With support from Bad Nerves
New Century Hall, Manchester – 12th December 2023
There seems to have been a real resurgence in “Anniversary tours” in recent years, where the celebration is a noteworthy date or event in the bands history – Be it the release of a debut or best-selling album, founding anniversary date or whatever. For this one, The Darkness were embarking on a tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album “Permission to land” – The album that initially announced their arrival to a very unsuspecting world. Enter “Permission to Land – Again” We have a feeling this will be a good one!
Myself and Gregg arrive at the venue, one of my fave’s, New Century Hall. One of the Co-op’s old buildings with it’s disco ceiling and original sprung dance floor this place brings back a piece of Manchester’s musical heritage back to life.
Tonight’s support band are Essex based 5-piece Bad Nerves. I know that the whole indie-punk thing has been done to death, but we enjoyed their energy, spirit and attitude. The young band got a capacity crowd warmed up with their high energy confident 30 minute slot. That’s what it’s all about and unlike the Glaswegian audience of the previous evening they were very well received by our Manchester crowd tonight showing gratitude when fans were joining in with their songs, including their new track ‘USA’ “See we knew Manchester would be great!” announced lead Bobby. I’m sure they gained some more fans tonight, go check them out if you like Ramones you will love these.
Next up the main guys – The Darkness. The atmosphere increased in volume as the intro track played, anticipation grew for their idols appearing on stage! It feels like every one of their dedicated fans within travelling distance has descended on the sold out event at New Century Hall just begging to be entertained. They will not be let down tonight because Justin Hawkins and pals are so much more than you expect them to be live. Their sheer mastery of all the best ingredients that classic rock with a modern twist has to offer – Mixed with Justin’s vocal warm up and warm down routines – means that The Darkness play every song in their original key even twenty years later, so the audience doesn’t only hear and see it – They feel it.
The band appear on stage followed closely by the ever flamboyant Justin in his fabulous spandex black and white all in one suit. Launching into their first song ‘Black Shuck’ the crowd were off bouncing already until an abrupt stop to the set by Hawkins as he shouted at fans filming on their phones at the front. “Put your phones away, enjoy the show!” Cheers of appreciation from the Manchester crowd and the band carried on with the song, which halfway through saw masses of confetti shoot from front stage, creating a fab spectacle. ‘Get Your Hands Off My Woman’ and ‘Growing On Me’ saw Hawkins already demonstrating his acrobatics on stage, much to our (Photographers) delight! That guy has so much energy!
As the photographers exited the pit after 3 songs, Justin came over to the front of the stage to speak to the few stragglers just leaving (one of them was me – Ange) He thanked us all and said how much they appreciate us and asked us which publication we shoot for, offering the mic to each of us to speak. It was my big moment I thought as it came to my turn. “Cobspix” to which Justin announced down the mic “Cockpix?” The crowd laughed, I corrected him and he then announced the correct way. It was funny, and also got my little publication out there for the first time! Even someone in the crowd knew me, and messaged me to say they heard it. Super chuffed, thank you Justin, this is unheard of for a singer to recognise our hard work. “Don’t be shy with Photoshop” he shouted after us!
The set carried on with ‘Happy Birthday’ for birthday boy Dan and the crowd all joined in. Banger after banger followed including ‘The Best Of Me’, ‘Love Is Only a Feeling’ & ‘Stuck In A Rut’. Manchester were in high spirits for the whole gig and sang every song back. Rufus was so focussed and smashed every beat out of them drums, bassist Frankie was on a pout mission in his fabulous suit, and guitarist Dan displaying his super talent, together with the fabulous front man, this band prove they are still as tight as ever! It’s not a Darkness gig without the well known cracker (see what I did there) ‘Christmas Time’ track, perfect for this time of year. The band left the stage to huge cheers after Hawkins high pitch tones rang around the venue from ‘I Believe In a Thing Called Love’.
They re-entered stage right for the encore, and what an encore this was! All band members swap positions and instruments for the next track ‘I Love You 5 Times’. They were sure having fun and the fans were bursting with joy as Justin on Rufus Taylor’s shoulders, followed by Frankie carried on a crew member’s shoulders went walkabout in the crowd during ‘Love On The Rocks With No Ice’.
We can safely say this is the only band we have seen to get such a huge crowd participation and keep them bouncing the whole show. What a fabulous performance, and if it teaches you something, it is don’t be so serious, have some fun in life! I personally was smiling the whole night, the guys sure know how to entertain a crowd. Not a disappointed face in the whole place.
Cobspix Photography 