British rockers The Darkness have unveiled plans for their most ambitious U.K. headline run in two decades. The tour, scheduled for December 2026, will see the band performing in major arenas across the country, culminating in a career-first headline appearance at London’s prestigious O2 Arena.
The seven-date trek kicks off in Glasgow on December 8 and features a unique lineup centered around sibling connections. Supporting The Darkness on all dates will be the Grammy-winning American country-rock outfit Brothers Osborne and Suffolk-based rockers A.
Frontman Justin Hawkins commented on the architectural logic behind the booking, noting that the specific venues were chosen to amplify the group’s sound.
“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…”
Hawkins also highlighted the familial theme running through the bill, which features three bands containing a total of seven brothers.
“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?”
Brothers Osborne vocalist and guitarist TJ Osborne echoed the sentiment, expressing excitement about the genre-crossing collaboration.
“There was cosmic ripple in the space time continuum that led to our paths crossing. Can’t wait to prove, once again, that brothers do it best and guitar solos are alive and well.”
The arena tour announcement follows a resurgence in popularity for The Darkness. Their eighth studio album, Dreams On Toast, released in April of this year, debuted at No. 2 on the U.K. Official Albums Chart. It stands as their most commercially successful release since their seminal 2003 debut, Permission To Land.
Before embarking on the winter arena run, the band will warm up with a massive summer performance supporting Iron Maiden at Knebworth Park on July 11.
Tickets for the December tour go on pre-sale Wednesday, November 26, at 10 a.m., with general sales opening Friday, November 28, at 10 a.m.
The Darkness 2026 U.K. Tour Dates
- July 11 – Knebworth Park (supporting Iron Maiden)
- Dec. 08 – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
- Dec. 09 – Leeds, FD Arena
- Dec. 11 – Manchester, AO Arena
- Dec. 12 – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
- Dec. 13 – Cardiff, Utilita Arena
- Dec. 15 – Brighton, Brighton Centre
- Dec. 16 – London, The O2
Photo credit: Simon Emmett
Ogorthul: Immersed in the bone-shattering world of death metal and beyond. I’m here to excavate the latest news, reviews, and interviews from the extreme metal scene for you.
