On the night of November 17, Revolution Hall in Portland was positively electric — and it wasn’t just the packed house, but the raw, vintage swagger that Mark Daly & The Ravens brought as the opening act.

Hailing all the way from Ireland, the moment they stepped on stage, their classic-rock energy thrust the crowd into full throttle. With long, flinging locks, synchronized guitar riffs, and soaring, high-pitched vocals, they evoked images of rock’s golden age, channeling the spirit of ’70s arena bands. Their stage presence was bold and invigorating — every head-bang, every dueling guitar moment, every bounce under the lights felt purposeful and intensely alive. The lighting design complemented their performance perfectly: crisp beams, synchronized with motion, adding visual drama that matched their sonic punch and helped hold the audience’s rapt attention.

But the real star of the evening was The Darkness, who followed with a theatrical bang. Led by frontman Justin Hawkins, the band delivered a show that was as flamboyant as it was musically tight. Hawkins’s falsetto — that unmistakable, piercing high register — was in fine form, wailing through their signature hits and newer material alike. The stage felt like a wild rock operetta: at times, he strutted, at others, he leapt, dangling into the extended arms of the audience, drawing bras thrown by admiring fans. It was a spectacle, for sure — but behind the theatrics was a powerhouse band: Justin and his brother Dan Hawkins trade blazing riffs, the rhythm section pummels along, and the harmonies land with grace and grit.

For a bit of context, The Darkness burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with their debut Permission to Land, featuring iconic tracks like “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” — a song that became a defining moment for the band. Their early success wasn’t just about flash: they won three BRIT Awards in 2004, attesting to their ability to fuse tongue-in-cheek glam with serious rock chops. But their path hasn’t been entirely smooth. Justin Hawkins left the band in 2006 to deal with addiction, only for the group to reunite in 2011. Since reuniting, they’ve released several albums — including Hot Cakes in 2012 — and continued touring, proving that their bombastic rock-revival ethos still resonates with fans decades later.

Back in Portland, The Darkness leaned into that legacy, turning the set into a celebration of everything that makes them such a beloved band: impeccable musicianship, theatrical bravado, and a kind of gleeful excess that feels wonderfully genuine. They alternated between their biggest anthems and deep cuts, keeping the crowd on their toes. And for those familiar with their story, there was something touching about seeing them own the stage with confidence and joy — a band that once flirted with burnout now looking revitalized.

The connection between the opening act and the headliners was one of seamless momentum: Mark Daly & The Ravens didn’t just warm up the crowd — they primed the night. And by the time The Darkness exploded on stage, the place was ready for full-on surrender.

Overall, the November 17 show at Revolution Hall felt like more than just a concert. It was a rock revival — a reminder that when done right, classic rock still has the power to dazzle, uplift, and unite.