The big comeback tour for The The (essentially Matt Johnson, but with a great backing band) was sadly marked on the day of the Stockholm set by the passing of the singer/songwriter’s father. Despite this the band put on a great show.
The venue was packed by the kind of people (your humble writer included) who discovered the band in the mid-80s, now a bit less whip-thin and a bit less jaunty. One might even say greyed.
The varied soundscapes of the albums was replaced by a traditional rock band, with good results for the most part where the very strong melodies shone through, less so for others.
I’m very glad I went, and I hope the massive global tour will introduce The The to a new, unbeaten generation.
Set list
- 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
- Phantom walls
- Love is stronger than death
- Dogs of lust
- Helpline operator
- This is the night
- This is the day
- Soul catcher
- Bugle boy
- Beyond love
- Slow emotion replay
- Like a sun risin thru my garden
- Infected
- I’ve been waitin’ for tomorrow (all of my life)
(interlude)
- Uncertain smile
- Lonely planet
(via Aftonbladed)