THE DARKNESS ANNOUNCE LARGEST HEADLINE TOUR IN 20 YEARS

Photo Credit: Simon Emmett

The Darkness have announced their biggest headline tour in two decades, bringing their unmistakable, high-voltage rock to arenas across the UK in December 2026. The seven-date run kicks off at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on December 8th and culminates with the band’s first-ever headline show at The O2 in London on December 16th.

Joining them on all dates are Brothers Osborne - the GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum American country rock powerhouse - along with the multi-million–streamed UK rock favourites A.

Pre-sale begins at 10am on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, with general sale following at 10am on Friday, 28 November 2025.

Frontman Justin Hawkins shared his delight about the upcoming tour: “Powerful rock was designed to be played in huge rectangular buildings. Huge rectangular buildings were designed to house powerful rock bands. The Darkness are a powerful rock band and the arenas listed below are huge rectangular buildings. Except for the exception which proves the rule. Thank you O2 Arena… 
 
In December 2026 this elegantly logical proposition will become a reality, driven by three bands consisting of seven brothers. Three of them are Perrys, from Lowestoft’s A. Two of them are Osbornes, from the Brothers Osborne. And two of them are my brother Dan and I. The Darkness, Brothers Osborne and A, veritable Bands of Brothers, rocking in a huge rectangular (or domed) building – what could be more powerful than that?” 

Brothers Osborne frontman TJ Osborne added: “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 band’s triumphant eighth studio album, Dreams On Toast, which soared to No. 2 on the UK Official Albums Chart in April — their most successful release since their landmark debut Permission To Land. That legendary first album was recently confirmed as the most successful British rock record of the 21st century.

The Darkness toured the new album to sold-out crowds across the UK, including a electrifying headline return to Wembley Arena, before continuing their high-energy run across Europe, Australia, and the USA. The new songs have already cemented themselves as instant fan favourites alongside the band’s multi-platinum, award-winning catalogue.

Before embarking on their monumental 2026 arena tour, the band will make a mighty live return at Knebworth Park on July 11th, joining Iron Maiden for a massive summer performance.

Armed with a setlist built to thrill and ready to delight hundreds of thousands more fans, The Darkness are poised to make 2026 their most powerful year yet — serving up a tour guaranteed to be the best thing since sliced (and toasted!) bread.

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