THE DARKNESS @ OVO Arena, Wembley - Justin Hawkins And Co Deliver "Spectacle Of Rock 'N' Roll Greatness"

Pyros! More pyros! [photo: Riley Edmett]

Whilst some postponements have made tonight the antepenultimate night of the tour rather than the grand finale it set out to be, The Darkness' hold over the OVO Arena in Wembley is as strong as ever.

A slight hold up at the queue dampens morale slightly, but the busy Wembley floor gives a good indication of the crowd and energy tonight. Everyone is gathered here to bear witness to a spectacle of rock 'n' roll greatness.

The lights dim, the chattering amongst the crowds fades, and on comes ASH. Starting with Queen's 'Flash Gordon' blaring through the speakers, I was expecting something in the vein of 80s synthwave rock. However, the actual product had more in similarities to a band like Weezer.

Second track "Angel Interceptor" picks up the energy, but apart from a tom heavy track later on, there is little differentiation throughout the set.

The crowd energy is mixed. Some people are loving it, fully indulged, whilst others are standing stone faced.

ASH kick things off in Wembley [photo: Riley Edmett]

A surprising cover of Harry Belafonte's "Jump in the Line" reels me in, but the band fail to keep me hooked. It's a shame, as if my expectations were placed differently I might have enjoyed it more.

Of course, it's a near impossible feat to match the energy THE DARKNESS bring. It's clear that they are the main draw tonight. Right from the get go, everything is turned up to 11, vocalist and flamboyant showman Justin Hawkins front and centre.

A headstand there, a crowd singalong here - the band very much have the audience in their palm. At one point Hawkins describes how a big Wembley show can often be overwhelming, but that the audience have absolutely welcomed them. That couldn't be closer to the truth, for tonight is a celebration of all things Darkness.

Justin Hawkins takes his flowers [photo: Riley Edmett]

Behind all the fun and the theatrics, the band remind the crowd that they are still immensely talented; a couple of occasions see drummer Rufus Taylor take vocal duties, making for a really powerful dynamic.

The set is a mix of classic staples and tracks from new album Dreams On Toast, giving audiences a chance to hear brand new songs whilst also delivering on the expected fan favourites (Yes. Even the Christmas song).

The only issue is that it was over too soon.