The Darkness Is Back: 7 Shocking Facts About Their 2025 Album 'Dreams On Toast' And Massive World Tour

The flamboyant kings of British glam rock, The Darkness, are once again commanding the spotlight with their biggest news in years, proving that classic hard rock is far from dead. As of today, December 15, 2025, the band is preparing for a monumental year, anchored by the release of their highly anticipated eighth studio album, *Dreams on Toast*, and a colossal, multi-leg world tour that will span two years.

This latest chapter sees the band—led by the incomparable Justin Hawkins—re-embracing the high-octane energy and soaring falsetto that first made them global rock legends with their debut, *Permission to Land*. With new music and a massive schedule, The Darkness is solidifying its position as one of the most enduring and entertaining acts in modern music.

The Darkness Band: Complete Biography and Current Lineup Profile

The Darkness was forged in Lowestoft, Suffolk, in 2000, built around the dynamic duo of brothers Justin and Dan Hawkins. Their unique fusion of 1970s stadium rock, Queen-esque theatricality, and AC/DC's raw guitar power quickly set them apart. The current, stable lineup represents the band at its most formidable, blending original members with a modern drumming powerhouse.

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• Justin Hawkins (Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar)
  • Full Name: Justin David Hawkins
  • Born: March 17, 1975 (Surrey, England)
  • Role: Founder, principal songwriter, and the band's charismatic, flamboyant frontman.
  • Career Highlight: His iconic, multi-octave falsetto vocals are the signature of The Darkness's sound. He also pursued projects like Hot Leg and British Whale during the band's hiatus.
• Dan Hawkins (Guitar, Backing Vocals)
  • Full Name: Daniel Francis Hawkins
  • Born: December 12, 1976 (Lowestoft, England)
  • Role: Rhythm and lead guitarist, backing vocalist, and a key producer for the band's albums.
  • Career Highlight: Known for his powerful riffs and production expertise, Dan provides the foundational hard rock backbone to Justin's theatrical flair. He also fronted the band Stone Gods.
• Frankie Poullain (Bass Guitar)
  • Role: Bassist (original member, returned in 2011)
  • Career Highlight: Known for his unique, finger-picking bass style and his distinctive, vintage aesthetic. Poullain’s funk-influenced bass lines provide a crucial rhythmic layer to their songs.
• Rufus Tiger Taylor (Drums)
  • Full Name: Rufus Tiger Taylor
  • Born: March 8, 1991
  • Role: Drummer (joined in 2015)
  • Career Highlight: The son of Queen drummer Roger Taylor, Rufus brings a powerful, energetic, and technically proficient drumming style, having also toured with the band Queen + Adam Lambert.

The 7 Most Important Facts About the 'Dreams on Toast' Album and 2025/2026 Tour

The band’s eighth studio album, *Dreams on Toast*, is the centerpiece of their current activities, coupled with an ambitious touring schedule that confirms their status as a major live act. This is the most current information available on their upcoming projects.

1. 'Dreams on Toast' is Set for a March 2025 Release

The new album, *Dreams on Toast*, is officially scheduled for release on March 28, 2025. This marks the follow-up to their 2021 release, *Motorheart*, and promises a return to the band's signature blend of over-the-top rock anthems and razor-sharp songwriting. The album is being released on the Canary Dwarf and Cooking Vinyl labels.

2. The First Single is the Power Ballad 'The Longest Kiss'

To support the album, The Darkness released the new single "The Longest Kiss." This track serves as the first major taste of the new material, showcasing their ability to deliver both thunderous rock and heartfelt, epic power ballads, a style they perfected with classics like "Love Is Only a Feeling."

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3. A Major UK Tour Kicks Off Immediately After the Album Drop

The band will immediately hit the road for a headline UK Tour in March 2025 to promote *Dreams on Toast*. These initial dates will allow fans to hear the new material live for the first time in intimate venues before the larger arena shows begin.

4. They Are Embarking on a Sprawling North American Tour in Late 2025

Following the UK dates, The Darkness will launch a comprehensive North American tour starting in late August 2025. This leg of the tour is crucial for reconnecting with their massive fanbase across the United States and Canada, playing venues that solidify their transatlantic appeal.

5. The 2026 UK Arena Tour is Their Largest in 20 Years

In a monumental announcement, the band has scheduled their largest UK headline tour in 20 years for December 2026. This run of arena shows demonstrates their enduring popularity and marks a significant return to the massive stages they conquered during the height of their *Permission to Land* success.

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6. The Band's Sound is More Confident Than Ever

Early reviews and interviews suggest that *Dreams on Toast* is The Darkness at its most self-assured. The music continues to draw heavily from the classic rock era, channeling the spirit of bands like Thin Lizzy and Queen while injecting their own unique, modern sense of humor and musical precision.

7. They Will Be Joined by Brothers Osborne on Select Dates

For the massive 2026 UK Arena Tour, The Darkness will be supported by the GRAMMY-winning American country rock band Brothers Osborne on all dates. This unexpected pairing highlights the band's broad appeal and willingness to cross genres for a massive entertainment package.

The Undeniable Legacy of The Darkness and Their Glam Rock Style

The Darkness’s enduring appeal lies in their unapologetic commitment to a musical style that was considered outdated when they first emerged. They are the torchbearers of 21st-century glam rock, a genre defined by high-pitched vocals, elaborate costumes, and anthemic choruses. This commitment is a key part of their topical authority.

The 'Permission to Land' Phenomenon

Their 2003 debut album, *Permission to Land*, was a cultural phenomenon. It spawned the massive global hits "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" and "Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End)," instantly establishing them as rock legends. The album’s success was built on a foundation of genuine musical talent, particularly Justin Hawkins' remarkable vocal range and Dan Hawkins’ powerful guitar work.

The album was a multi-platinum seller and remains a benchmark for their career, often cited as one of the best rock debuts of the 2000s. The songs were characterized by their catchy hooks and a sense of theatrical fun that had been missing from mainstream rock for decades.

Musical Entities and Influences

The band’s sound is a vibrant tapestry woven from various classic rock entities. Key influences include:

• Queen: Evident in the multi-layered harmonies, the use of piano, and Justin Hawkins' operatic falsetto. The connection is further cemented by Rufus Taylor's lineage.
• AC/DC: Reflected in the raw, blues-based guitar riffs and the straight-ahead hard rock structure of many of their songs.
• Led Zeppelin & Thin Lizzy: Their influence can be heard in the epic scope of their arrangements and the dual-guitar harmonies between the Hawkins brothers.

The band has consistently maintained this high-energy, theatrical approach across their discography, from *Hot Cakes* to *Last of Our Kind* and their latest work, *Motorheart*. With the upcoming release of *Dreams on Toast*, The Darkness is not just revisiting their roots; they are expanding their legacy with a fresh wave of rock anthems designed for the arena stage.