Justin Hawkins

The Darkness frontman on being back in arenas, supporting Iron Maiden, brother Dan being a rock star, Yungblud...

- Words: Niall Doherty

It’s been quite the year for The Darkness, with Dreams On Toast, their eighth album, reaching No.2 in the UK and putting the band back into arenas. With an Iron Maiden support slot and one of their biggest tours yet in the diary, their 2026 is shaping up to be monumental. Frontman Justin Hawkins looks back on a triumphant 2025 – including that skirmish with Yungblud – and tells us what to expect next.

The Darkness have released a version of Mistletoe & Wine for Christmas. Has Cliff Richard given you his seal of approval on your take on it?

Ha ha, no, but I would hope that he recognises how faithful we've tried to be in the important ways; I've tried to Cliff-ify the way I sing on the verses. We've treated it with respect but also added some shoegaze and grunge elements to it. But there's no chance of me entertaining the crowds at Wimbledon when it's raining.

The band have two Christmas songs in their catalogue now. Are they part of your festive playlist at home?

I like to go for more of the sort of big-band swing Christmassy ones, so anything with Michael Bublé and the ones from the Rat Pack. That's the soundtrack to my Christmas. Or Butthole Surfers and a more eclectic choice that's less seasonal. It depends on what I'm doing. When I'm peeling the sprouts, it's nice to hear Cannibal Corpse or Obituary just to maintain a bit of edge.

The Darkness have had a fantastic 2025. What's been the highlight so far?