THE DARKNESS SHARE FESTIVE SONG COVER
The Darkness joyfully unveil their new single ‘Mistletoe and Wine,’ out now via Cooking Vinyl. Arriving on this fifth day of Advent, the beloved British rockers fling open the festive door to reveal a gloriously reimagined version of Cliff Richard’s yuletide classic.
From the moment the cracker snaps, dancing synths usher in the unmistakable melody before heavy, strung-out riffs barrel through. Bells chime, percussion thunders, and Justin Hawkins delivers a soaring, full-throttle vocal performance, all wrapped in lush choral harmonies for an irresistibly over-the-top holiday treat.
On the new single, Justin shares: “Season’s greetings! Children, roasting on an open fire, their eyeballs all aglow, are weeping in awe of our latest seasonal offering. ‘Mistletoe and Wine’ represents a musical departure for The Darkness as we reimagine Richie Clifton’s timeless classic and add a few sprinkles of shoegaze and drone. Jack Frost staring at his toes? You will be too. In a good way.”
“Mistletoe and Wine” caps off another triumphant year for The Darkness, who shot to No. 2 on the UK Official Albums Chart in April with their eighth studio album Dreams On Toast, their most successful release since their iconic debut Permission To Land, recently confirmed as the most successful British rock album of the 21st century.
The band launched Dreams On Toast to sold-out crowds across the UK, including a triumphant return as headliners to Wembley Arena, before taking the tour through Europe, Australia, and the United States. Everywhere they went, the new tracks quickly cemented themselves as fan favourites alongside their multi-platinum, award-winning catalogue.
Looking ahead, 2026 is set to shine even brighter for The Darkness as they prepare to take their legendary live show to new heights. Next December, they will embark on their largest UK headline tour in 20 years, bringing their beloved, high-voltage rock to arenas nationwide. The seven-date run kicks off at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on December 8th and concludes with their debut headline show at London’s The O2 on December 16th.
The Darkness will be joined across all dates by GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum American country rock heroes Brothers Osborne, along with the multi-million–streamed UK rock band A.
Closing out 2025 with a sparkling new sonic present in ‘Mistletoe and Wine,’ The Darkness are ringing in the season once again, and gearing up for a very bright New Year ahead.
THE DARKNESS 2026 TOUR DATES
July 11th – Knebworth Park (with Iron Maiden)
Dec 8th – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Dec 9th – Leeds, FD Arena
Dec 11th – Manchester, AO Arena
Dec 12th – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
Dec 13th – Cardiff, Utilita Arena
Dec 15th – Brighton, Brighton Centre
Dec 16th – London, The O2
Tickets are available now via thedarknesslive.com
