The Darkness @ Phoenix Concert Theatre – 02/01/12

The Darkness w/ Foxy Shazam The Phoenix February 1st, 2012
Well do you remember The Darkness? They had a fairly fleeting relationship with America, based largely off their hit single ʻI Believe In A Thing Called Loveʼ. Between then and now the band released a follow up record which did not do very well, as well as lead singer Justin Hawkins battling substance abuse and cleaning up. So here we are 7 years later, wondering just how relevant a tribute to 70ʼs arena rock can still manage to be.

Opening with the aggressive strains of ʻBlack Shuckʼ they quickly put to rest any lingering doubts that anyone in the audience may have had. Frontman Justin Hawkins quickly took charge of the stage and didnʼt let up at any point. Bounding about the stage with endless enthusiasm and whether with or without lead guitar keeping most of the attention pinned on him. They drew largely from their first album, with selections from the second as well as a few new tracks that will be on their new forthcoming album. Not to mention a strange and enthralling cover of ʻStreet Spiritʼ by Radiohead, as well as of course the big single to close out the main set. Throughout the entire hour and a half set they didnʼt miss a step, and made a very good case for why they remain a very relevant musical act.

Opening for them were Cincinnati glam rock band Foxy Shazam. This band has always been one of the most entertaining bands to see on stage and the sense of spectacle theyʼve embraced is fantastic. Blasting through tracks off both their self titled album, and their new album ʻThe Church Of Rock and Rollʼ they put on a great set, although not without detractors. The fans out for the show were not all appreciative of their over the top performance, and especially not of singers Eric Nallyʼs long rambling introductions to songs and not necessarily funny jokes. He occasionally got distracted in remonstrating hecklers, but certainly not letting it get in the way of the show. While they werenʼt in danger of upstaging The Darkness that night. The future can only lead upwards for them.