The Darkness to Reissue ‘Permission to Land’

2023-07-06

The Darkness band photo 2023

The Darkness – Story by Anne Erickson, photo via Warner Music

British rockers The Darkness are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their “Permission to Land” album with a special reissue

The Darkness hit it big with their 2003 debut album, “Permission to Land.” Now, the British rock group has announced a special 20th anniversary edition of that record. The new, expanded version is being called “Permission to Land… Again” and will drop Oct. 6 via Warner Music.

The debut record was a big success for the group, as it included the popular single “I Believe in a Thing Called Love.” That track put The Darkness on the map and was played on rock radio stations all over the world. Other singles such as “Growing on Me” and “Love Is Only a Feeling” did well in the U.K.

“Permission to Land” originally dropped on July 7, 2003. The new version of the record will be available as a 5-LP version and a 4-CD/DVD edition. Also, the record hasn’t been available on vinyl since it was first released.

“So much has happened since the original release of ‘Permission to Land’ that I can hardly believe it’s only been 20 years,” frontman Justin Hawkins says of the release. “Such turmoil, upheaval, the emotional rollercoaster ride of being nobody, becoming somebody, going back to being nobody and loving every second of it. The past two decades have only been this eventful because of the impact that our debut album had. I’m grateful for every second of this experience and delighted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the best debut album by The Darkness of all time.”

The reissue features the full, original album, as well as an expanded track list. The new tracks include bonus studio tracks, B-sides and two concert performances: “Live at Knebworth” (2003) and “Live at The Astoria” (2003). In addition, the DVD will feature music videos and the filmed versions of the two concert performances. The CD/DVD set will also include a third concert, “Live at Wembley” (2004).

On top of the reissue, The Darkness are also honoring the 20th anniversary of “Permission to Land” with a recently U.S. tour. That trek begins Oct. 3 in San Francisco, California. During the tour, the group will be performing the 2003 album from front to back. For tour dates, go here.

Charles Ken
Posted by Charles Ken | Music, Rock, Rock News