#darknesstival

Even though Darknesstival was a couple of weeks ago we're still talking about it. I'm sure you're all aware that the guys have already started planning the next one, and there's a possibility it'll happen in other parts of the world. Exciting, isn't it? Anyway, I interviewed one lucky Darkling who attended the first ever Darknesstival. We had a lovely chat. Well, I sent @lauraqueenie83 the questions and she gave me very detailed answers. Some of it was for my ears and eyes only, but that's how interviews work. 😉 Check the gallery above and read the interview below. 

Let’s start with the usual. How long have you been a fan and how many times have you seen them live? I'm a TD fan since 2003, but I could see them live only in 2016, but when I do something, I do it well: 3 times!!

How did you discover The Darkness in the first place? I was working in an office and I heard “I Belive In A Thing Called Love” on the radio. I jumped from my chair and bumped up the volume! It was love at first sight!!

What's your favourite song? What do you feel like hearing it live? “Love Is Only A Feeling”, always and forever. There are lots of others I love, obviously, some more, some less, but those change all the time. LIOAF still remains the one that makes me feel better, and even more live. I've heard it live those 3 times, and the first time I was completely mesmerised by Dan. The 2nd time us of the Italian fanclub made a choreography with confetti at the second verse, so I lost a bit of it, but the 3rd one... Wow. No words. I'm talking about the Darknesstival one.

Yes, let’s talk about the event. What was your favourite part of Darknesstival? At first sight, I would like to say the gig, because it was very, very good. Stunning. They played new songs, oh, loved the new songs. Loved everything about the gig. But no, I have to say it was meeting all my Darkling family because I met the guys again and I met lots of people. This is the most beautiful thing about Darknesstival, the Darklings.

  Emily, Laura, Sariah.

  Yousuf telling Dan about the birthday card

I know you made gifts for the guys. Were they surprised when you gave them these gifts? Yes, they were gladly surprised! They are always super cute! Maybe the one not surprised at all was Dan, because he already knew something by my "messengers" Laurie and Yousuf, we have also a photo of him (forever grateful mates). First I gave the birthday card to him and he started to open the gift like a baby on Christmas day, as he always does, so tenderly! It was from his Danlings all over the world, not only from me, and he liked it very much. [Interviewer’s note: Here’s the lovely birthday card.]

For Justin I had written a little letter about his song “Mighty Wings” and something like "please fly always high for us, because we love how you can do it". He started to read the note without really opening it, and asked me something about it, was so kind and nice!

At the same time I was giving my Xmas note to Frankie. He got our gift - and by "our" I mean that it was from his Cow Belles - from Chelsea, so I had written just a note to explain him how much I am grateful to him for his kindness and talent. I am so sad because I couldn't talk with him, the meet and greet was very short this time, and I needed to spend most of the time explaining the card to Dan.

Then, I was talking with Ru because the person with the gift was behind me. I told Ru that the gift for him was with another person and he said he knew. We laughed. The gift was ideated by @veroniqueorcel, a Christmas box with lots of Ru fans' letters. [Interviewer’s note: My letter was in that box as well. 😊]

I was leaving and I forgot to give my personal Bday/Xmas gift (the Hawk necklace) to Dan. The necklace made it to him with the help of someone in the staff, thank you whoever you are, for your help, support and kindness. He was asking without words from the people in front of him "from who?", my friends that were waiting their m&g time, told Dan to look out. He looked out the doors and saw me, so I said with hand gestures "the gift is by me" and in the same way he replied "OK, got it, thank you". I don’t know why, but I was sad on Monday, I was sure he doesn't like it. I have to trust him much more than I used to. I'm smiling saying this. I'll be forever grateful. [Interviewer’s note: You can see him wearing it here.]

  Cow Belles' gift to Frankie

  Veronique, Laura, Philippe, Harry

There were a few people complaining that there wasn't much to do at the convention. Did you feel bored or thought that there should've been more activities planned? Not one single minute, for me, to be bored!!! The convention was simply awesome. Complete, nice and warm like it was in a family house, you know. I wasn't bored at all, I talked all day with lots of people. Got my band's and Dan's tattoos (designed by Brooke), met my Darkling family and watched the guys come and go. (Laughs) I appreciated everything I saw, and from what I've seen, everything was good, relaxed, funny, friendly and has been greatly appreciated by fans.

