The word "soul" appears repeatedly in the history of THE THE: from Matt Johnson's neo-psychedelic debut album, “Burning Blue Soul” (1981), to the evolving musicality of its follow-up, “Soul Mining” (1983), to the name of his amorphous band's “Ensouled World Tour” in 2025. Since his beginnings in the late 1970s, Johnson has established himself as a bold and uncompromising artist, combining dark matters of the heart with forward-looking sociopolitical commentary in his music. THE THE was originally conceived less as a traditional band and more as a multimedia art collective. With albums like the visionary "Infected" (1986), the honest and emotional "Dusk" (1993), and the most recent live album "The Comeback Special" (2018), Johnson has repeatedly explored musical and emotional depths.
In 2018, THE THE made a surprise return to the stage after a 16-year absence, kicking off the highly acclaimed “The Comeback Special Tour” at London's Royal Albert Hall. "Actually," says Johnson, "it was the most beautiful world tour I've ever done. The warmth and love of the audience was overwhelming." He wants to share this feeling again with the new tour—and in doing so, open a new chapter in the band's history. After pandemic-related delays, the “Ensouled World Tour” will finally take place. Johnson promises what the audience can expect from the shows: "There will be new songs, plus the songs we always like to play: "This Is the Day," "Uncertain Smile," and "Heartland." But there were also some songs people asked for that weren't played at the last show and that we'll play this time."
In addition, a number of limited-edition singles have been released by THE THE in recent years, including "We Can't Stop What's Coming" (2017), "I Want 2 BU" (2020), and "$1 ONE VOTE!" (2023). Fans around the world have wildly speculated that a new THE THE album is in the works. "These singles have kick-started the creative process again." The last tour, the singles, and the soundtracks have finally brought me to a point where I feel the dam is about to break," reveals Johnson.
Tickets are CHF 87.90 for standing room.

Website
ticketcorner.ch/en/event/the-the-x-tra-19530201/

Where
X-TRA Haus der Musik
Limmatstrasse 118
8005 Zürich

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