The Darkness at The Phoenix Concert Theatre

A live Rock n Roll show?! A foreign, exciting concept to me and the others slowly packing into the Phoenix Concert Theatre on A Tuesday night to see the beloved Norfolk, England band, The Darkness in support of their 7th studio album, Motorheart.

This night was almost 20 years in the making as I’ve been a fan since the moment I cranked Black Shuck off Permission to Land in the cd player in my car, back in 2003. This was my first time seeing them live and damn! It was incredible!

High expectations in every category were easily exceeded by Justin Hawkins and the gents tonight. The comical, flirtatious frontman put on quite a show with his clever banter, fan sing-alongs, and engagement, and even at one point, as he referred to it “Went for a swim” in the crowd. Multiple costume changes amongst members brought entertaining, playful energy to the night as well.

The night musically was filled with 16 classic tracks, 7 of which were off their Debut album Permission To Land. They played the songs the fans wanted to see and sing along to as the crowd falsetto, in an attempt to match Justin’s voice was screechingly loud at times.

For an inexplicable reason, it took me many years to see The Darkness live and to be honest, I wish I never missed a single Toronto show because I had one hell of a time. The band was incredible, the energy in the venue was electric, and overall, having the opportunity to experience my favourite Rock N Roll band play live, with other people who love them as much as I do was a beautiful thing.

Setlist:

Welcome Tae Glasgae
One Way Ticket
Growing on Me
Motorheart
Open Fire
Solid Gold
Givin’ Up
It’s love, Jim
Black Shuck
Heart Explodes
Friday Night
Love Is Only a Feeling
Japanese Prisoner of Love
Barbarian
Get Your Hands Off My Woman

Encore:
I Believe In A Thing Called Love

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