The Darkness - Adelaide, 12th May 2012
Words: Rob Lyon
Fuck yeah! The Darkness made a grand return to Adelaide, and played what maybe one of the gigs of the year. Bringing the original line up to town, featuring the infamous Justin Hawkins (vocals and guitar) and his brother Dan (guitar), Ed Graham (drums) and Frankie Poullain (bass), the band gave it their all, proving there still is plenty of life left in this beast.
Adelaide wasn’t originally on the schedule, but power to the people and sticking it to the man made enough noise that promoters had a change of heart and make this fair ‘ole city the last stop on the tour. There is very little shadow of a doubt that punters left disappointed, with many saying that they were even better than last time round.
It seemed appropriate that the lead in music was The Boys Are Back In Town by Thin Lizzy and indeed they were. The lights dropped, The Darkness banner appeared and the crowd let out an almighty roar for the band as they took to the stage. Opening with Black Shuck it was game on, setting the tone for the rest of the set. The sound mix was a bit on the average side early on, but you would hardly know given the intensity of the performance right from the get go. Justin’s scissor kick off the drums was pretty darn impressive.
Adelaide wasn’t originally on the schedule, but power to the people and sticking it to the man made enough noise that promoters had a change of heart and make this fair ‘ole city the last stop on the tour. There is very little shadow of a doubt that punters left disappointed, with many saying that they were even better than last time round.
It seemed appropriate that the lead in music was The Boys Are Back In Town by Thin Lizzy and indeed they were. The lights dropped, The Darkness banner appeared and the crowd let out an almighty roar for the band as they took to the stage. Opening with Black Shuck it was game on, setting the tone for the rest of the set. The sound mix was a bit on the average side early on, but you would hardly know given the intensity of the performance right from the get go. Justin’s scissor kick off the drums was pretty darn impressive.
The crowd adulation continued with Growing On Me, with most singing the words and luckily enough, there were still plenty of big guns left in the armoury. Hawkins first words to the crowd was “Give me a D, give me an Arkness” before ripping in to The Best Of Me. The mid song high five between brothers Justin and Dan was gold.
There was definitely a good time, Saturday night party vibe in the room, prompting the reply from Hawkins “You guys are a lot of fun.” The next tune was another oldie featuring the bass brilliance of Frankie on One Way Ticket and he did relish the limelight. There is definitely a statement of intent in the new single Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us, with the band kicking it up a notch.
“Do you like being called Radelaide?” was met with a big cheer, followed by knickers (complete with a contact number), a wig and other items of clothing being thrown up on stage. Hawkins seemed quite interested in the pink knickers, stating the next one is Get Your Hands Off My Knickers MF. There’s nothing like some choice language to get the crowd going. Hawkins was again impressive with his gymnastics, going in to a hand stand, then tapping the beat with his feet for some thirty seconds or so. There was no let up with intensity, playing another new songs Can’t Believe It’s Not Love (Out Of This World) before backing off the pace with the Hawkins solo offering Holding My Own assisted by the crowd singing along.
The hands were held in the air, waving side to side during Love Is Only A Feeling, then the band previewed another new song, Concrete, from the forthcoming album Hot Cakes, due in August. Friday Night and Every Inch Of You were superb, followed by a costume change and coming back sporting a body muscle. The Radiohead cover Street Spirit is almost a staple in the set list these days, then another new song With A Woman. Yikes that was good!
There was definitely a good time, Saturday night party vibe in the room, prompting the reply from Hawkins “You guys are a lot of fun.” The next tune was another oldie featuring the bass brilliance of Frankie on One Way Ticket and he did relish the limelight. There is definitely a statement of intent in the new single Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us, with the band kicking it up a notch.
“Do you like being called Radelaide?” was met with a big cheer, followed by knickers (complete with a contact number), a wig and other items of clothing being thrown up on stage. Hawkins seemed quite interested in the pink knickers, stating the next one is Get Your Hands Off My Knickers MF. There’s nothing like some choice language to get the crowd going. Hawkins was again impressive with his gymnastics, going in to a hand stand, then tapping the beat with his feet for some thirty seconds or so. There was no let up with intensity, playing another new songs Can’t Believe It’s Not Love (Out Of This World) before backing off the pace with the Hawkins solo offering Holding My Own assisted by the crowd singing along.
The hands were held in the air, waving side to side during Love Is Only A Feeling, then the band previewed another new song, Concrete, from the forthcoming album Hot Cakes, due in August. Friday Night and Every Inch Of You were superb, followed by a costume change and coming back sporting a body muscle. The Radiohead cover Street Spirit is almost a staple in the set list these days, then another new song With A Woman. Yikes that was good!
There was almost a catastrophe with Hawkins pulling his nipple ring, but he did respond to the crowd saying he was OK, giving the all clear. There was much appreciation from the band with Hawkins thanking the crowd again for making this show fun. The big guns came out to finish the set with Givin’ Up, Stuck In A Rut and I Believe In A Thing Called Love.
It was surprising that these weren’t left for the encore but when they returned, they got rockin’ again with Hazel Eyes. When Hawkins said this was the last song Love On The Rocks With No Ice , there were a few boos of disappointment, prompting Hawkins to respond that they will be back once they’ve taken care of business in the United States (touring with Lady Gaga) and to look forward to their new album, “packed to the top with mega hits”, due in August. The last song did drag out a little too long with some unnecessary crowd participation but still the gig was virtually flawless and one of the best in 2012.
Hats off the band for taking time out to meet fans in the early hours of Sunday morning, posing for photos and signing autographs, capping off what was a top night. Fingers crossed that The Darkness make good on their promise to return later this year.
It was surprising that these weren’t left for the encore but when they returned, they got rockin’ again with Hazel Eyes. When Hawkins said this was the last song Love On The Rocks With No Ice , there were a few boos of disappointment, prompting Hawkins to respond that they will be back once they’ve taken care of business in the United States (touring with Lady Gaga) and to look forward to their new album, “packed to the top with mega hits”, due in August. The last song did drag out a little too long with some unnecessary crowd participation but still the gig was virtually flawless and one of the best in 2012.
Hats off the band for taking time out to meet fans in the early hours of Sunday morning, posing for photos and signing autographs, capping off what was a top night. Fingers crossed that The Darkness make good on their promise to return later this year.