, Permission to Land, in 2003. The album, which included hit singles such as "I Believe in a Thing Called Love", "Growing on Me", "Get Your Hands off My Woman", and "Love Is Only a Feeling", became quadruple platinum in the UK, selling over 1.3 million copies. 

This content adapted from the Wikipedia page The Darkness (band), licensed via CC BY-SA. Content retrieved was modified to fit the context and style of this story.
New album ‘Dreams on Toast’ out March 28
The Darkness is set to release their eighth studio album Dreams on Toast on March 28. The album was produced by guitarist Dan Hawkins and is now available for pre-order. Known for their mix of theatrical flair and hard rock energy, the band promises that this new album will bring both fresh sounds and the familiar fun fans have come to expect.
Touring the UK and looking toward the US
To support the new album, The Darkness is currently on a UK tour that ends with a big show at London’s OVO Wembley Arena on March 29. They’re joined by indie rock group Ash, who last toured with The Darkness over 20 years ago. The band has always enjoyed playing live and is known for delivering high-energy shows with both powerful anthems and softer moments.
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After all of these years, you still don't know me. You don't know my relationship with music.

Frankie Poullain
www.theaquarian.com
Plans for US shows and a new single
Although The Darkness hasn’t had major success in the US, the band is excited about their latest single, "Walking Through Fire." They’re planning shows in the United States, including stops in New Jersey and New York. Bassist Frankie Poullain said the band looks forward to giving fans a more personal experience at smaller venues. He also shared that the band enjoys the music history of the Northeast and is eager to return.
A band that still knows how to entertain
The Darkness has always stood out for their mix of humor, energy, and bold rock sound. While many know them for hits like "I Believe in a Thing Called Love," the band continues to evolve without losing their unique style.

Known for their fun and high-energy live shows, The Darkness promises a mix of old favorites and new songs on tour. As they gear up for US dates, the band proves they’re still going strong, delivering powerful music and memorable performances.

Walking Through Fire, "We never stopped making hit albums. It's just no one buys them anymore.

Justin Hawkins
www.theaquarian.com
Wikipedia
Justin Hawkins
Justin Hawkins

English musician, singer and songwriter, best known for being the lead singer and lead guitarist of the Darkness. Heavily influenced by classic rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s

“When I was a kid, all I wanted to do was play solos and I didn’t think about the theory side of it,” said Hawkins. “Because I think the best way to learn is to listen to the records that you love and then play along to them.”

Justin Hawkins
www.yahoo.com
Wikipedia
Dan Hawkins
Dan Hawkins

Daniel Francis Hawkins is an English guitarist, best known as a guitarist and backing singer of the rock band the Darkness. The band, founded and fronted by his older brother Justin Hawkins,