The Darkness will open for Def Leppard at Download Festival June 10 at Donington Park in Derby, United Kingdom.
A post on the band’s website confirms the original lineup will be there including lead singer/guitarist/pianist Justin Hawkins, guitarist/backing vocalist Dan Hawkins, bassist Frankie Poullain, and drummer Ed Graham.
“The idea of playing Download terrifies us,” Justin Hawkins said in a statement on Download Festival’s website. “We played in an early slot on the main stage in 2003 and we were frightened then. It’s reassuring to know that nothing has changed.
“On a serious note it’s the most rockest of festivals and the perfect place for us to begin the next phase of our journey.”
In the meantime the band is hitting the studio to work on tracks for the group’s upcoming third album.
The Darkness released its debut album, Permission to Land, in 2003, followed by 2005’s One Way Ticket to Hell … and Back.
The band last major tour took place in summer 2006. In August of that year Justin Hawkins entered rehab for a cocaine addiction. Two months later he quit the band to focus on his treatment.
Tickets to Download Festival are on sale now. The event, which takes place June 10-12, also features System Of A Down, Linkin Park, Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet For My Valentine, Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie and Disturbed.
Click here for The Darkness’ official website.
Click here for Download Festival’s website.