British rock band THE DARKNESS has launched its 2025 celebrations with the release of their new single, “Mistletoe And Wine.” This festive track, available through Cooking Vinyl, arrived on December 5, coinciding with the fifth day of Advent. The band reinterprets Cliff Richard’s Christmas classic, delivering a fresh and vibrant rendition.
The Musical Essence of “Mistletoe And Wine”
In the new single, THE DARKNESS combines potent riffs and rich synths, creating an energetic atmosphere. Justin Hawkins leads with powerful vocals, accompanied by uplifting choral harmonies. He described the song as a playful take on the original, infusing elements of shoegaze and drone into the composition.
A Year of Triumphs for THE DARKNESS
This announcement caps off a remarkable year for the group. In April 2023, their eighth studio album, “Dreams On Toast,” achieved No. 2 on the UK Official Albums Chart. This album marked their most successful release since their debut, “Permission To Land,” and has been recognized as the most successful British rock album of the 21st century.
- Album: Dreams On Toast
- Chart Position: No. 2 in UK Official Albums Chart
- Release Date: April 2023
- Milestone: Most successful British rock album of the 21st century
Upcoming 2026 Tour Plans
Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be an exciting year for THE DARKNESS as they plan to embark on their largest headline tour in 20 years. The U.K. tour will feature seven dates, kicking off on December 8, 2026, at the Glasgow OVO Hydro. The tour will conclude with a landmark performance at The O2 in London on December 16, 2026.
Tour Schedule
- Kick-off: December 8, 2026 – Glasgow OVO Hydro
- Finale: December 16, 2026 – The O2, London
The Darkness will be supported by multi-platinum, Grammy-winning country rock band Brothers Osborne, as well as the popular U.K. rock band A. This upcoming tour aims to bring their powerful rock experience to even more fans across the U.K.
With the new single “Mistletoe And Wine,” THE DARKNESS showcases their readiness to embrace the holiday spirit while looking forward to a thrilling year of music and performance.
