The Darkness on album chart battle: “We’re up against Mumford & Sons. We’re going to beat those c**ts”
The Darkness have discussed the race against Mumford & Sons to get their latest album to the top of the charts, saying that they are determined to “beat those c**ts”.
It comes as the Justin Hawkins-led band dropped their latest album ‘Dreams On Toast’ last Friday (March 28) – marking their eighth studio LP and the follow-up to 2021’s ‘Motorheart’.
The record featured singles ‘The Longest Kiss’, ‘Rock And Roll Party Cowboy’, ‘Walking Through Fire’ and ‘I Hate Myself’, as well as a closing track called ‘Weekend In Rome’ which starred actor Stephen Dorff.
Now, it looks like the band are in a race to reach the top of the UK album charts with the record, and eager to beat off close competition from Mumford & Sons, who recently released their new LP ‘RUSHMERE’.
“I think it’ll go Number One,” guitarist Dan Hawkins told Classic Rock. “I am confident. We’re up against Mumford & Sons. We’re going to beat those c***s.”
‘RUSHMERE’ follows on from the band’s 2018 release ‘Delta’, and marks Mumford & Sons’ first LP as a trio – comprising Mumford, Ted Dwane and Ben Lovett. Banjoist Winston Marshall departed the group in 2021.
While both albums were shared last Friday, it is looking likely that Marcus Mumford and co. are going to beat The Darkness to the peak position on the charts. According to the mid-week charts, ‘RUSHMERE’ is currently sitting in the Number One spot, and is predicted to remain there until the end of the week.
If it stays in pole position by the weekend, it will mark the third Number One album for Mumford & Sons, following on from 2012’s ‘Babel’ and 2015’s ‘Wilder Mind’. If Justin Hawkins and co. take the lead by Friday, however, it’ll mark The Darkness’ best-performing album since 2003’s debut ‘Permission To Land’, which stayed at Number One for four weeks.
The Darkness will continue their run of 2025 UK headline tour dates tonight with a show in Liverpool. Already, the shows have included a massive show at London’s OVO Wembley Arena, a stop at the O2 Apollo in Manchester, and a gig in Newcastle. Find any remaining tickets here for the tour here.
As for Mumford & Sons, the band have shared details of an upcoming US tour along with over 20 live shows as part of a European and UK tour, also celebrating their LP. Before the tour celebrating ‘RUSHMERE’ kicks off, the band will be taking to the stage this spring for Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool – locking in a headline slot on May 25. Find tickets here.
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Liberty Dunworth
NME
