DREAMS ON TOAST, GUITARS ON FIRE: THE DARKNESS REIGNITE LA’S LOVE FOR ROCK
I’ve been waiting months for this night — The Darkness live at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. The band is currently out on their Dreams on Toast tour, and from the moment the lights dimmed, the energy inside the venue was nothing short of electric.
Like many fans, I first discovered The Darkness back in 2004 with their breakout album Permission to Land. That record was a game-changer, complete with over-the-top vocals, infectious riffs, and unapologetic fun. Hearing those songs live again brought me right back to the moment I first fell in love with their sound.
When they launched into Growing on Me, one of my favorite songs of all time, it was pure magic. The crowd sang every word, and I was lucky enough to capture that moment through my lens. Justin Hawkins’ signature falsetto soared effortlessly while the rest of the band played with the same flamboyant energy that made them legends in the first place.
Each track carried that same swagger and theatrical charm that only they can deliver. Their blend of humor, showmanship, and rock ’n’ roll heart made for an unforgettable experience. From the soaring riffs to Justin Hawkins’ playful banter with the crowd, every moment felt alive and unpredictable. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, feeding off the audience’s energy and amplifying it with every song. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone in the room why live music still matters.
The Darkness left The Wiltern glowing with the kind of wild, electric energy that only comes from a band born to perform, loud, unapologetic, and gloriously over the top. Every note felt like a wink to the crowd, a reminder that rock can still be fun, flamboyant, and fearless. From the first chord to the final bow, The Darkness commanded the stage with effortless charisma and a contagious sense of joy. Nights like this prove that actual performers never fade — they keep finding new ways to set the room on fire.
