The Darkness - Photo credit: Azuree Wiitala

On April 11th, 2018, The Darkness brought the “Tour De Prance” North American Tour to Chicago, giving their gift of song and 70’s rock theatrics not once but twice! Fans lucky enough to catch their smaller more intimate set at JBTV were definitely in the crowd at their much larger show later that evening at Parkwest. Parkwest is a beautiful old theatre in Chicago that has been remodeled and update but has managed to keep it’s old time charm. The large venue is one of few I’ve seen where there is no “pit” or space between the stage and the audience members. While I waited for The Darkness to take stage, I wondered if this would be intimidating for the band but quickly realized it was the perfect setting for frontman Justin Hawkins. He came out blazing in all of his 70’s rock outfit glory and engaged with the audience right away. High fives were exchanged, at one point during the show he took a gentlemen’s coat to stow for the show so he wouldn’t have to hold it. I love to see bands really interact with their fans and the audience and the setting at Parkwest allowed for an extra personal in your face interaction!

If you’ve never seen The Darkness, you’re really missing out. Their aesthetic is a cross between 80’s hair metal bands and 70’s rock gods. They are SO FUN to watch perform. High energy for the entire show. So much fringe flinging around. Hawkins nails the high notes we’ve all come to expect from their hit “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” throughout their set. Bassist Frankie Poullain rocks an amazing fro and has a more suave chill vibe during the show, a contrast to the high jumps and thrashes from brothers Justin Hawkins and Dan Hawkins, on guitar. Poullain was a favorite to watch, he looks almost like a cartoon with legs that stretch for miles and a real groove to how he plays.

Their 18 song set spanned their discography, which is always so fun to hear. It was really rad to watch fans and band alike, it seems like The Darkness has a cult following of loyal fans. Everyone in the front row was wearing a The Darkness shirt from various tours and everyone sang along to the entire set. That kind of enthusiasm from the audience along with how close they were to the band made for some really epic energy throughout the night.

If you have a chance to check out The Darkness, do not pass it up! One of the most entertaining shows I’ve seen this year for sure!  Keep up with the latest information and tour dates at: thedarknesslive.com

The Darkness Setlist
Park West, Chicago, IL
April 11, 2018

Open Fire
Love Is Only a Feeling
Southern Trains
Black Shuck
One Way Ticket
Givin’ Up
All the Pretty Girls
Barbarian
Buccaneers of Hispaniola
Friday Night
Every Inch of You
Solid Gold
Stuck in a Rut
Get Your Hands Off My Woman
Growing on Me

Encore:
Japanese Prisoner of Love
I Believe in a Thing Called Love
Love on the Rocks With No Ice