Gig review: Peter Hook and The Light at 02 Academy Leeds

WATCHING Peter Hook perform without Bernard Sumner and the rest of New Order is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower.
Peter Hook. Picture: Stefano MasselliPeter Hook. Picture: Stefano Masselli
Peter Hook. Picture: Stefano Masselli

Before the split, Joy Division and then New Order were among the most important bands in British music history.

In fact, make that global music history.

They remain iconic because of the brilliance of the seminal music that they produced.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The parting of the ways was bitter, but it is a rich tribute to Hook’s musical talent that the bass guitarist has moved on so successfully with his own band The Light.

Hooky’s visit to Leeds formed part of a three-week UK leg of the Substance compilation albums outings and all the New Order and Joy Division classics were given a fine airing.

Beginning with In A Lonely Place and Procession, two New Order Substance B-sides, Hook and his four fellow band members were soon in the groove with a performance that was lapped up by the adoring crowd over the course of 2 hours and 45 minutes, with a quick break between sets.

The band played Ceremony four songs on, which really got the beer-soaked crowd roaring and singing along, while Hooky managed most of the vocals as the Substance album was played in its entirety and in order.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Temptation, Blue Monday, Bizarre Love Triangle and True Faith go down a storm before the Joy Division set closed the night.

Starting with No Love Lost, classics such as She’s Lost Control and Atmosphere follow before they closed out the night with the timeless Love Will Tear Us Apart.

Hook is 61 now but his talent remains undimmed and, as a New Order reunion with Sumner is not likely to happen, be thankful for nights like this.

Related topics: