When The Darkness debuted in 1999, music fans weren’t entirely sure whether the band, with its over-the-top rock and roll theatrics and ridiculous double-entendre lyrics, was meant to be taken seriously. For some, that question hasn’t quite been answered, but more than a decade later, The Darkness, fronted by Justin Hawkins, has certainly proved to be more than a novelty act. “I Believe in a Thing Called Love,” from the band’s 2003 debut album Permission to Land, was a top 10 hit on the Billboard alternative charts.
Although the band members parted ways following the release of their 2005 sophomore album, they regrouped in 2011, recording Hot Cakes, which brought back a rawer rock sound (fourth album Last of Our Kind followed in 2015). The band remains more popular in its native U.K. than in the U.S., but The Darkness’ stage show is as much of a bombastic spectacle in a club as it would be in an arena. With Rufus Tiger Taylor, son of Queen’s Roger Taylor, now behind the drums, The Darkness has solidified its position as the modern embodiment of classic arena rock. And that’s no joke.
House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 7 p.m. April 15, $25 plus tax and fee, 18+. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
