Peter Hook, the original bassist of both Joy Division and New Order, has confirmed he will not attend the upcoming induction of the bands into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Hook’s estrangement from his former bandmates—Gillian Gilbert, Stephen Morris, and Bernard Sumner—has been a long-standing issue, exacerbated by a legal battle over royalties and assets that transpired after he left New Order in 2007.
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In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, the 70-year-old musician indicated that there was no question of him standing alongside his former colleagues at the prestigious ceremony. “No. No. Not after what they did to me and my family,” he stated firmly. He expressed that having morals and principles is paramount to him, suggesting that he could not simply overlook the past for the sake of the occasion.
Hook, who left New Order following the death of Joy Division’s frontman Ian Curtis in 1980, initially thought that the band was on the verge of breaking up before they reunited without him in 2011. This led to an acrimonious dispute regarding the distribution of royalties, which was eventually settled in 2017, but the bitterness remains palpable. Despite the resolution, Hook has been vocal about his disdain for the band’s current direction and their music without his involvement.
The bassist reflected on the reactions of fans during the interview, sharing that many have expressed dissatisfaction with the band’s contemporary lineup. “It’s hilarious because [fans] come to me complaining about [the current lineup],” he said, advising them to reconsider their support. He noted, “If it annoys you, don’t go. Don’t give them your money.”
As for his own impending Hall of Fame induction in November, Hook was clear that he had his reasons for being enthusiastic, none of which involved his former bandmates. He reinforced this sentiment when discussing the likelihood of performing together at the event, stating, “It doesn’t look good, mate.” The tension among the former members appears insurmountable, with Hook likening the situation to unresolved grievances in any fractured relationship.
In a rather poignant moment, Hook reminisced about the possibilities of reconciliation, quipping that perhaps the Gallagher brothers could serve as intermediaries, as they recently set aside their long feud for an Oasis reunion tour. However, he stressed the complexity of their situation, stating, “You can’t just go ‘truce for the night’ after what we’ve been through.”
Revealing the extent of their estrangement, Hook mentioned he hasn’t spoken to Sumner in fifteen years, nor to Morris and Gilbert in a similar timeframe. The distance he feels from his former associates has only been amplified by their past conflicts, which he believes remain unresolved.
In 2017, New Order publicly stated that the protracted legal disputes were due to Hook’s utilisation of their name and associated branding for his own ventures. The statement acknowledged the long-standing nature of the tensions that had developed over their shared history.
Despite the acrimony, New Order shared a statement on social media following the announcement of their induction, expressing gratitude for being recognised after many years of evolution as musicians. They reflected on their journey from the days of Joy Division to the continued success of New Order, thanking fans for their support through turbulent times.
Ultimately, the induction of both bands into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame stands as a bittersweet milestone. While it underscores the legacy and impact of their music, it also highlights the discord that marks the personal relationships within the group. For Peter Hook, the celebration seems to bring no joy as long as the divisions remain unbridged.