Aged 15, I caught the train to the city with my high school sweetheart. We changed into civvies, cloaked our school bags, and headed to the front row of Brisbane’s famous Festival Hall. After an iPhoneless three hour wait in a fog of second-hand cigarette smoke, Matt Johnson and co. (including Jonny Marr & James Eller) burst on to the stage and rocked out an awesome set: all our favourite tracks from Soul Mining, Infected, and Mind Bomb. At one point, Matt leaned over the barrier – singing into his trademark vintage microphone – and some of his perspiration actually dripped on to my arm. Does it get any cooler than that?! It was my first unaccompanied, grown-up gig; no live music experience since has replicated this palpable magic.

Thirty-five years on, seeing The The for a second time was something special indeed. Whilst the first half was a live performance of the new Ensoulment album (which is rapidly growing on me), the second half was pure alchemy… it’s pretty rare to sit through a set and adore each song. (Helplessly singing along to every one.) Flawless vocals. Sublime musicianship. A ten-out-of-ten show.

I was struck by a few moments between songs. Firstly, Matt Johnson speaks with a gentle clarity usually, in my experience, only afforded to the very battle-hardened. (I call this “firm kindness”.) Secondly, he made the point that he didn’t much agree with the politics of the 80s and 90s, but at least politicians back then stood for something. Thirdly, the unspoken told-you-so look he gave the audience before starting Armageddon Days Are Here (Again). Not sure what I’m talking about? Google the lyrics.

Sunday’s performance ended with Giant. I thought it apt. Giant you are, Matt Johnson. You have my thanks. You’ve had it the moment I hit play on the Infected cassette. Your music has added a vibrant soundtrack to the significant moments of my life, as music tends to do with all of us.