The Darkness - Motorheart Tour
The Darkness at Webster Hall - April 18th, 2022
If you’ve seen the music video for “I Believe In A Thing Called Love”, then you understand The Darkness. It’s not complicated, nor should it be. It’s not a parody, though at times it almost could be. I’d never dare consider them a one-hit wonder, but the sensational single off of their 2003 debut Permission to Land is an exceptional encapsulation of what they do best. The band’s approach to performing it shows who they are almost 20 years later.
Screaming guitars, soaring vocals, the embodiment of the prototypical bass player, and a skilled drummer descended from the epitome of rock royalty - perfect pieces for a delightfully fun night. After blasting through a career spanning set chock full of every staple behavior, sound, and attitude you could dream of from a hard rock band; The Darkness gives a customary good night before quickly exiting the stage. They’ve yet to play their aforementioned mega-hit.
The encore has become a tacky custom. Once reserved as the ultimate reward for a zealous crowd, the practice has devolved into a routine ritual where the band hides behind their amplifiers for a minute or two before returning to play a conspicuously omitted hit. It’s especially egregious when said hit happens to be a group’s most popular song - and yet it’s become so commonplace that it might have felt like a letdown had The Darkness not observed this tradition. The iconic riff begins and as if by obligation every phone appears in hand to capture the occurrence. The room feels unexpectedly inhibited in contrast to the lively affair it has been all night. Just before hitting the first verse, the band abruptly halts.
“What the FUCK??!” Justin Hawkins timidly mimicks the posture of holding a phone to film, “Is that how you want your fucking night to end?!”. The crowd sheepishly murmurs as he continues, “Who the fuck are you filming this for? For the people who didn’t come? For the people who didn’t buy a ticket or find a way to get down here? They’re not here, but you are… let’s fucking enjoy this one just for us, whatta say?!”
Phones are set aside, fun resumes, the show ends in a triumphant climax.
The most practical reason to read a review is to evaluate if the subject is worth one’s time to experience themselves. The Darkness know who they are, they know what they do best, and they are unquestionably committed to delivering the experience of a great fucking time - What more do you need to know?
Justin Hawkins - Vocals, Guitar, & Keyboards
Dan Hawkins - Guitar & Backing Vocals
Dan Hawkins - Bass & Backing Vocals
Rufus Tiger Taylor - Drums & Backing Vocals
Full setlist available here.
