The The

Formed in London in 1979, The The is an influential English post-punk and alternative rock project led by singer-songwriter Matt Johnson, who remains the group's only constant member and creative director. Known for its politically charged and deeply personal lyrics, the band achieved significant critical and commercial success in the 1980s and 90s with landmark albums such as Soul Mining (1983), Infected (1986), and Mind Bomb (1989), the latter of which featured guitarist Johnny Marr. After a nearly 20-year hiatus from recording and touring—during which Johnson focused on film soundtracks and activism—the band returned in 2018 for "The Comeback Special" tour. Most recently, The The released Ensoulment in 2024, their first studio album of new material in 24 years, followed by the "Ensouled World Tour" spanning into 2025.