The Darkness

The Darkness

The Darkness kicked off their comebck by performing at Download Festival on Friday, marking their first U.K. festival appearance since 2004.

Tonight is already the best night of my life, thank you.

  The rockers, who reformed earlier in the year, played a 13-song set on the main stage at the yearly rock event in Donington Park.

  Frontman Justin Hawkins thanked fans for the warm reception, after admitting he was "terrified" about performing at Download - where revellers often boo and throw bottles at acts they don't like.

  Midway through their set, Hawkins announced, "Tonight is already the best night of my life, thank you."

  Headliners Def Leppard later went on to commend Hawkins and his bandmates for their successful set, with singer Joe Elliott telling the crowd, "We want to thank The Darkness, who are back together again. Good for them."

  Other acts featured in the 2011 Download Festival line-up include, Linkin Park, System Of A Down and Taylor Momsen's band, The Pretty Reckless.