Sunday, October 22nd, was a night of pure rock and roll revelry at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC. The Darkness celebrated the 20th anniversary of their iconic debut album, Permission to Land. The crowd was excited, knowing they were about to witness something special on the final stop of the US leg of the tour. The air was thick with anticipation, and as the lights dimmed, the stage was set for a trip back to the era when rock and roll ruled the radio.

The band kicked things off with the thunderous "Black Shuck," and from the first power chord, it was evident that The Darkness had lost none of their electrifying energy. Justin Hawkins, the frontman with an unmistakable and powerful falsetto, strutted across the stage in a black and white leather jumpsuit, engaging the audience with his captivating charisma. He interacted with the fans throughout the night, rubbing a bald man's head in the front row, and later, he took another fan's shirt and wore it for a song after a friendly tease for him wearing bootleg merchandise. Justin and his bandmates, Dan Hawkins (guitar), Frankie Poullain (bass), and Rufus Tiger Taylor (drums), channeled a more flamboyant and theatrical period of rock and roll, wearing sparkling skin-tight outfits, playing behind-the-head guitar solos, and doing handstands on the stage risers.

The night continued with "Get Your Hands Off My Woman”, its raw and powerful guitar riffs that had the crowd headbanging in unison. Justin then announced that the Darkness would perform the entire "Permission to Land" album, and the energy in the room was palpable as fans anticipated which song would come next. "Growing On Me" had the crowd singing along to every word, while "The Best Of Me" showcased the band's tight musical prowess. Each track was a reminder of the album's timeless appeal and its impact on the rock music scene.

"Givin' Up" and "Love Is Only A Feeling" showcased the band's ability to shift effortlessly between hard-hitting rock anthems and emotional ballads. The haunting "Curse Of The Tollund Man" took the audience on a journey through a more mystical side of The Darkness, and "Stuck In A Rut" had everyone dancing and clapping.

"How Dare You Call This Love?" and the brilliant "Street Spirit / Holding My Own" provided moments of introspection and thunderous guitar riffs, with Justin's vocals resonating in the hearts of everyone in the venue. As they approached the end of the "Permission to Land" album, "Friday Night" and "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" brought the crowd to a frenzy, with fans singing their hearts out to the band's biggest hit. But The Darkness wasn't done yet. They returned for an encore that featured the raucous "I Love You 5 Times" and closed the night with "Love On the Rocks With No Ice." 

The 9:30 Club was pulsating with energy throughout the evening, and it was evident that both the band and the audience were enjoying this nostalgic trip back to the heyday of rock. The Darkness proved that their music, like fine wine, has aged exceptionally well, and their performance was a testament to the enduring power of "Permission to Land." The Darkness reaffirmed their status as rock legends with their boundless energy, unapologetic charisma, and exceptional musicianship. This performance was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of rock history.