Back in 2003, The Darkness made history. The band released their debut album, Permission To Land, on July, and it became an instant classic that brought rock music back to the airwaves in a huge way. Reaching the top of the charts in the UK and peaking at No.36 on the Billboard 200, the record was a sensation. Delivering classic glam rock for a modern audience, with a sense of wit and charm, it captured the imaginations of a whole generation and put them onto a style of music that had long been forgotten and ridiculed.
And now, 20 years on, the band are celebrating with a special reissue. Set for release on October 06, it will include the original album alongside rare B-sides, bonus unreleased demos, and well as live performances from London’s Astoria, Knebworth and Wembley Arena.
It will be available on 5LP, 4CD + DVD, 2CD and digital.
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Frontman Justin Hawkins had this to say about the reissue:
“So much has happened since the original release of Permission To Land that I can hardly believe it’s only been 20 years. Such turmoil, upheaval, the emotional rollercoaster ride of being nobody, becoming somebody, going back to being nobody and LOVING EVERY SECOND OF IT.
The past two decades have only been this eventful BECAUSE of the impact that our debut album had. I’m grateful for every second of this experience and delighted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the best debut album by The Darkness of all time.
Join me in giving this seismic long player 20 heartfelt bumps. Happy birthday PTL!”
And to get a taste of those lovely extras, here’s the demo version of the opening track, “Black Shuck“. A fantastical tale full of fire and brimstone set against brilliantly constructed riffs, it’s a bit of a belter. And hearing it in its rawest form feels like a rare treat, with even more bizarre storytelling and groovy beats.
The Darkness will also be performing the album in full on tour across the UK later this year. Here are all the dates you need to know:
- Dec 02 – Belfast, UK @ Telegraph Building
- Dec 03 – Dublin, IRE @ 3Olympia Theatre
- Dec 08 – Norwich, UK @ Nick Rayns LCR
- Dec 09 – London, UK @ Roundhouse
- Dec 11 – Glasgow, UK @ Barrowland
- Dec 12 – Manchester, UK @ New Century Hall
- Dec 14 – Bristol, UK @ Beacon
- Dec 15 – Nottingham, UK @ Rock City
- Dec 16 – Wolverhampton, UK @ Wulfrun Hall
