The The
The Palladium Los Angeles, CA
September 25 2018
Review by Michelle Nati
Photos by Stevo Rood
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From the video channel of Telez4
During a subdued but otherwise enjoyable set at LA’s Palladium, Matt Johnson, frontman and only consistent member of The The told the crowd via poet John Tottenham, “You would think by now that people would know better than to ask me what I have been doing with my time. And you would think by now that I would have come up with an answer that would silence them.”
Johnson left the music business behind for eighteen years, but returned to eager crowds, a sold-out tour (two nights of which were in Los Angeles, the first of which was at the John Anson Ford Theatre), and a newly formed backing band to play songs from throughout The The’s career, including classics from stand-out albums “Soul Mining,” “Infected,” and “Mind Bomb” among others.
Full gallery of photos by Stevo Rood located here.
Three decades after their release, much of The The’s music is more timely than ever. Even Johnson admitted, unfortunately, little has changed: “The songs are quite old but the lyrical subject matter is still pertinent, which is good for me but unfortunate for the state of the world.”
The The, also featuring Barrie Cadogan on guitar, DC Collard on keyboards/melodica, James Eller on bass and Earl Harvin on drums, were warmly received by the crowd as they plowed through favorites including “This Is The Day,” “Infected,” “Heartland” and “Uncertain Smile” which had the audience rapt and dancing. Buoyed by Collard’s lengthy piano solo, it was a true testament to how dearly missed The The have been. Welcome back.
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
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)
Helpline Operator
Like A Sun Rising
Infected
I’ve Been Waiting for Tomorrow (All of My Life)
Encore:
True Happiness This Way Lies
Uncertain Smile
Lonely Planet
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