The Darkness released a shoegaze-inspired cover of Cliff Richard’s 1988 Christmas hit “Mistletoe and Wine” on Friday. Frontman Justin Hawkins shared on Instagram, “This song is a musical departure for us as we reimagine Richie Clifton’s classic with some shoegaze and drone elements. Jack Frost staring at his toes? You will be too. In a good way.” The cover features choral harmonies, synthesizers, and guitar riffs. Last month, Justin and Dan Hawkins performed a stripped-back version at St Pancras International station.
The band previously released “Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End)” in 2003, which lost the Christmas Number One spot to Gary Jules’ “Mad World.” In April, The Darkness reached No. 2 on the UK Official Albums Chart with their eighth studio album, Dreams On Toast, marking their most successful release since their debut album, Permission To Land. That album is known as the most successful British rock album of the 21st century.
This year, the band sold out shows, including a headline return to Wembley Arena and performances across Europe, Australia, and the United States. They will also support Iron Maiden at Knebworth Park on July 11, 2026.
In December 2026, The Darkness will kick off their biggest headline tour in 20 years. The seven-date UK arena run starts at Glasgow OVO Hydro on December 8 and ends at London’s O2 Arena on December 16. Brothers Osborne and band A will support them on all dates. The tour includes stops in Leeds on December 9, Manchester on December 11, Birmingham on December 12, Cardiff on December 13, and Brighton on December 15. The O2 Arena show will be their first headline performance at that venue. Tickets are available now.