If someone would ask me advice for the next festival, I could say only two things, that I'd like a bit more time with the guys and that I really missed something like a set list, a list with all the activities and the hour of the activities. (Well, maybe also a Karaoke with them, OMG what a dream!!)

Oh, and the soundcheck was amazing, we were very few people in front of the stage and enjoyed it not like rockstars and fans, but a big crew! Darklings made it amazing, and our fab four made it perfect. They were fooling around, you were talking with people and Justin would show up and Dan would say hello with his hands passing behind you. Where else you can find wonderful people like them?

  Chris and Laura

  Sariah, Laura, Chelsea, Stefania

You probably met many other Darklings during the day, tell us a little about that. Also, is there anyone you wanted to meet but didn't have the chance? Yes, truly, I met lots of people. They all are my Darkling family, it was simply awesome. I was completely moved most of the time because of them... This is what our guys of The Darkness can do, connect us all over the world.

The first who me and Stefania met, was Chelsea (from UK, and one of the fans in “Last Of Our Kind” video), she was completely genius, funny, fresh. I like her so much, we met at the bus station because she was so kind to come guide us, and she stayed with us all Saturday. Then I met Sariah (from USA) at the hotel, I shared my room with her, my sister from Danlings' Den, I love her so much. She's so funny, cute and very special to me.

Saturday night we had a meeting of the Danlings' Den, Dan Hawkins fans. There we met Laurie, the admin, who gave us the magic pen of the fanclub, and a lot of other Dan's fans. I was so proud, because most were men, and you know, some people at first sight think Danlings are mostly females who are crazy in love with him, but in real we all respect and love him for his work and his talent, as a musician and also as a producer. (...and well, yes, sometimes we females are a bit naughty, but it's his pretty face's fault!) (laughs) (damn, where's my mop?!)

On Sunday, the huge reunion: Italian Darkness Army and The Darkness Italia members, of course Stefania, my soul sister with who I made my trip and adventure, Nicola and his wife Chiara, Monica, Jack, Geraldine, Stefano and Sara. Love you all, Italian mates!! And from UK Lucia, Chris and her hubby, Harry, Bekki and her daughter, Richard, Yousuf, Scarlett, Emily and Fee. Philippe and his son from Belgium. From USA Scott and Geoff, and Laurie. Babs from Amsterdam. Penelope, with her mom, from France. I'm sorry, I'm sure I'm forgetting someone, too much adrenaline that day, I remember their faces but not their names, I'm so sorry!!!

I met again also a very special person, Veronique, and finally got to stay with her in person more than few minutes, as for last Queen+Adam Lambert gig. She is one of the most genuine, cute, clever person I know, really brilliant. And funny! I love her, how couldn't I?!

I am truly glad to met again the awesome Judit. She's a sweetheart. This is why I am so glad for the convention, because Darklings are the convention. I missed to meet someone of the staff, I really wanted to meet to say thank you in person, but they were working, so I can understand, obviously! The time will come.

Moving on to the show portion of the day, they played longer than usual. What did you think of the extended set? Did you like the new songs? I loved the new songs! “Solid Gold” is simply brilliant!! Loved the ultrariffs style and the extended chorus by Dan, loved the massive bass line by Frank, loved the magical voice and the stunning onstage presence of Jus, loved the energy of drums, man, that Ru is terrifying! Well, okay, loved everything! Seriously, for me it's been the best gig ever. Not only for the new songs, but also for the "unplayed or rarely played songs", loved it! Loved “Bareback” and “Dinner Lady Arms”, “Knockers”, and the odd version of “I Love You 5 Times”, played on bass by Dan and on guitar by Frank, OMG!!! I was like Alice in wonderland. (Laughs) [Interviewer’s note: A video of “I Love You 5 Times” from the soundcheck.]

