Review & Photos: The Darkness, Mark Daly in Cleveland, Ohio

By David Desin, OOTB Publications

The Darkness Bring Fire And Falsetto To The Agora—Dreams On Toast Tour Delivers

If there’s one thing you can count on from The Darkness, it’s spectacle—and on the Cleveland stop of their Dreams On Toast Tour on Sunday, Sept. 21, the Lowestoft, England legends delivered it in spades.

Touring in support of their March 2025 album Dreams On Toast, the British glam-rock revivalists filled The Agora with an electrifying mix of over-the-top showmanship and virtuosic musicianship.

Before the madness began, Irish rock artist Mark Daly kicked off the night with a strong opening.

Leaning into emotionally driven hard rock with just enough edge, Daly’s band gave fans plenty to cheer for; from soaring vocals to punchy guitar work.

Though lesser-known among American audiences, Daly made a lasting impression and proved a worthy tourmate for The Darkness’s high-voltage antics.

When The Darkness took the stage, the crowd erupted as singer, guitarist Justin Hawkins—charismatic as ever—strutted out in an outfit only he could pull off.

With his signature falsetto piercing through the venue like a laser beam, Hawkins instantly had the audience in the palm of his hand. The frontman radiated unfiltered rock energy from start to finish.

The setlist was a mix of fan favorites and new material.

Classics like "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" and "Love Is Only a Feeling" brought the house down, while fresh tracks off Dreams On Toast—“Rock And Roll Party Cowboy” and “The Longest Kiss”—proved that the band’s knack for catchy hooks and outrageous lyrics is still going strong.

The newer songs blended seamlessly with their catalog, with the crowd singing along as if they'd been staples for years.

Sonically, the band was tight and powerful.

Guitarist Dan Hawkins kept the riffs heavy and precise, while bassist Frankie Poullain and drummer Rufus Tiger Taylor laid down a thunderous rhythm section that shook The Agora’s walls.

The Darkness doesn’t just put on a concert; they put on a rock 'n' roll show—complete with glam,

grit, and a wink.

In an era of polished pop and subdued performances, The Darkness remain gloriously excessive and their fans wouldn't have it any other way. A flamboyant, fun, and unforgettable night of pure rock theatrics.

The Darkness proved yet again that they’re still flying high on falsetto and flair.

Setlist

1. Rock and Roll Party Cowboy

2. Growing On Me

3. Get Your Hands Off My Woman

4. Mortal Dread

5. Motorheart

6. Walking Through Fire

7. Barbarian

8. Love Is Only A Felling

9. Given’ Up

10. My Only