THE DARKNESS KICK OFF FESTIVITIES WITH NEW “MISTLETOE AND WINE” COVER | COOKING VINYL
SET TO EMBARK ON LARGEST HEADLINE TOUR IN 20 YEARS PERFORMING ACROSS UK ARENAS IN DECEMBER 2026 TICKETS ON SALE NOW HERE
The Darkness merrily announce their new single “Mistletoe and Wine” out now via Cooking Vinyl. Arriving on this 5th day of Advent, the beloved British rock band peel open the door to reveal a delicious new take on Cliff Richard’s yuletide song.
As the cracker pops, synths dance to the unmistakable melody, heavy strung-out riffs plough through as bells ring, and a powerful rhythmic stomp explodes as Justin Hawkins’s passionate vocal performance rings out, all bolstered by delightful choral harmony.
Regarding the single Justin says, “Season’s greetings! Children, roasting on an open fire, their eyeballs all aglow, are weeping in awe of our latest seasonal offering. ‘Mistletoe and Wine’ represents a musical departure for The Darkness as we reimagine Richie Clifton’s timeless classic and add a few sprinkles of shoegaze and drone. Jack Frost staring at his toes? You will be too. In a good way.”
The release closes out yet another triumphant year for The Darkness who rocketed to No.2 in the UK Official Albums Chart with their eighth studio album Dreams On Toast in April. Dreams On Toast became their most successful record since their iconic debut album Permission To Land, which has recently been revealed as the most successful British rock album of the 21st century.
The rock legends launched their latest hit album to sold out shows across the country, which included their headline return to Wembley Arena, on a tour which continued across Europe, Australia and the USA, where the new songs proved instant fan favourites alongside their multi-platinum, award-winning catalogue.
2026 is also looking very merry and bright for The Darkness as they are set to take their legendary live show to even greater heights and are poised to fulfil the dreams of hundreds of thousands more fans next year.
The Darkness will embark on their largest headline tour in 20 years and will bring their beloved rock to arenas across the UK in December 2026. The seven-date tour will commence at Glasgow OVO Hydro on December 8th and finish with the band’s debut headline performance at The O2 in London on December 16th.
The Darkness will be joined on all dates by support from the GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum selling, American country rock band Brothers Osborne, as well as the multi-million streamed UK rock band A.
Drawing 2025 to a close with a brand new sonic gift in “Mistletoe and Wine,” The Darkness are ringing the festive bells once more and looking forward to a very happy new year. Cheers to that!
2026 TOUR DATES
July 11th – Knebworth Park (with Iron Maiden)
Dec 8th – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Dec 9th – Leeds, FD Arena
Dec 11th – Manchester, AO Arena
Dec 12th – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
Dec 13th – Cardiff, Utilita Arena
Dec 15th – Brighton, Brighton Centre
Dec 16th – London, The O2
Artist Links
Background Photo Credit: Stephen Lussier
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