You threw your bra on stage. Where did that idea came from? Would you do it again? Yes, oops my fault! I wasn't wearing it, by the way! (Laughs) Well, the idea came from talking on the phone with my friend Monica few days before the festival. We wanted to organise something special and funny, and it was hilarious, because in the inside on the left we had written "Merry Christmas from Laura and Monica" and on the right "......bite our cookies!!!" And when Jus was close enough I threw it to him! He took it, read it, and wore it... Monica was ready with the camera and took a little video!! We're still dying thinking of it, so.... Yes, we'd love to do it again!!! [Interviewer’s note: Here’s a little video of Justin wearing the bra.]

Like I mentioned, they played longer than usual. Was that enough or did you want them to play even longer? To me it was more than enough, as time and as quality, damn they all played amazingly. Terrific gig!! I could feel their hearts and their souls, especially my baby monster (Dan) was awesome. I can say more about him because I was exactly in front of him, and because he stole all my attention, as always. I was like mesmerised watching his hands playing. Only one other guitarist makes me feel like this, it's Brian May. By the way, he also played the songs we're used to hear live, like LIOAF, with something special, like he was drawing a fabulous arabesque. Like I said, for me it was enough. You know, obviously never enough of them really, but you have to think of their tiredness. They are our heroes, but they are humans too! (laughs)

  Laura, Sariah, Laurie, Fee, Toby and his dad.

  Darknesstival merch and Frankie's book signed by him

The setlist was still Permission To Land heavy. Do you ever tire of hearing those songs? No. I'm not tired, but I would like to hear more new ones, and by new I mean also Hot Cakes and Last Of Our Kind ones

You had the VIP ticket, right? What was the afterparty like? Yes, I am such a lucky person, I had my family and my Darkling family to help me, so I got the Super VIP ticket. I'll be forever grateful to Stefania (the admin of The Darkness Italia) and my parents.

Afterparty was in the pub upstairs, completely informal and friendly, as you can see from the pics. The band came after a bit and they started to talk with the fans. Ru came to sit in the table behind mine, so I could ask him for a photo together, he's adorable, and recognised me by name and country, I was so shocked and honoured!!!

Again with my friend Monica, we planned a joke for the guys, but because they were separated at the party we chose Justin as the victim. She took 4 red papillons, put them in a red and white box, like Santa's clothes, and in the notes, from IDA and TDI, we wrote thanks and wishes and "please, for the next Xmas video, we would watch the four of you wear only these...." Justin was funny, tried to seem shy and in awe, but at least laughed with us, and accepted to take a pic with the Italian fanclub.

About Frank, I asked him if he would like to sign my copy of his book (...book that Chris gave me at the convention as Xmas gift, love you darling) He was something like a bit moved, and dedicated me wonderful words.

Dan seemed really busy, so I tried to catch him in a good moment. Failing. (Laughs) Anyway, I asked him to please sign my copy of the birthday card, he was very kind to do it, but was also in a hurry, so I tried to leave him free. Surprising me, he came back to say "Ciao bella!" (Hello beauty, in my language) I was completely shocked, he saw my face and started to laugh. And then he came to hug me and kiss my cheeks for the 3rd time in a day. #lifegoal (Laughs badly)

There’s not much going on in TD world at the moment, except for merch being sent out. What better way to pass the time than to read about the glorious Darknesstival. I asked a fellow Darkling who attended the bestival of festivals to write a review for all of us to enjoy. Also, to make the less fortunate ones, myself included, go green with envy. 😜 Here it is in all its glory:

The Darkness have created their own festival, called Darknesstival. The 18/12/2016 held the premiere of its kind and it was at the Indigo at the O2, London. Presented as a “fan convention” and teasing that there would be “lots of surprises”, the anticipation was big!

Now that we attended the event: did they reach their goal? A huge YES, it was epic and memorable! There were different types of tickets; this review will concern the “Super VIP” one. Here is the tantalizing program of the event:

The doors opening was planned for noon but I arrived 1h 30mins earlier in order to have time to speak with the fans in the queue and to enjoy the atmosphere of excitement that was floating around. I wanted to meet and discover new people: it’s not every day you can make new friends who are sharing the same passion for the band and coming from all around the world! I met people from all ages (very young to older ones), from very diverse countries (from USA to Asia, and even from my own country France!!), in about same proportions of men and women. I was pleasantly surprised by how The Darkness music truly gathers everyone! One of my most incredible memories of the day was when I could finally meet in real, thanks to this event, a very dear friend with whom I’ve been chatting online for a long time!!

