Lets’ be clear first of all, this is neither Joy Division or New Order, and doesn’t claim to be. So the assumption must be that this is a tribute or cover band then of which the answer is no. So what exactly is it then?
To understand this you must see them live, only then will all the pieces to fall into place. Peter Hook’s story begins as we all know with the inception of Warsaw/Joy Division four decades ago and their untimely demise, from which emerged New Order. “Hooky” had played an integral part both live, in the studio and as a songwriter. Hooky’s baselines instantly recognisable as was the figure he cut on stage. But all was/is not well in the New Order camp (when was it ever?) leading Bernard, Stephen and Gillian to reform several years ago minus Peter Hook.
So where does that leave Hooky?, well he’s been no stranger to striking out on his own thanks to diversions with Revenge and the moderately successful Monaco. There has also been a couple of books as well as stints as a DJ. So what has driven Peter Hook to revisit the past and take this on the road?
There could be any number of reasons (as a direct response to the reformed New Order, a demand from fans to hear Joy Division songs played live, or Hooky’s need to get out and play) of course it could be all of these, or none of them. Either way what we have is the opportunity to hear these seminal songs performed live; something many assumed would never happen again. These songs are as much Hooky’s as they are Ian’s, Bernard’s or Stephens.
Which brings us to tonight’s sold out warm-up show at The Globe in Cardiff (incidentally his second warm up show in the Welsh capital in as many years) He must like us! As you might expect, large sections of the crowd are of a certain age. However it seems that there are a few younger faces in the crowd, many of whom were not even there first time around.
The sparse Kraftwerk like opening to “Your Silent Face” is all the introduction we need tonight from Peter Hook. It’s lush, soaring, melodic electronica enveloping the audience and rendering them defenceless. Unlike Monaco for example, with “Pottsy” was on lead vocals, Peter Hook & The Light sees Hooky stepping up to frontman as we take a brief tour through some of New Orders’ back catalogue (“Cries & Whispers”,”The Him”,” Homage”, “The Village”, & “Ecstasy”) closing the first set with “Everything’s Gone Green”.
But tonight is all about Joy Division and between a further two sets, both albums “Unknown Pleasures” & “Closer” are given the time, care and attention they deserve (from both the band and the crowd). Hooky is a man of few words live, preferring the songs to do the “talking”. When you have a back catalogue so loved, cherished and respected, there’s nothing more that needs to be said.
A truly spine tingling “Atmosphere” is emotionally charged and I notice a few eyes welling up in the crowd. You would have to have a heart of stone not to be touched or moved by it’s sheer beauty. The gig of course ends with “Love Will Tear Us Apart” in a surge of frenetic energy from the crowd who simply must sing every word back to the band. Then….it’s all over.
Gone, but certainly not forgotten.
So are we any wiser, or more informed than we were before?…perhaps not. But are we any richer for the experience?…the answer, a resounding yes!
