Colin 
The Darkness have announced their largest headline tour in twenty years, setting up a major return to UK arenas in December 2026. The tour spans seven dates, starting at Glasgow OVO Hydro on December 8 and closing with the band’s first headline show at The O2 in London on December 16. It is a significant moment for a group with a long history of larger-than-life performances, sharp humour, and a catalogue that still connects with fans across generations.
The band will be joined on every date by Brothers Osborne, the GRAMMY-winning American country rock group, along with A, the long-established UK rock band known for their upbeat energy. Pre-sale opens at 10am on Wednesday 26 November 2025, and general sale follows at 10am on Friday 28 November 2025.
Frontman Justin Hawkins offered a trademark explanation of the tour’s scale and spirit. He linked powerful rock to the shape and size of the buildings built to house it and framed the arena run as the natural environment for the band’s sound. Justin also pointed out the coincidence that all three acts include pairs of brothers, and he described the lineup as a set of “Bands of Brothers” ready to fill these large rooms with guitar-driven force. His comments reflect the band’s familiar blend of self-awareness, humour, and sincerity.
A landmark return to the biggest stages in the country
Brothers Osborne singer TJ Osborne added his own take, describing the unusual chain of events that brought the artists together and celebrating the chance to show that guitar-led music still thrives in large venues. His message reinforced the sense that the tour is rooted in shared values, experience, and long-running craft.
The announcement arrives after a strong year for The Darkness. Their eighth studio album Dreams On Toast reached No. 2 on the UK Official Albums Chart in April and became their most successful record since their debut Permission To Land. That first album was recently named the most successful British rock album of the 21st century, which underlines both its longevity and the lasting place it holds in the genre.
The band supported Dreams On Toast with a sold out UK run that included a headline night at Wembley Arena. They took the tour across Europe, Australia, and the USA, where new tracks sat comfortably alongside their multi-platinum back catalogue. Each show emphasised their ability to draw in long-term fans while engaging new audiences with their mix of melody, personality, and precision.
Before their arena dates begin, The Darkness will return to Knebworth Park on July 11 for a huge performance with Iron Maiden. The show serves as an early glimpse of the scale they plan to bring to their 2026 tour and places them on one of the most historic stages in British rock.
With a full arena run ahead and a growing wave of momentum behind them, The Darkness step into next year with confidence and a tour that promises a standout moment in their long career.
The Darkness 2026 Tour Dates
July 11 – Knebworth Park (with Iron Maiden)
December 8 – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
December 9 – Leeds, FD Arena
December 11 – Manchester, AO Arena
December 12 – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
December 13 – Cardiff, Utilita Arena
December 15 – Brighton, Brighton Centre
December 16 – London, The O2