Wembley Arena in late March was a night of escalating rock ‘n’ roll energy, with indie stalwarts Ash setting the stage on fire and The Darkness taking it to a whole new level as the headliner. The evening was a journey of increasing intensity, from the first note to the final encore, packed with electrifying performances, unexpected moments, and unforgettable rock theatre.
Ash – A Brilliant Warm-Up
Ash kicked things off with a punch of nostalgia and high-energy alt-rock, perfect for setting the tone. Opening with “Goldfinger,” Tim Wheeler’s distinctive vocals and the band’s infectious energy immediately hooked the crowd. Ash’s mix of power-pop hooks and gritty alt-rock vibes never let up. They played crowd favourites like “Angel Interceptor” and “Shining Light,” songs that resonated with fans old and new.
One of the set’s highlights came during “Kung Fu,” a song with the entire arena singing along. Ash’s ability to blend classic 90s hits with newer material, like “Orpheus,” kept the energy fresh and exciting. Closing with the ever-popular “Girl From Mars” and “Burn Baby Burn,” Ash left the crowd buzzing, their high-octane set perfectly prepping the audience for the main event.
The Darkness – Rock ‘N’ Roll Extravaganza
When The Darkness took the stage, Wembley Arena erupted. Opening with “Rock and Roll Party Cowboy,” Justin Hawkins immediately commanded the crowd’s attention with his flamboyant stage presence and trademark falsetto. The band’s signature combination of glam rock theatrics, scorching guitar riffs, and tongue-in-cheek humour electrified the atmosphere.
The setlist was a mix of new material from Dreams on Toast and fan favourites. Tracks like “Mortal Dread” and “Motorheart” from the latest album stood out, proving that The Darkness’ ability to create catchy, anthem-like songs hasn’t faded. The crowd went wild for classics like “Growing on Me” and “Get Your Hands Off My Woman,” with Justin Hawkins’ shrill vocal runs and acrobatic stage antics adding to the spectacle. The crowd’s energy surged as they sang along to every word, their enthusiasm mirroring the band’s wild stage presence.
In true Darkness fashion, the band surprised the crowd during “Get Your Hands Off My Woman” by teasing “I Know It’s Over” by The Smiths and “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. Moments like these showcased The Darkness’ playful spirit and ability to keep the audience on their toes.
The pinnacle of the night came when The Darkness performed “I Believe in a Thing Called Love.” The entire arena sang in unison, creating an electric atmosphere that only a timeless anthem like this could achieve. And just when you thought the show couldn’t get any wilder, Justin Hawkins took it to the next level – he crowd-surfed! During “I Hate Myself,” Hawkins jumped into the crowd, and fans lifted him in a rock star moment that capped off the show in unforgettable fashion.
The Dreams on Toast tour at Wembley Arena was an unforgettable night of rock ‘n’ roll. Ash kicked things off with a blast of 90s alt-rock, and The Darkness took the energy even higher with their over-the-top performance and undeniable charisma. From Justin Hawkins’ soaring vocals to his epic crowd-surfing moment, this was a night that rock fans won’t soon forget. If the Dreams on Toast tour is coming to your city, don’t miss it—this is a rock ‘n’ roll experience you’ll want to be a part of.
Review & Photos By Rebecca Bush
https://www.instagram.com/beckybphoto/
Ash
The Darkness
