AXS TV Concerts Season 1 Episode 6 The Darkness: Live and Loud in LA
- January 13, 2013
The Darkness: Live and Loud in LA is the sixth episode of the first season of AXS TV Concerts. The episode features the British rock band The Darkness performing live in Los Angeles. Known for their distinct sound and theatrical performances, The Darkness puts on a high-energy show for their fans.
The concert begins with the opening track "Barbarian." The band members enter the stage one by one, with lead singer Justin Hawkins bringing in the crowd from the first note. The audience is already jumping and singing along to the band's catchy chorus. The band transitions to "Growing on Me," another hit from their debut album, Permission to Land. Hawkins continues to impress with his impressive range and dynamic stage presence.
The band then performs "Mudslide," a track from their third album, Hot Cakes. The song is a slower, more bluesy tune that showcases the band's versatility. Hawkins takes the opportunity to show off his guitar skills, playing a bluesy solo that leads into the powerful chorus.
The next song, "Black Shuck," brings the energy back up to full throttle. The song is named after a legendary beast from the band's home county of Suffolk, England. The Darkness sings about the creature's supernatural powers, and the crowd sings it right back. The fast-paced chorus and guitar riffs in this song will make anyone want to start head-banging along.
"Roaring Waters" continues to impress with Hawkins' vocal range. His voice goes from smooth crooning during the verses to powerful screams during the chorus. The band's rhythm section, consisting of bassist Frankie Poullain and drummer Rufus Taylor, lays down a solid groove for Hawkins' vocals and guitarist Dan Hawkins' impressive solos.
As the concert continues, the band performs other fan favorites such as "One Way Ticket," "Givin' Up," and "Japanese Prisoner of Love." Justin Hawkins also takes a moment to address the audience, thanking them for coming out and expressing his love for performing live. He also professes his admiration for hard rock legends like AC/DC and Led Zeppelin, citing their influence on The Darkness' sound.
"Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End)" is a Christmas-themed ballad that showcases the band's ability to write catchy songs about anything. Despite it being released over 10 years ago, the song remains a fan favorite, with the audience singing the chorus back to the band. The song also has a special place in The Darkness' history, as it was the band's first number one single in the United Kingdom.
The concert reaches its climax with the band's hit "I Believe in a Thing Called Love." The song's iconic guitar riff and falsetto vocals make it an instant classic. The energy in the room is electric as the band performs it, with the audience singing along to every word. Hawkins takes it a step further by launching into the crowd and singing the chorus with the crowd's help.
The concert ends on a high note with the band's anthem "Love on the Rocks with No Ice." The song is a perfect encapsulation of The Darkness' sound and energy, with its catchy chorus and hooky guitar riffs. The band exits the stage to a rousing standing ovation, leaving the audience wanting more.
Overall, The Darkness: Live and Loud in LA is a must-see for any fan of the band or hard rock in general. The band's energy and talent are in full display, making for an unforgettable concert experience.