New Order is facing an uncertain future after two of the original members have announced they will not be performing live shows for the foreseeable future owing to their health
The Manchester band New Order is facing an uncertain future after two of the original members have announced they will not be performing live shows “for the foreseeable future” due to health issues.
The group had been playing gigs for more than a decade without original bass player Peter Hook after he fell out with the others over royalties.
Tonight in a new statement, drummer Stephen Morris and keyboard player Gillian Morris also confirmed they will not be playing live this year either in New Order shows. This means just one original band member will be on stage.
A statement from the band said: “New Order are very happy to be playing Primavera in Chile in November marking the band’s first performance there in seven years.
“Due to personal health reasons, Stephen and Gillian won’t be touring for the foreseeable future and will not be joining for this show. Bernard, Phil and Tom are really sorry that Stephen and Gillian can’t join us this time, but unfortunately the circumstances make it impossible.”
Founded in 1980 the band originally was made up of former by Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook and Stephen Morris from Joy Division following the death of singer Ian Curtis. Months into the new project Morris’ girlfriend Gillian Gilbert joined on keyboards to complete the band.
New Order was quickly seen as a highly influential band with its rock and electronic mix, and built up a string of hits before making their top ten debut with 1983’s Blue Monday, which sold over a million copies.
The newer band members now playing with Bernard are Phil Cunningham on keyboards and Tom Chapman on bass.
Fans of the band were led to believe there could be issues within the band after an interview with former band member Peter Hook appeared on You Tube on Monday.
Hook had claimed: “Barney[Bernard] is touring in New Order on his own this year, which is quite interesting. They have actually booked a gig in Chile that he will be playing as the only member of New Order.”
Sources close to the band told the Mirror claims by Hook that the band had completely split were wide of the mark though, and insisted Stephen and Gillian remain part of New Order, despite their omission from live shows.
Hook now has his own band Peter Hook & The Light who perform songs from Joy Division and New Order.
After many previous rows New Order split from Hook in 2007 and reformed New Order in 2011 without him, leading to royalty rows and the four members no longer being on good terms.
When New Order returned in 2011 without Hook in the group, there was a major dispute over royalties leading to a lawsuit in 2015. Despite finally settling their financial differences in 2017, it is fair to say the band appears to be torn apart for good.
The band is due to be recognised and at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year. Hook had already stated he would not be willing to play live on stage with the rest of the band.
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