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The Darkness announce UK arena tour for 2026
The rock group will bring their largest headline tour in 20 years to arenas across the UK
The Darkness have announced a huge arena tour for 2026, marking their biggest headline tour in 20 years. The group, consisting of Justin Hawkins, Dan Hawkins, Frankie Poullain and Rufus Tiger Taylor, will play seven UK dates in December 2026, beginning at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on Tuesday 8 December and finishing at London’s O2 on Wednesday 16 December. You can find a full list of tour dates below.
Tuesday 8 December 2026 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
Wednesday 9 December 2026 – First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds
Friday 11 December 2026 – AO Arena, Manchester
Saturday 12 December 2026 – Utilita Arena, Birmingham
Sunday 13 December 2026 – Utilita Arena, Cardiff
Tuesday 15 December 2026 – Brighton Centre, Brighton
Wednesday 16 December 2026 – The O2, London
The Darkness will be joined on all dates by GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum-selling US rockers Brothers Osbourne, as well as UK rock band A.
Speaking on the tour, Justin Hawkins said: “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?”
This announcement follows the release of their eighth studio album, Dreams On Toast, which arrived in March this year and reached No.2 in the UK Albums Chart, making it their most successful record since their smash-hit debut Permission To Land.
The Darkness are also billed to play Knebworth Park this coming summer, taking to the stage with Iron Maiden on 11 July 2026.
How to get tickets for The Darkness
Tickets for The Darkness’ 2026 Bands of Brothers Arena Tour will go on general sale on Friday 28 November at 10am. Presales will begin from Wednesday 26 November at 10am. Find The Darkness tickets here.
