The The

Overview

It's been 16 years since The The last toured and three decades since they last graced an Aussie stage, but the UK post-punk legends are returning in a big way this October, with a two-night Sydney Opera House debut.

The October 2 and 3 shows are part of a whirlwind tour attached to an appearance at Melbourne Festival, the band's only other Australian show.

Led by Matt Johnson, The The is considered one of the most acclaimed, politically engaged bands of the 1980s, pitched among the ranks of fellow musical royalty, The Smiths, The Cure, New Order and Morrissey. Hit albums like Soul Mining (1983), Infected (1986), Mind Bomb (1989) and Dusk (1992) were staples of an entire era's angsty soundtrack.

The band's just as famed for its ever-changing lineup and for this year's comeback shows, Johnson's called in one band member from each of his three previous tours to help reimagine that critically acclaimed back catalogue. He'll be joined on the iconic Concert Hall stage by bassist James Eller, lead guitarist Barrie Cadogan, Earl Harvin on drums and DC Collard on keyboards.

The The's Australian dates come off the back of a sold-out series of London concerts, a fast-selling tour of Europe and the USA, and the release of new single 'We Can't Stop What's Coming'.

Image: Thomas Feiner.