With a career spanning over four decades, Peter Hook remains a significant figure in music history, particularly for his contributions to the post-punk landscape through Joy Division and New Order. Yet, as the music scene evolves, so too does the legacy of these influential bands. Recently, Hook revealed that he finds himself inundated with direct messages from fans expressing concerns over New Order's live performances, particularly their current bassist's interpretation of the tracks he famously brought to life. This situation not only showcases a generational divide among fans but also highlights lingering tensions between Hook and his former bandmates. In this article, we delve into the complexities of Hook's sentiments regarding New Order, the ongoing legacy of Joy Division, and the personal journey of grief and musical integrity that has shaped his career.
New Order emerged as a response to the void left by Joy Division after the tragic death of frontman Ian Curtis in 1980. Formed by the remaining members—Hook (bass), Bernard Sumner (guitar, vocals), and Stephen Morris (drums)—the band seamlessly transitioned from a darker, post-punk sound to a more accessible, synth-driven aesthetic that captivated audiences worldwide.
However, as New Order continues to tour, Hook's departure from the band in 2007 and the subsequent arrival of Tom Chapman as the bass player have sowed seeds of discontent. In an interview with The i Paper, Hook lamented that recent live performances lack the authenticity of their classics, stating, “They don’t sound anything like them.” He observed that the bass lines—integral to the band's signature sound—have been diminished to the point where the music resembles “some weird, bad cover version of a New Order track.”
This sentiment resonates with a subset of loyal fans who feel the absence of Hook’s distinctive bass playing in the recent performances. "You can’t hear the bass!" is a common refrain conveyed to Hook through social media platforms, as fans express their dissatisfaction with the band's new direction.
Their ongoing tensions seem to extend beyond musical disagreements. Hook also criticized his former bandmates for remaining silent regarding Joy Division's recent nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This recognition marks an important milestone for the band, and Hook's disappointment reflects a deeper estrangement. He stated, "I think it’s an insult for fans of both bands," suggesting that the acknowledgment should have triggered a more vocal response from New Order.
This ongoing rift was further emphasized with Hook’s lighthearted comment that if the members of New Order attended the Hall of Fame induction, "it would turn into fisticuffs." In truth, this playful comment underscores the much more serious undercurrents of unresolved issues from their past, particularly their grief and the emotional toll that Ian Curtis’s death had on their artistic journey.
Reflecting on Curtis's untimely death at the age of just 23, Hook shared poignant insights into how it shaped not just their music but their personal lives. “We didn’t grieve enough,” he mused. "I wish we’d have grieved him more." The band's decision to flit into a new musical identity with New Order was, in many ways, a coping mechanism, one that allowed them to suppress their pain and trauma.
Hook described gathering at a pub after Curtis’s death, where the band members would attempt to process their collective grief—not through verbal expression but through continued creation. "It’s like getting rid of old pictures of your ex-girlfriend," Hook expressed, a metaphor illustrating their desire to erase the painful memories while forging ahead with their new musical venture.
In 2010, Hook formed Peter Hook and The Light, a band dedicated to performing both Joy Division’s and New Order’s catalogs. This endeavor has allowed him to reconnect with the music he loves while still offering a tribute to the legacy of his earlier bands. Their upcoming tour, which will include a performance of New Order's ‘Get Ready’ album, reflects his commitment to preserving the essence of the music he is passionate about.
For many fans, Hook's performances evoke nostalgia and a sense of authenticity that has sometimes been perceived as lacking in New Order’s recent shows. As he straps on his bass for the tour, he carries the weight of his experiences, the remnants of a vibrant past, and the unresolved tensions that still linger in the corridors of their shared history.
As New Order continues to navigate their own path, it remains unclear how the band will address the criticisms levelled against them, both from fans and from Hook himself. With Hook’s discontent over their recent musical direction and its reception, it poses a significant question for the band’s future: Will they adapt their approach to appease longtime fans, or will they remain steadfast in their evolution as artists?
Moreover, the silence surrounding Joy Division's Hall of Fame nomination and Hook's pointed remark about the insult to fans suggests a potential rift that could affect the legacy of both bands. What does this mean for the upcoming generation of fans and the musical narrative that binds these pivotal figures and bands together?
Peter Hook’s reflections serve as a compelling reminder of the personal stories intertwined with the music industry. As a figure straddling two monumental bands that have defined musical genres and influenced countless artists, his experiences reflect the complexity of navigating grief, legacy, and creative expression.
While Peter Hook and The Light continue to rise, New Order faces challenges from both within and outside as they balance their evolution with the expectations of a devoted fanbase. The relationship among these musicians alludes to larger themes—those of authenticity, respect, and the weight of history in the world of performance art.
What caused Peter Hook to leave New Order?
Peter Hook departed New Order in 2007 due to increasing tensions and interpersonal friction with his bandmates.
How has Tom Chapman changed New Order's sound?
Tom Chapman, who became New Order's bassist in 2010, has been criticized by Hook for altering the band’s sound and failing to emphasize the bass lines that Hook originally brought to their music.
Why is Joy Division's nomination significant?
Joy Division's nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is significant as it acknowledges their impact on music and culture. For fans, it highlights the enduring legacy of their work, despite the band's relatively short history due to Curtis's death.
How does Hook feel about the current state of New Order?
Hook has expressed dissatisfaction with New Order's recent performances, feeling they do not resonate with the original sound and essence of the band, which he contributed to significantly. He also shared disappointment over their lack of acknowledgment for Joy Division's Hall of Fame nomination.
What is Peter Hook and The Light?
Peter Hook and The Light is a musical group formed by Hook that performs music from both Joy Division and New Order, allowing him to pay tribute to his previous bands while continuing to engage with fans and audiences.
What emotions does Peter Hook experience regarding Ian Curtis's death?
Hook has expressed regret over the lack of grief and emotional acknowledgment surrounding Curtis's death, revealing that the band did not process their trauma at the time. He feels that they turned to music as an escape rather than addressing their loss directly.