Just after the doors opened, the first thing catching my attention was the merchandising stand on the right. Like the Ali Baba’s cave, there were lots of absofucklinglutely badass new goodies exposed calling me. They were all so beautiful that I couldn’t pick just only one and ended up by buying several.😆 I give an A+ for the merchandising.

Inside, a woman was asking everyone coming in if we wanted to participate in the “be in the band experience”. She explained that we would be filmed, in front of a green background and we would re-create the “Last of Our Kind” video. My gosh, I’m very shy and introverted, just the fact of speaking in public scares me. So I thought that was an utterly brilliant idea but it was definitively not for me. But the woman started to add, “I will also need some air-drummers, to recreate the scene with Dan and Rufus topless”. I don’t know how what happened but I surprised myself screaming, “YES!!!! ME PLEASE!!!” even if my whole body and mind were thinking “no”. 😆 But in the end, I’m very grateful to have done it, everyone makes you at ease and comfortable and guides you through the whole process. It was a fabulous experience, A+++. Can’t wait to discover the final edit.

There were other stands. The first one was for temporary tattoos. There were different types and you had to pick only one. I obviously chose Rufus’s head! It lasted on my skin over one week, so A+++ both for quality and idea. I just regretted that we couldn’t buy some temporary tattoos, I would have loved to bring more of those back home.

A second stand was a table with all the 360 VR headsets with concert sequences. I unfortunately didn’t have time to check (there were too many things to do) but I was told the quality was amazing and that it was from their recent concert in Sweden. I was also told there was a Guitar Hero stand but I also didn’t have time to check! I preferred to have a good spot for the next activity.

They showed on a screen on stage different photos of the band throughout the years and with interesting comments. That was a good idea too, but I didn’t hear the whole because I saw Frankie and then Rufus arriving inside the venue so my attention was focused on them instead of the comments 😆.

After a very-deserved lunch break, it was the quiz time! Dan went onstage at few meters from us and gave the replies to each question. It was again a very interesting and good idea, I loved it.

There was also a stunning exhibition on stage: outfits worn by Justin, the Indian headdress worn by Rufus in the “Last of Our Kind” video, exclusive stunning pro-shots, some awards and diverse other treasures. Woaaah! We had to make a line to be able to go few by few on stage to see them. When I had waited for 10 minutes and arrived in the middle on the line, they called us for the meet-and-greet. I had to leave and miss my turn so I couldn’t see the exhibition, such a pity. But A+++ again for the idea.

I ran to the meet-and-greet place upstairs just after the announcement but when I arrived the security told that they were already full for the first session! The security said it was a bit complicated with the organization and told me to come back for the second session happening in a few hours. I was ok with that, but then they advised me to hurry and arrive way in advance because I was not ensured to be in the 2nd session if there were too many people. I started to get really nervous and anxious about that. But Rufus, who was in the middle of a M&G, saw me in the queue and we had a short interaction (such a magical memory I will cherish forever) so that made me forget everything. I was over the moon, OMG thank you Darknesstival.

After the end of the first M&G session, Justin and Rufus went downstairs to play the final game of the ping-pong competition (the 2 best players teamed together to play against Justin+Rufus team). There were two rounds, here are some videos: Round 1 and Round 2.

That was honestly so funny and hilarious, definitively one of my favorite memories from the event! #ItSlayed Definitively a must-see!! Even though team Justin-Rufus lost, NOOOOOO 😆

Then we could attend the band’s soundcheck. I had already experienced it two times before, but I was still in awe this time as if it was the very first time. They really are incredible musicians and never cease to impress me. We could even hear a new song at the soundcheck!!!!! Priceless feeling. And I can assure you it’s FIYAH y’all, bloody epic! I am craving to hear this atomic bomb again!!!

