In Cinemas for One Night Only, The Documentary Explores the Triumphs and Tribulations of a Cult Band
Lightbulb Film Distribution has unveiled first look stills and a brand-new trailer for WELCOME TO THE DARKNESS, a feature-length documentary focused on the British rock sensation, The Darkness. Scheduled to premiere in cinemas across the UK on November 9th for a special one-night-only event, along with encore screenings, the documentary will also be available for digital download and Blu-ray starting December 4th
The Meteoric Rise, The Fall, and The Comeback
Back in 2003, The Darkness made waves in the global music scene with their hit single 'I Believe In A Thing Called Love' and their award-winning, chart-busting debut album, Permission to Land. However, just as they reached the pinnacle of their career in 2006, the band disbanded, seemingly disappearing from the public eye.
That is until nine years later, when director Simon Emmett (famous for his portrait and beauty photography) decided to document The Darkness's attempts at a comeback. Starting from a modest pub gig to aspiring for packed arenas, WELCOME TO THE DARKNESS showcases the raw and sometimes uncomfortable journey of a 'cult band' aiming to reclaim their past glory.
A Tale Told by The Band Members Themselves
Two decades after their first platinum-selling album, band members Justin Hawkins, Dan Hawkins, Frankie Poullain, and the new addition, drummer Rufus Taylor, share their unique perspective on The Darkness's rollercoaster journey. The documentary promises unparalleled access, rare archive footage, and personal interviews conducted over eight years, making it a compelling watch.
At its core, WELCOME TO THE DARKNESS is more than just a rockumentary; it's a commentary on fame, failure, friendship, and forgiveness. It digs deep into the emotional dynamics that tore the band apart and yet continues to drive their quest for happiness and redemption.
Permission to Land’s Legacy
For context, the band’s debut album, Permission to Land, originally released in 2003, reigned over the UK Albums chart for four consecutive weeks. It spent a total of 53 weeks in the Top 100, bringing the band three BRIT Awards and fending off competition from musical giants like Blur, Radiohead, and Muse. To this day, the album has sold over 3.5 million copies, 1.8 million of which were in the UK.
Don’t Miss It
WELCOME TO THE DARKNESS will be screening nationwide for one night only on November 9th, with encores to follow. The documentary will be available for digital download and on Blu-ray starting December 4th. To book your tickets, head over to welcometothedarkness.co.uk.
Furthermore, The Darkness has also announced a special 20th Anniversary reissue collection of their debut album, Permission to Land… Again, which was released on October 6th, 2023, via Warner Music. The band will be touring the UK from December 2nd until December 22nd.
For a band with such a compelling narrative and a proven track record of overcoming adversity, WELCOME TO THE DARKNESS is a must-watch for any rock music fan.
