Guitarist and singer Bernard Sumner and drummer Stephen Morris were left slightly stunned by the news, so too the fans. But now, five years later, they’ve reformed for their first London show in five years, minus Hook that is…
New Order without Peter Hook is like “Sooty without Sweep,” the former bassist grumpily affirmed upon the announcement of the show. “Like Queen without Freddie Mercury…”
His feelings towards the reunion, though, would go through a variety of changes, with Hook being “saddened and upset” by the band’s decision to reform without him, then going on to describe it as “disgusting” before adding – without a hint of bitterness – that he would do anything to fuck over his former bandmates. No wonder they didn’t ask him back!
Two benefit shows in Paris and Brussels in October earned the band favourable reviews, so expectations are high. With a back catalogue stuffed full of the sort of classics that deserve devotion (Blue Monday, Temptation) later-career hits (Regret, Krafty), as well as the odd Joy Division moment too, the NME-crowned Godlike Geniuses’ appearance is one of the hottest tickets in town.
Just don’t be expecting any ‘special guest’ bassists to be rolled out for an encore at the end of the show.
The Roxy, 490 Commercial Road, E1 0HX
Sat, dec 10 | Doors at 7pm | £45
ticketmaster.co.uk
Tube: Limehouse
