UK rockers The Darkness ignited Emo’s on Saturday, November 8, 2025, and left the place ablaze.
Opener Mark Daly supported the band on every show this tour, and the Irish blues-rock enthusiast got the South Texas crowd hyped. With sufficient charisma to preface Justin Hawkins – no easy feat – Daly illuminated the sizeable Austin crowd in just 45 minutes.
“We love playing in America, because you get to the show and rock out for the opener, not just smoke outside and then finally trickle in for the headliner!” Daly shouted as the audience roared.
Supporting their March 28th release, “Dreams on Toast,” The Darkness took the stage for more than an hour and a half, interspersing new cuts and fan favorites. The energy never lulled, of course.
With the band’s legendary reputation for high-octane, rock ‘n’ roll energy, The Darkness did not disappoint.
“It was kickass,” said long-time fan and self-proclaimed record geek, Chad Van Wagner. “This is my first time seeing them after following them for so long, and I’m glad they’re still just as incredible live.”
Opening with the aptly-titled “Rock and Roll Party Cowboy” off their newest album, the Texas crowd immediately began to scream and jump. Hawkins arrived at the mic with a cowboy-esque hat, and each of the band’s members emitted their signature effortless cool.
Both singer Justin Hawkins and brother Dan Hawkins pranced around the stage and shredded on their electric guitars like nobody’s business.
“I’m a new fan, but I really enjoyed the energy. Reminded me of Queen and Zeppelin, The Darkness rock with the best of them!” said Tracy Joseph Bogert.
The band ended their set with their biggest hit, “I Believe in a Thing Called Love,” before returning for a 3-song encore.
For Texans still wanting to catch The Darkness, the band plays in Dallas tonight, Sunday, November 9, at The Echo Lounge & Music Hall.
