Justin Hawkins, his brother Dan Hawkins, eccentric bassist Frankie Poullain, and new drummer Rufus Taylor tell their story, in their own words of The Darkness comeback tale.

Set to hit cinemas on November 9, Welcome To The Darkness will be showcased for a limited engagement, with the possibility of encores due to the overwhelming demand. This exclusive opportunity allows fans to immerse themselves in the world of The Darkness and witness their remarkable comeback after a nine-year hiatus.

Emmett’s documentary skillfully captures the taxing and comical path that The Darkness embarked upon to reclaim their former fame. From their humble beginnings in a remote pub performance, the film follows the band’s relentless pursuit of their ambitious goal to once again captivate packed arenas. Audiences will be taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as they witness the band’s struggles, triumphs, and everything in between.

Frontman Justin Hawkins talks about his vision for the band in a clip for the film.

Welcome To The Darkness offers an unfiltered glimpse into the inner workings of a revered “cult band” as they navigate the challenges of the music industry and strive to revive glory days. With unprecedented access to the band members and their personal lives, this documentary promises to be an intimate and revealing portrait of The Darkness.

Prior to the documentary’s premiere, a highly anticipated Permission To Land deluxe album release is scheduled for October 6, distributed by Warner Music. This exceptional release encompasses a comprehensive collection, available in various formats including a five-LP package, a four-CD+DVD package, and a double-CD package.

Furthermore, the album will be accessible on all major digital streaming platforms, allowing listeners to experience its entirety in all its magnificence. This album notably includes their most renowned single, ‘I Believe In A Thing Called Love‘.

In December, the band will wrap up their musical pursuits with a sold-out tour throughout the United Kingdom, signifying a triumphant end to their year.

UK and Ireland Tour Dates

⚡️UK & Ireland Tour 2023⚡️
You have all been very patient. We are VERY EXCITED to announce the dates for our Permission to Land 20th Anniversary UK & Ireland Tour! We can’t wait to celebrate this very important birthday with you. See you all soon!

Tickets go on sale Friday at… pic.twitter.com/OsWLYHxIsr

— The Darkness (@thedarkness) July 3, 2023

Lead singer and frontman Justin Hawkins, in a recent press release, has said of the tour, “We, The Darkness, are delighted to announce that we’ll be hitting the road in the U.K. once again. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Permission to Land, our set will include every song from our debut album faithfully reproduced (with additional clam notes and meanderings) in the order in which they appear on the record. We’ll also play all of your favourite Darkness songs from the rest of our illustrious and tipsy turvy career. It will be the best show you’ll see this year. I should know, I’m the singer and also a YouTube music expert.”

The Darkness formed in 2000 in Lowestoft with an initial line-up of Justin Hawkins (lead vocals, lead guitar) , his brother Dan Hawkins (guitar), Frankie Poullain (bass) and Ed Graham (drums). The group released their debut seminal album, Permission To Land, in 2003 to widespread critical acclaim, with the album topping the UK Albums Chart and achieving quadruple platinum status after 1.3 million copies were sold. This album also contained the hit single “I Believe in a Thing Called Love“, by far the band’s most popular track.

Watch the music video for “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” below:

The group released their second album, One Way Ticket to Hell… and Back in 2005 but disbanded in 2006 following the departure of Justin Hawkins. The group reunited in 2011, however, and have gone on to release a further five albums, all to reasonably favourable receptions. Their latest album, Motorheart, was released in October 2021.

Watch the music video for “Motorheart” below:

An expanded Permission To Land deluxe album is also set to be released later this year via Warner Music, with details to be released by the band soon.

See below for tour dates:

02/12/2023 – The Telegraph Building – Belfast
03/12 – 3Olympia – Dublin
08/12 – UEA – Norwich
09/12 – Roundhouse – London
11/12 – Barrowland – Glasgow
12/12 – New Century Hall – Manchester
14/12 – Beacon – Bristol
15/12 – Rock City – Nottingham
16/12 – The Wulfrum At The Halls – Wolverhampton

Tour tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 7th July and can be purchased here.