The Darkness / Rock City / Nottingham
Its another trip into Nottingham, and to our favourite venue Rock City, this time to see the maestros of entertaining glam rock The Darkness, as they re-visit their classic debut album “Permission to Land” on it’s 20th anniversary. This is actually their second visit to Rock City in a week, with the original run of nine dates all selling out, an extra set of six dates was added, with second shows in Nottingham and London.
I’ve not seen Rock City so busy for the support act, with many fans turning up early as Bad Nerves hit the stage. Hailing from London, Bad Nerves was formed in 2016 and has developed a strong following on the London punk scene with their explosive live performances.
A band riding the crest of the new wave of punk in the UK, they play a style that has an old school US punk feel to it (think Ramones) mixed with some rock, with some blazing riffs and ferocious drum beats. As is usual with punk, they have a rebellious edge to them and an energetic stage presence.
Bad Nerves are Bobby Nerves (vocals), Will Power(guitar), Jon Poulten (bass), George Berry (guitar), and Sam Morley (drums). Sonically they gel together so well, and their sound is tight and precise with pounding bass lines backing up the crisp guitar riffs, all underpinned by some solid beats from Sam. Bobby s vocals are great. Perhaps less angry and raw to many punk acts, it acts as a great balance to their sound.
An electric set from start to finish with some stand out killer tracks. After opened Don’t Stop we get Baby Drummer which ups the tempo with its punchy rhythm. The Rock City crowd may be here for The Darkness but they are clearly enjoying this too as the crowd are jumping about already.
Perhaps my track of the set was Terminal Boy which is fast and powerful, with tight riffs from both guitars giving the track an added depth, over which Bobbys vocals glide effortlessly. The track Can’t Be Mine really demonstrates the power of Bobbys vocals. Here the vocals become more dominant in the mix and the full character of his voice are on show especially in the catchy chorus sections.
I was really surprised how good Bad Nerves were. Its not hardcore punk like Jesus Piece, or the wild style of IDLES, but somehow softer, more embracing (to a wider audience) and yet, somehow just as powerful. Brilliant stuff, and a great set up for the main act to follow.
Chance to grab a drink and we’re back at the pit ready for the entrance of The Darkness. Its hard to believe that is 20 years since their iconic debut album “Permission to Land” was released way back in 2003. The album that introduced us to the classic hits I Believe in a Thing Called Love and Growing on Me, songs that are as popular today as ever. That was followed in 2005 by the follow up release “One Way Ticket to Hell… and Back”. The success continued and a string of hit albums.
Of course, extrovert frontman Justin Hawkins is familiar to us all and he is joined by brother Justin Hawkins on guitar. On stage it’s hard to believe they are brothers, for all of Justin’s flamboyance, Justin is quiet and subtly dressed in classic rock style, in jeans, Thin Lizzy t-shirt and leather jacket. Don’t let this appearance fool you, Justin is the engine, the heart beat of The Darkness sound. An exceptional guitar player he delivers the powerful riffs and hook so iconic in their sound.
On bass we have Frankie Poullain, with his extravagant sparkling purple suit glistening in the lights and dark shades. Frankie is cool and collected and dishes out the delicious basslines that give the songs their catchy groove.
And finally we have Rufus Taylor on drums. Rufus has power and pace and bashes out some intense and energetic beats.
The crowd erupt as the boys hit the stage and they dive straight into the opening track Black Shuck which of course is also the first song on debut album “Permission to Land” and instantly it has the whole floor bouncing as the crowd jump around right from the off. Justin is leaping round the stage in his iconic bright red and black catsuit, open to the naval (Freddie style). He dominates the stage with his presence and is a mesmerising frontman.
As soon as Get Your Hands off my Woman starts up, Justin calls a halt and points out the phones in the audience. We’re reminded that we’re here to have a party and enjoy the experience, and Justin lists his four reasons why the crowd shouldn’t film it, in a light hearted and engaging way, with the crowd cheering along. Before restarting, Justin walks along the line of photographers commenting and complimenting (or not lol) on our choice of jackets ! And once again we’re off !
Next up we have Growing on Me and Justin is don and standing on the barrier. He hands the mic back to the crew and drops elegantly onto a sea of waiting hands, which proceed to carry him off round the four corners of the room. Justin is lying back, arms and legs spread, relishing the journey with a huge grin on his face, before being delivered back to the pit, and the waiting arms of security, for who Justin has a huge hug to say thank you for the soft landing.
Best of Me and Love is only a Feeling are brilliantly delivered, full of passion and power. Rock City is packed to the gills for a second night and it’s easy to see why. The Darkness are on fire.
About half way through, we enjoy a brilliant cover of the Radiohead track Street Spirit (Fade Out) which was on their 2012 album “Hot Cakes”.
As the main set draws to a close, there’s only one way it can end…. First there’s the unmistakable drum roll followed by guitar riff that welcomes in Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End). What a climax, as the crowd take over and as one sing along to the lyrics. Its an incredible sight. Its powerful and full of joy. Can it get any better ?
Well, of course it can, as one of the all time greatest guitar riffs bursts into life and the hall is jumping to the tones of I Believe in a Thing Called Love. Everyone joins in the chorus and attempt the high notes lol. The atmosphere is just incredible and somehow audience and band are one.
After such a high., we can’t leave it there, and The Darkness return for a two song encore. First we get I Love You Five Times which sees the band members all swap roles, with Frankine taking up the acoustic guitar, while Dan sat at the drums, and a tech/crew member joining on keyboards.
You never want an evening like this to end, but all good things come to an end eventually, and finally we get the classic track Love on the Rocks With No Ice once again from the “Permission to Land” album. A classic rock beat, the place is jumping again, arms in the air with it’s AC/DC like power and energy.
“Permission to Land” may be 20 years old, but on tonight’s showing, The Darkness are just as popular now as ever, and their debut remains an iconic live experience. A stunning might that left the crowd with grins from ear to ear.
Top night !