Then there was the Q&A but I had to go back upstairs for the 2nd M&G, to be in advance exactly as the security had advised me. Such a pity I couldn’t hear it. But thankfully I could still see from the M&G room the short part of the upcoming The Darkness documentary that they aired. OH MY GOD it’s gonna be huge y’all, I need this DVD so badly in my life. Woahou is all I can find to say to describe it.

We were very rushed at the M&G, only few moments with the band to let everyone have a chance to have their time. So I couldn’t talk with everyone and I chose to speak with Rufus longer, obviously (I exchanged few words with Justin, Frankie and Dan). Such a pity, and I felt bad for speaking more with one than the rest of the band. #NotCoolForThem That’s unfortunately how it was with the short time allowed. I still could give them all the gifts I had for them ❤ and many things I had wished could happen. Lifetime memories I will cherish. ❤ Rufus even made me have few more seconds to stay longer and let me finish everything, protecting me against the security woman orders (he’s been once more my hero and an angel).

I don’t remember me leaving the room because of the huge emotions and happiness from the M&G. Darknesstival had promised to make you have the time of your life and it truly did, my M&G was better than a fairytale. OMG, thank you The Darkness and especially Rufus!!! ❤ My brain had like “crashed” or “blacked out” or whatever you call it after my M&G. The first thing I remember is someone calling me by my name. My brain started to work again: I realized I was in my bestie’s arms, crying (of happiness) and shaking like a leaf. I turned round to see who had called me and….. it was Justin!!!!!! He had left the next M&G to run after me and give me back my Drumhead magazine (I had asked Rufus if he could sign it, then I had probably put it on a table for my hug and as it left me brainless because of the emotion, it seems I had forgotten it/to take it back)!!!!! OMG, Justin is not only one of the most talented singers in the world but also one of the kindest and mot genuine sweetheart ever #Hero. He truly cares for his fans. I was so shocked from his adorable gesture that I don’t even remember what I told him.

I went back downstairs to the room of the show. It was packed. We were supposed to have first rows with the Super VIP tickets but, with everyone already in, they of course refused to let me reach the first row of the pit. I ended in third row. No regrets about that because I’ve already been in the first row. (That is a point to maybe change for the next event. For example: for another artist I follow AL, they put special barriers to reserve the places in the first rows for all the people having a VIP ticket.) The show was bloody epic!!! The atmosphere was electric and everyone was captivated. The band truly had the audience in their palm in a few minutes, everyone clapping, dancing and singing with energy. And, as I’m a very exigent person on the music quality in live, I can assure you The Darkness are real musicians with mad talents (a quality that is unfortunately disappearing nowadays in the music industry). And a special mention for the playing of Rufus, which is mesmerizing: at the same time so fast, so powerful and so fluid. Absolutely beautiful to watch. But what struck me the most was the joy and the passion on each member’s face: they seemed to be truly having a time of their life too. They performed an interesting and diverse setlist, with a very clever song choice: some rare songs, some big hits and again the very new one!!! I wanna give also a special shout out to Justin for speaking in my language (French) a couple of times and also to their memorable Xmas outfits at the end (Dan the snowman, Frankie the turkey, Justin the Santa and Rufus the giant Xmas dick). Haha, life can never be boring with The Darkness as idols.

After the show, I went back upstairs with all my friends to share drinks in the M&G room, with stars in my eyes and buzzing/over the moon. The band was also there!!! I didn’t want to annoy them because to me they would be probably tired after this incredible show. I just asked for individual photos with each member, but didn’t want to stay to speak much (last thing on Earth I want would be to bother them). Rufus was again an absolute angel and I helped Justin a tiny bit with French. It was such a surreal experience to be in the same room as them going all around with their drinks! I had to pinch myself once or twice to see if it was really real. I also could meet again someone of the crew who is very nice and we chatted a bit. It truly gave me the impression of being in the middle of a family, my The Darkness family.

I am very thankful for this event, it was beyond all expectations. Lifetime memories for sure. Such incredible moments happened, with amazing friends for an incredible concert. When is the next one? Gimme a D, gimme an Arkness, and long may these Rockgods reign!