Performing in homage to the 20th anniversary of their smash hit second album One Way Ticket To Hell… And Back, which featured an iconic stream train on its front cover, the band were also celebrating the announcement of their largest headline tour in 20 years, which takes place across UK arenas in December 2026.
Pre-sale for the December 2026 UK arena tour starts at 10am Wednesday 26th November 2025 here, and general sale starts at 10am Friday 28th November 2025 here.
The Hawkins brothers, Justin & Dan, performed songs including their festive smash hit ‘Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End)’, a take on Cliff Richard’s ‘Mistletoe and Wine’ and further Darkness hits and fan-favourites including ‘I Believe In A Thing Called Love’, ‘Givin’ Up’, ‘Friday Night’ and more. The Darkness frontman took to the St. Pancras piano to perform and sing, while Dan Hawkins accompanied on acoustic guitar.
The performance from the multi-platinum and award-winning rock band brought the power of rock and festive merriment to the surprise and wonder of onlookers this lunchtime at St. Pancras Station who were in full voice for the occasion.
The performance follows in the footsteps of GRAMMY® award winners Alicia Keys and Norah Jones, Jeff Goldblum, and dynamic duo Rod Stewart and Jools Holland who performed at St. Pancras International. Other world-class performers to have graced the famous St. Pancras pianos include internationally acclaimed music giants Elton John and John Legend.
St. Pancras International has become renowned for regular performances from stars, talented members of the local area and even visitors from afar. The station’s main Arcade, which is host to the pianos, has grown into a hub of cultural activity over the years, creating a strong sense of community and lively destination for exciting arts activations.
Regarding the performance Justin Hawkins says, “As Santa prepares to fly his reindeer-fuelled sleigh of Slays across the night sky, thence to squeeze his tubby frame down the exhaust flues of the nation’s central heating boilers, so we, The Darkness, dust off our Christmas songs in readiness for a glut of celebration! And what better place to celebrate than Britain’s favourite railway station?! As the commuters hurry by, mince pies crushed in their frozen palms, we are filled with joy to tickle the ivories of Christmas Warmth, and strum upon the Lute of Festive Light.”
Peter Martin-Jones, Head of Marketing at London St. Pancras Highspeed says “St. Pancras International has become one of London’s go-to spots for live music, and having The Darkness bring such a festive performance to one of our iconic pianos perfectly captures that spirit. We are so pleased that Justin and Dan chose to pay us a visit in such an exciting week of announcements for the band.”
THE DARKNESS 2026 TOUR DATES
July 11th – Knebworth Park (with Iron Maiden)
Dec 8th – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Dec 9th – Leeds, FD Arena
Dec 11th – Manchester, AO Arena
Dec 12th – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
Dec 13th – Cardiff, Utilita Arena
Dec 15th – Brighton, Brighton Centre
Dec 16th – London, The O2
Picture credit: Sam Lane photography
