The Darkness live at the Roseland Theater in Portland, Oregon, USA Concert Review

THE DARKNESS RETURN TO NORTH AMERICA POST-PANDEMIC WITH MOTORHEART TOUR 

Date: March 17, 2022
Venue: Roseland Theater
Location: Portland, Oregon, USA
Reviewer: Ruben Mosqueda

Scheduled to open on The Darkness’ canceled tour was The Dead Deads, they were fortunate enough to be asked to take part in this North American run. The band consists of a trio of young women who merge glam rock, punk and psychedelic rock into one very memorable package. They have a new album titled Tell Your Girls It’s Alright. I look forward to seeing them again down the road. A lot of people have been raving about The Warning and Plush, and The Dead Deads should be in that same conversation.

English rockers The Darkness last toured the U.S. in the spring of 2018. They were touring behind their then latest album, 2017’s Pinewood Smile. The Darkness are Justin Hawkins with his falsetto pyrotechnics on lead vocals and guitar, his brother Dan Hawkins on guitar and backing vocals, Rufus Taylor on drums and Frankie Poullain on bass.

The Darkness have to sell the new album Motorheart and it’s a great one. They featured new material, which included opener “Welcome Tae Glasgae,” “It’s Love, Jim,” and “Motorheart”, all of which received a warm welcome by those present.  The Darkness didn’t ignore their classics / fan favorites as “Black Shuck,” “Growing On Me,” “Friday Night,” “Love Is Only A Feeling,” “Open Fire,” the glorious “One Way Ticket” and their signature tracks “Get Your Hands Off My Woman” and “I Believe In A Thing Called Love.” Due to Covid, The Darkness weren’t able to get to the United States to promote Easter Is Cancelled, but “Heart Explodes” represented the album in the set. The Darkness delivered yet another outstanding, jaw dropping, euphoric performance.

The Darkness performing “It’s Love, Jim” live at the Roseland Theater in Portland, Oregon, USA on March 17, 2022 (video from BGGoatMan‘s YouTube page):

As per usual, the interaction between Hawkins & Co and the audience was incredible. It wasn’t only St. Patrick’s Day, but also Justin Hawkins’ birthday, so it added to fun and the onstage hilarity that ensued, between tunes. I’ve said this before — if The Darkness make their way to your town, make sure you don’t pass up the opportunity to see one of the most thoroughly entertaining bands out there right now. There’s no politics, no one grandstanding and preaching to you with their own personal agenda in mind. It’s a fun and entertaining escape from your everyday life and the world.

The Darkness performing “One Way Ticket” live at the Roseland Theater in Portland, Oregon, USA on March 17, 2022 (video from BGGoatMan‘s YouTube page):