The The Members, Gear & Sound

English post‐punk band

Genre

New Wave Alternative rock Pop rock Art rock Spoken word Post-punk Soundtrack Art pop New romantic new wave pop

Members

Select a The The band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Johnny Marr

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Groups:

Modest Mouse The Smiths Pretenders Electronic The Cribs The Motels Johnny Marr + the Healers The Pretenders Johnny Marr and Billy Duffy 7 Worlds Collide The Magnificent Six

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James Eller

Roles:

Bassist Composer Music Producer

Groups:

The Adult Net

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David Palmer

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Steely Dan Yellow Magic Orchestra ABC The Amboy Dukes

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Jools Holland

Roles:

Keyboardist

Groups:

Squeeze George's Band Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra The Barnestormers Ken Bishop's Nice Twelve Jools Holland and His Millionaires Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra The Oil City Sheiks

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Sinéad O'Connor

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Keyboardist Music Producer

Groups:

Band Aid 30

Needs more gear

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Earl Harvin

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Tindersticks Maimou My Brightest Diamond Billy Goat Black Frames Earl Harvin Trio Ten Hands

Needs more gear

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Keith Laws

Roles:

Keyboardist

No gear added

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Tom Johnson

Roles:

Bassist

No gear added

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Peter Ashworth

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Marc and the Mambas

No gear added

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Simon Fisher Turner

Roles:

Composer

Groups:

Deux Filles

No gear added

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D.C. Collard

Roles:

Composer

No gear added

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Colin Lloyd-Tucker

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

Deux Filles

No gear added

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About

The The is a British musical project founded by Matt Johnson in 1979. Known for its eclectic blend of new wave, alternative rock, and art rock, the project is essentially a solo endeavor by Johnson, who is the driving force behind its evolving sound and artistic direction. Over the years, The The has featured a rotating lineup of collaborators, including notable musicians like Johnny Marr of The Smiths. The group’s music is characterized by a fusion of genres, ranging from pop rock and post-punk to more experimental spoken word and soundtrack elements.

How to Sound Like The The

The The's sound is a complex mix of emotive and cinematic textures, often marked by a balance between angular electronic elements and organic instrumentation. The music can transition from moody, introspective ballads to vibrant, guitar-driven anthems. Johnny Marr's involvement introduced a layer of intricate guitar work, frequently employing the Gibson 1960 Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar and the iconic Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar to craft bright, jangly tones. His use of the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus amplifier further enhances the clean, shimmering sound that complements the band's dynamic range. The The's music thrives on creating a rich auditory landscape, where layered arrangements and thoughtful production intertwine to evoke a broad spectrum of emotions.

Discography

Burning Blue Soul

1981

Soul Mining

1983

Infected

1986

Mind Bomb

1989

Dusk

1993

Solitude

1993

Hanky Panky

1995

NakedSelf

2000

London Town 1983-1993

2001

Tony (A Soundtrack by THE THE)

2011

Hyena (A Soundtrack by THE THE)

2015

Moonbug (A Soundtrack by THE THE)

2015

Volume - 5 the Inertia Variations

2017

Volume - 5 the Inertia Variations (Sample)

2017

Volume 4: The End of the Day

2017

Volume 6: Midnight to Midnight

2017

Volume 6: Midnight to Midnight (Sample)

2017

Muscle (A Soundtrack by THE THE)

2021

The Comeback Special

2021

Ensoulment

2024

Odyssey (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

2025

Get the The The Sound

Want to sound like The The? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.