Live Review: The Darkness deliver a five star performance with The Southern River Band

Through the nineties and early 2000s, rock and rolls influence had a resurgence through many of the big bands we listen to today. The Darkness were one of the bands to take that influence and make it there own. Their 2003 debut album, Permission to Land epitomised this and ever since, the band has been able to bring their taste of rock and roll’s influence to crowds around the world.

Melbourne was lucky enough to be graced by this influence for two shows at The Forum Theatre this week. Alongside them was a little homegrown touch of rock and roll in the Western Australian group, The Southern River Band.

Tuesday night started with The Southern River Band’s energy tearing through the venue, with scintillating guitar solos, high pitched vocals and a touch of classic Ausrtalian banter to warm the crowd before the main show.

The Southern River Band
The Southern River Band

The Darkness took to the stage just after nine and for over an hour and a half rocked Melbourne Forum theatre. The band fired up immediately, opening with the title track from their latest 2021 release “Motorheart”.

From that moment on, the momentum of the band and the fervour of the crowd didn’t stop, but the kinetic energy made the night better, and some unexpected, but genuine interactions, such as lead singer Justin Hawkins singing happy birthday for an attendee and a fun call and response that turn into a Jazz scat session with the crowd at the end of “Get Your Hands Off My Woman”.

While the songs came thick and fast, including favourites “Love Is Only a Feeling”, “Friday Night”, “Black Shuck” and “Givin Up” (all off of Permission to Land) it was Justin’s excitement to be there and jovial banter he had with the crowd that levelled up the evenings performance. The band’s music was the draw card but their personality and eagerness to have fun while there made it a much better experience as an attendee.

“I Believe in a Thing Called Love”, but just as it felt as if it was going to kick into the chorus, Justin stopped the song to let everyone know that he wanted to see everyone jump and not to see phones recording in the pit, before promptly going back to the pre-chorus so the fans could get the proper lead in to one of their favourite tracks. The track concluded the majority of their set, after Justin quipped that he’ll see everyone again after the encore break for a couple more songs.

“Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)” opened the short two-song encore, with a costume change in tow. “Love on the Rocks with No Ice” closed out a sensational night, where any lover of rock, but especially rock and roll would have had a ball. While it was sad to see The Darkness walk off of the stage, it was a exciting and memorable night. I’m sure Melbourne can’t wait to have them back again as soon as possible!

This five-star band certainly put on a five-star performance.

FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)

The Darkness and The Southern River Band played The Forum Theatre in Melbourne on 11th October 2022.

All photos by the author. Check out more photos from Dan here.

The Darkness play Sydney’s Enmore Theatre tonight before moving on to Kambri in Canberra on the 18th and Brisbane’s Tivoli on the 19th. Tickets and more details can be found HERE.