CPH:DOX 2024 – Welcome to the Darkness

With tight catsuits, hysterical falsetto and a delightful combination of self-deprecating humour and irresistible hits, British glam rock band The Darkness burst onto the rock scene in 2003. With hits like ‘I Believe In A Thing Called Love’ and ‘Get Your Hands Off of My Woman’, they took audiences by storm and topped the charts until lead singer Justin Hawkins’ addiction became the band’s undoing. But now, eight years later, director Simon Emmett chronicles their journey back into the spotlight, from humble pubs to ambitions of conquering the arena stages of the world. With unique access to the band over six years, the film offers a tumultuous story of fame, failure and the bonds of brotherhood – complete with surprisingly heartfelt interviews. At times. After all, we are still dealing with a band that gave their second album the Spinal Tap-esque title ‘One Way Ticket To Hell…and Back’.