The Longest Kiss

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious tune The Longest Kiss by The Darkness, a track from their upcoming eighth studio album, Dreams on Toast, set to drop on March 28, 2025, via Cooking Vinyl. This piano-led, upbeat classic channels the '70s pop brilliance of Queen and Paul McCartney, with jaunty keys and frolicking guitar licks that make it a perfect fit for the Zoo Freaks' eclectic vibe. Frontman Justin Hawkins shared a quirky story behind the song's inspiration, revealing it was born in the Scottish highland town of Nairn. He woke up to a misty orchard view, bleary-eyed and wrapped in an "unending embrace" with his partner, sparking the song's romantic lyricism. Weirdly, he noted, his ability to still sing after such a moment is a testament to the resilience of lead singers.

Another layer of trivia comes from Justin's recounting of the song's creation process. The chorus was crafted with his brother and bandmate, Dan Hawkins, after Dan's notably prolonged pub bathroom break, which Justin dubbed "impressive pub endurance." The verses, however, have a deeper origin, pulled from a decade-long project—a musical about the collapse of the Lowestoft fishing industry, aptly titled The Collapse of the Lowestoft Fishing Industry. While the musical remains unfinished, its influence gives The Longest Kiss a unique narrative depth, blending heartfelt romance with a nod to economic decline. The song's visualizer, available online, enhances its retro charm, and its recent buzz was amplified by a viral moment when Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were caught singing along to The Darkness' classic I Believe in a Thing Called Love at the US Open, boosting the band's visibility.

The Darkness, known for their campy, glam-rock swagger, burst onto the scene in 2003 with their debut album, Permission to Land. Hailing from Lowestoft, Suffolk, England, the band—formed by brothers Justin and Dan Hawkins, bassist Frankie Poullain, and drummer Rufus Taylor (son of Queen's Roger Taylor)—drew heavily on '70s and '80s hard rock and glam metal influences like Queen, AC/DC, and Van Halen. Their breakout hit, I Believe in a Thing Called Love, became an anthem, propelled by Justin's flamboyant falsetto and the band's theatrical live performances, often featuring spandex and over-the-top showmanship. The group started as a local act, playing pubs and clubs in East Anglia, with Justin and Dan refining their sound through earlier projects like the band Empire. Their big break came after relentless gigging and a deal with Atlantic Records, which catapulted them to international fame.

The band's journey wasn't without turbulence. After their second album, One Way Ticket to Hell... and Back, Justin Hawkins left in 2006 due to personal struggles, leading to a brief hiatus. The Darkness reunited in 2011, however, and have since released a string of albums, including Easter Is Cancelled (2019) and Motorheart (2021), maintaining their cheeky, high-energy style. Their staying power is evident in their upcoming 2025 UK tour, supporting Dreams on Toast, with a finale at London's OVO Arena Wembley. Fans can connect with the band on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and witty banter. For deeper fan engagement, check out the Official The Darkness Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant community of devotees sharing concert stories and memorabilia. Websites like TheDarknessRock.com also offer fan-driven content, from discographies to tour archives, keeping the Zoo Freaks' passion alive.