The Darkness are preparing to unleash their biggest headline tour in two decades, taking their gloriously over-the-top rock theatrics into UK arenas for a seismic run of shows in December 2026. Kicking off at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on December 8 and culminating in a landmark first-ever headline performance at London’s The O2 on December 16, the seven-date tour promises to be a thunderous celebration of everything that has made the band enduring heroes of British rock.
Joining them on the road will be GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum American outfit Brothers Osborne and UK rock favourites A, creating what frontman Justin Hawkins hilariously describes as a “Bands of Brothers” alliance. With their trademark blend of eccentric humour and undeniable virtuosity, The Darkness are set to deliver a live experience as bold and bombastic as their legacy. Hawkins’ tongue-in-cheek manifesto for the tour underlines the band’s mission: powerful rock belongs in huge arenas — and in 2026, they intend to prove it once again.
Brothers Osborne are supporting and lead singer and guitarist TJ Osborne adds, “There was cosmic ripple in the space time continuum that led to our paths crossing. Can’t wait to prove, once again, that brothers do it best and guitar solos are alive and well.”
The announcement follows the massive success of their eighth studio album ‘Dreams On Toast,' which stormed the UK Official Albums Chart at No.2 earlier this year and became their most commercially successful release since the era-defining ‘Permission To Land,' now officially recognised as the most successful British rock album of the 21st century. As anticipation builds, the band will first return to the stage at the legendary Knebworth Park on July 11 alongside Iron Maiden, offering fans an early taste of their colossal live energy.
THE DARKNESS 2026 TOUR DATES
July 11 – Knebworth Park (with Iron Maiden)
Dec 8 – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Dec 9 – Leeds, First Direct Arena
Dec 11 – Manchester, AO Arena
Dec 12 – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
Dec 13 – Cardiff, Utilita Arena
Dec 15 – Brighton, Brighton Centre
Dec 16 – London, The O2
Pre-sale begins at 10am on Wednesday 26 November 2025, with general sale following at 10am on Friday 28 November 2025.
With a career-spanning setlist, razor-sharp guitar solos and a show bursting with flamboyant spectacle, The Darkness are poised to deliver a tour that will be — in their own words — the best thing since sliced… and toasted… bread.
