Ex-New Order Bassist Peter Hook Still Has ‘Animosity’ Toward Band as He Calls Current Iteration a ‘Bad Cover Version’

Ex-New Order Bassist Peter Hook Criticises Current Band Lineup as a ‘Bad Cover Version’

Former New Order bassist, Peter Hook, has recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the current iteration of the band, referring to it as a ‘bad cover version’. The musician, who co-founded New Order in 1980 alongside Bernard Sumner and Stephen Morris following the tragic death of Ian Curtis, chose to depart from the group in 2007.

In a candid interview with The i Paper, Hook revealed that he believed the band was disbanding when he left in 2007. To his surprise, New Order regrouped without him in 2011, recruiting Tom Chapman as the new bassist. Hook shared his disappointment with the band’s recent musical direction, stating, “I don’t think they’re New Order. They don’t sound anything like them.” He criticised the band’s performance, claiming that they have deviated from the original sound and now resemble a “weird, bad cover version” of their former selves.

Fans of the band have also aired their grievances on social media, with some pointing out the absence of the distinctive bass lines in the current lineup’s performances. Despite the discontent, Hook maintained a level-headed approach, stating, “Obviously, there is a certain smugness one could adopt. But I’m, obviously, way above all that.” The rift between Hook and his former bandmates further escalated when he revealed that he has not spoken to Sumner in 17 years.

Reflecting on his time with Joy Division and the subsequent formation of New Order after Curtis’s passing, Hook admitted that they did not allow themselves enough time to grieve. He expressed regrets over the lack of mourning for their late bandmate, saying, “We didn’t grieve enough. I wish we’d have grieved him more.” The unresolved tension between Hook and the rest of the band continues to colour their interactions, despite legal disputes being settled in 2017.

Now focusing on his current project, Peter Hook and The Light, Hook remains staunch in his views about the authenticity and quality of New Order’s music without him. However, he hinted at a willingness to put aside differences for a potential induction of Joy Division and New Order into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “Everything is coloured by the animosity,” he stated, reflecting on the complicated dynamics within the band.

As the music industry continues to evolve, the ongoing saga between Peter Hook and New Order serves as a reminder of the complexities that can arise within bands and musical partnerships. Despite the passage of time, the emotions and tensions surrounding the band’s history remain palpable, underscoring the lasting impact of their contributions to the music world. Only time will tell if reconciliation is on the horizon for these former bandmates with a storied past.