THE THE

Live reviews

• Overall disappointment from such a fine artist....back-up band was horror-ific sounding -- all female band , sounded like a mix of enya and kate bush somewhat , maybe waterboys light , but mixing boards and sound was among the worst i've ever heard--her vocals were mangled , WAY too loud for their style of music--to the crowd it was just white noise mostly--REALLY needs to be toned way down for type of music they play....now , THE THE ...one of my half dozen favorite artists EVER , when in college radio i helped break his music here in southern new england , by '83 i owned 'burning blue soul' by him solo as matt johnson , the fish/lamp sire record l.p. feat. song 'the the' by the the , then i got imports of 'perfect' and 'uncertain smile' as well , BOTH quite different versions of what was released later on '84's soul mining l.p. --HOWEVER , after attending over 500 concerts , seeing over 500 bands , many repeatedly i DO feel my opinion is worthy , i love his poetical music but this concert structured completely wrong....older acts [ same thing with r.e.m. few years back ] that have a larger catologue should finish every show with a string of numbers to leave the crowd rocking and wanting.....song listing not strong at all , the 6th , 13th , 14 th and 16 songs basically unknown , slowed down the show EVERY TIME ....rare nuggets like 'flesh and blood' should have bridged the gap , should have played less audience re-active songs all early on , then built momentum to a 'blazing' finish....wished he had played 'perfect' ,

  'giant', 'all lined up ' and more from infected....fine form overall , strong of voice , but lack of cohesion was befuddling--every time the crowd would begin to sway to one or two strong cuts the direction was changed , folks sat down back on their hands--GREAT music , the drummer was OUTSTANDING , dude was pure BEEF-STICKS , no doubt , but matt-y me lad , re-work the order of songs , the talent and the tune-age is THERE to blow concert=goers away !! BUT you need to let someone outside your inner circle programme your works better--my 7th time since mid 80's seeing the the , my lady of 12 years , her first time , was just hoping the show itself would equal [ my own ] the hype of those live shows in yesteryears.....still luv the music--truly an artist , not just 'some band' , no bout a doubt it !!!

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by richard-mcdonald-2

• The uniquely named The The is a British punk rock and alternative rock band. They have a good group of members, a lot of talent there. Their talent was especially evident when I saw them perform live. They were totally in control and in their element. It was an amazing thing to see.

  They were dressed a bit wildly, almost looking like they stepped right out of the 1980's. But I love the 80's, so I loved their sense of style. The venue was in a night club. It was dark, the lighting was focused primarily on The The. I loved the feeling of the atmosphere. People really opened up one the band starting playing their set. People began standing up and waves their hands back and forth in time with the beat.

  Each song was catchy and intense. They played a great set with such songs as "Controversial Subject", "Sweet Bird of Truth", "Armageddon Days Are Here (Again)", and "Love Is Stronger Than Death". Though I loved all of the music, I had a clear favorite - "Love Is Stronger Than Death". Something about that song really resonated with me and I still listen to it a lot. It was a truly fun experience.

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  By Anonymous

• Its been along time without Matt Johnson and both his deeply personal lyrics and astute political view point. It is as if he has been in hibernation waiting for his political songs to be ever more relevant when he first wrote them. You might have forgiven the band for being a bit tired on this there third London show in row (given the years in hibernation) but none of it. A blistering 2 hour set containing something from every one of their albums standout for me was Infected, This is The day, Lonely Planet, You can't stop what's coming and obviously the classic Uncertain Smile. If I was the sort to nitpick I would have liked maybe one more song from Infected (Slow train to Dawn). I saw them on the Beat(en) Generation tour in Oz, they were every bit as good (and perhaps better), Matt has really grown into his frontman role. I hope it is not 16 years till the next tour Britain needs The The perhaps even more than in the eighties.

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by Riotclub

• After nearly 30 years of self imposed exile Matt Johnson was supposedly fed up of music industry and this show at state theatre was an indication of what was missed and the messages in lyrics he wrote back then still resonate to the current isolation of social media age. He appreciated everyone not using their phones during the show.

  Played back catalogue from Soul mining, infected, mind bomb (rousing version of Armageddon days) Dusk and Hanky Panky. Visual montage of past clips (infected film) were poignant and well timed.

  Two encores including uncertain smile extended piano break that Jools Holland would be proud of

  Excellent stuff and hope Matt still believes the songs he wrote back in the 80s still stand the course today.

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by ted-ball

• My brother and I decided we needed to fly from New Zealand to Australia to see one of the great 80s/90s bands following an email I received. We were not disappointed.

  The The live at the Sydney Opera House. What could be more cultural? Indeed, like many concert goers before us, our little family grouping sat at the front of the circle and sung along to all the great songs in paired-back simplicity.

  A great decision to attend... Hopefully it won't be another 30 years before I see them again!

  Brilliant. As expected.

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by themikeboon

• Matt and co. did a splendid job with this nostalgic set. Matt's voice is still as pure and solid as ever; band was tight. Minor personal critiques are: Beacon not the best venue for this band at this stage of its career (too big and vertical); song sequencing could have had more energy at the start.

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by MDFlip

• Absolutely fantastic, 25+ years since I saw him last , band is fantastic, great back catalogue of music to choose from, reimagined a little bit but still superb. Great that he doesn’t want you to view it through your phone as well, made a great difference

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by andrew-brown-71

• Absolutely incredible. One of the best concerts I’ve seen. Matt Johnson surrounds himself with talented musicians & his voice is like butter. I highly recommend this show to any fan of The The, or anyone who appreciates fabulous, talented musicians.

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by slptlls

• What a brilliant nite we have in Brixton Academy with The The. As usual Matt Jhonson didn't leave anyhbody down, after 18 years with out playing alive. It was jus perfect, what energy and how genious is the man. Love it from beginning to end:)

  Read more

  Report as inappropriate

  by vinemoon