The Darkness
Mark Daly
Warehouse Live Midtown
H-Town, Texas 11-7-25
The Darkness Bring Glam-Fueled Fire
to Warehouse Live Midtown
Mark Daly
Drew Cagle & The Reputation
Ireland’s Rising Rock Star Ignites the Stage
Irish rocker Mark Daly opened the night with heart, grit, and arena-sized hooks,the perfect setup for The Darkness’s flamboyant headlining set. Backed by a tight four-piece band, Daly immediately connected with the Houston crowd through his blend of anthemic hard rock and soulful vocals.
Daly, a native of Cork, Ireland, first gained attention as the frontman for the hard rock outfit The Voodoos, touring internationally and building a name for himself on the European rock scene. He later launched a solo career that’s seen collaborations with members of Guns N’ Roses and Black Star Riders, and a steady rise through radio play and touring in both the U.S. and Europe. His 2024 album Devil’s Arms showcased his evolution into a dynamic solo artist unafraid to mix melody with muscle.
At Warehouse Live Midtown, Daly kicked off with “This Is Love” before rolling through “Devil’s Arms,” “Better Off Alone” and “Brighter Days,” each carried by his commanding voice and a confident, road-tested stage presence. Midway through, he introduced “Crazy,” noting that it had just been released the day before, giving Houston one of the very first live performances of the new single. The crowd responded enthusiastically, cheering as the fresh track pulsed through the room with both polish and passion.
He closed the set with “Don’t Look Back,” “Superhero” and “I Wanna Be More,” each underscoring his mix of introspection and drive. By the end, Daly had done far more than warm up the audience - he’d left a strong impression as an artist with both depth and big-stage potential.
"Daly’s heartfelt vocals and punchy riffs set the perfect tone for the night."
The Darkness:
Masters of Glam Rock Theatrics & Thunderous Rock
The energy in Warehouse Live Midtown was electric as British glam rockers The Darkness took the stage, delivering a show that proved why they remain one of rock’s most theatrical and entertaining live acts.
Opening the set with “Love Is Only a Feeling”, Justin Hawkins immediately drew the audience in with his signature falsetto, soaring effortlessly over the band’s lush instrumentation. His presence dominated the stage, strutting, twirling the mic stand and engaging the crowd with playful banter, all while projecting a voice that filled every corner of the venue.
From the first notes of “Motorheart,” the band’s tight chemistry was evident. The interplay between Justin and his brother Dan Hawkins on lead guitar was electric, Dan’s riffs cut sharply through the air, providing both power and melody that perfectly complemented Justin’s theatrics. The duo’s synergy gave the songs a vibrant, larger-than-life feel, especially on “Get Your Hands Off My Woman,” where Dan’s guitar solo soared above the rhythm while Justin paced across the stage, egging the crowd into every chorus.
Frankie Poullain’s basslines underpinned the set with solid grooves, giving tracks like “Walking Through Fire” and “Givin’ Up” a driving momentum that kept the floor bouncing. Meanwhile, Rufus Tiger Taylor’s drumming added explosive energy throughout the night, his precise fills and dynamic beats on “Friday Night” pushed the songs forward with an irresistible urgency. Together, the four created a sound that was both tight and expansive, allowing every member to shine without ever losing the cohesion of the band’s signature glam-rock punch.
By the time “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” hit, the audience was fully in the palm of the band’s hands. Justin’s falsetto soared over Dan’s flashy guitar licks, Frankie’s steady rhythm, and Rufus’ thunderous drums, turning the venue into one massive singalong. The band’s energy never waned, moving seamlessly between moments of spectacle and musical precision, showing why their live reputation remains so strong.
The encore, “The Longest Kiss,” provided a slower, more atmospheric contrast to the high-octane set. Justin’s falsetto floated above Dan’s expressive guitar lines, Frankie’s grounding bass, and Rufus’ measured drumming, creating a dramatic, almost cinematic closing moment that allowed the audience to savor the grandeur of the performance.
Warehouse Live Midtown’s intimate setting made every note, gesture and vocal flourish feel immediate and personal. The audience responded with enthusiastic singing, cheering and applause throughout, creating a undeniable energy that carried through the entire show.
By the final chord, it was clear that The Darkness had delivered a masterclass in glam rock performance. From the commanding presence of Justin Hawkins to the precise and energetic contributions of Dan, Frankie, and Rufus, every element of the band worked in perfect harmony to create a night of memorable rock spectacle.
"From start to finish, The Darkness delivered a show that was equal parts music, theater, and spectacle."
Venue & Atmosphere
Warehouse Live Midtown’s intimate layout amplified the performance, making every strum, fill and vocal flourish feel immediate and personal. The crowd was fully engaged from Daly’s opening notes to The Darkness’ final encore, creating a high-energy, immersive atmosphere that carried throughout the night.
Final Thoughts
Mark Daly’s fresh, high-energy set and The Darkness’ theatrical, tightly executed performance combined for a night of memorable rock spectacle. Daly impressed with his newly released “Crazy”, while The Darkness reminded everyone why they remain masters of glam rock theatrics.
The Darkness Setlist:
Love Is Only a Feeling
Motorheart
Get Your Hands Off My Woman
Walking Through Fire
Givin' Up
Friday Night
I Believe in a Thing Called Love
Encore:
The Longest Kiss
Mark Daly Setlist:
This Is Love
Devil's Arms
Better Off Alone
Brighter Days
Crazy
Don't Look Back
Superhero
I Wanna Be More