Review: The The at the State Theatre of Victoria, October 5th, 2018
Earlier this year, post-punk icons The The announced their long-awaited return to the live stage, unveiling their first tour dates in 16 years. Following a series of dates across UK, Europe, and the US, Aussie fans had been hoping that the group would grace them with their presence.
Thankfully, that wish came true this week, with The The performing their first shows on Aussie soil since 1989. Following two performances in Sydney earlier in the week, and a Melbourne show on Thursday night, The The returned to Melbourne’s State Theatre on Friday night for their final performance of their ‘Comeback Special’, and the last for the foreseeable future.
As fans packed into the spacious venue in the mid-evening, it was clearly a veritable mix of young and old gearing up to enjoy the performance. With veteran supporters and new fans witnessing the group for the first time, it was obvious that the evening’s set was always going to be a rather special affair.
With no support band opening the night’s proceedings, something of an ominous drone began to fill the venue, as the lights dimmed, showing only the silhouette of the band’s five members.
As the hypnotising sound of ‘Global Eyes’ washed over the fans, The The slowly let it be known that they were here to give everyone in attendance something special. As the track came to a close, Matt Johnson – the sole constant member of The The throughout the group’s existence – began to joke with the crowd, telling the stories behind his tracks and jokingly ranting about the influx of technology.
As the set progressed, the audience were treated to a mesmerising backdrop that contained soft, ambient images, interspersed with old and new footage of Johnson, while the band’s logo featured prominently. Above all, it was rather hard to forget who we were here to see.
While many acts who have decided to hit the stage after a 16-year break might be perceived as being a bit rusty when they make their return, this was never an issue for Johnson and co., with every song feeling as fresh and powerful as they day they were first performed.
As the set powered on through classic tracks, deeper cuts, and emotional gems such as ‘Love Is Stronger’, the audience frequently found themselves calling for personal favourites, only to be sadly rebuffed each and every time in favour of the pre-planned setlist.
While Matt Johnson was clearly enjoying himself, delivering a series of songs that meant a great deal to him at times, he was more than aware of what the crowd were there to see, and made a point of giving an explanation as to the writing of ‘This Is The Day’, arguably one of the group’s most enduring tracks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S03UOkb9zU4
Following a brief period away from the stage, Johnson returned in solo mode for an encore performance of 1993’s Dusk opener ‘True Happiness This Way Lies’. Taking a jovial approach to the track, he joked with the crowd, breezing through the tune, before launching into an absolutely stunning performance of ‘Uncertain Smile’.
While ‘Uncertain Smile’ might be one of The The’s most beloved tunes (famously reaching #3, #4, and #13 on the first three Hottest 100 Of All Time countdowns by triple j), it was the piano playing of DC Collard that undoubtedly took centre stage.
Turning the anthem’s iconic solo in an extended jam, fans were in awe of what they were witnessing, as even Matt Johnson and the rest of the group seemed to be taken aback by the amazing talent that was on display.
While the group recognised their absence from Australian shores over the years (making specific mention of a failed tour back in 2000), they alluded to a return trip before sending us into the night with a performance of ‘Lonely Planet’, and leaving us all to wonder what The The will sound like if and when they next return to our shores.
Check out The The’s ‘Uncertain Smile’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir1PBrUQYCw
The The @ State Theatre, Melbourne, Australia 05/10/2018 Setlist
‘Global Eyes’
‘Sweet Bird Of Truth’
‘Flesh And Bones’
‘Heartland’
‘The Beat(En) Generation’
‘Armageddon Days Are Here (Again)’
‘We Can’t Stop What’s Coming’
‘Beyond Love’
‘Love Is Stronger Than Death’
‘Dogs Of Lust’
‘Helpline Operator’
‘This Is The Night’
‘This Is The Day’
‘Soul Catcher’
‘Bugle Boy’
‘Slow Emotion Replay’
‘I Saw The Light’ (Hank Williams cover)
‘Like A Sun Risin Thru My Garden’
‘Infected’
‘I’ve Been Waitin’ For Tomorrow (All Of My Life)’
Encore:
‘True Happiness This Way Lies’
‘Uncertain Smile’
‘Lonely Planet’
