It’s been just under a decade since I first saw Peter Hook and the Light prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they’re more fun than New Order. I’m not here to rag on New Order; they’re doing their thing the way they want to do it, but the fact is that there’s a spark at Hook’s shows that is severely lacking among his ex-bandmates, and judging by the ever increasing crowds at his shows when he comes into town, I’m not alone in that assessment.
I’m quite sure nostalgia has its fair part to play, but Hook’s band brings an energy to the songs that New Order don’t quite match, and in my personal opinion, New Order’s more recent output has been – for me – boring to listen to. Hook once quipped on stage that, after the breakup, he felt like he got the better fans. I agree with that, but he got the better fans because he brings a lot more energy and fun to his performances.
This tour is primarily to showcase the 2001 New Order album, Get Ready, which Hook referred to in his autobiography – Substance: Inside New Order – as one of the most enjoyable recording experiences he ever had with Bernard Sumner, even going so far as to liken it to a honeymoon in various interviews. I have to admit, it’s not my favorite record, but there is a very distinct vibe to it, and I’ve found myself, on occasion, letting my mind wander as it creates a sort of background soundtrack to whatever I’m working on at the moment. It’s a bit subdued, energy-wise. The songs are good, the feeling is there, but that fuck it punk attitude that underlines so much of their work up until Republic is missing. None of this opinion matters when it comes to the Light’s performance.
The first thing that struck me was how much more vocally present David Potts was, singing plenty of leads during the Get Ready set. He was killing it. I’ve said in the past that he can give Bernard Sumner a run for his money on guitar, and he damn well proved it again. Hook was in great form as always, alternating between playing the leads and singing. Jack, Hook’s son, holds down the low end when Hook sings, but during a few select moments, they both perform bass leads together to an outstanding effect. Paul Kehoe is a god damn machine on that drum kit, and Martin Rebelski held down the synths with practiced precision. Really, this band is 10/10.
Upon finishing the first set, the band took a 10-minute break and were introduced for their second set by Matt Pinfield, who was a host for MTV’s 120 Minutes. He shared a few personal stories about how important Joy Division and New Order were to him in his life, sharing how happy he was for getting to play a part in their upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction, before thanking everyone for being there and getting the band up on stage.
This set, composed of Joy Division and New Order songs, saw the energy from both the band and the crowd skyrocket. Opening the set with “No Love Lost,” the band played banger after banger, whipping the crowd up into a frenzy, only slowing it down briefly for “Atmosphere,” which Hook took a moment to dedicate to the late great Dolly Parton. Before shifting gears into New Order classics, starting with “Ceremony,” which saw Robert Levon Been from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club join on stage. I distinctly remember hearing someone behind me losing their mind at the realization of what song it was saying, “Oh my god, No way! Are you serious?! I’m going to fucking cry!”
Honestly, that might encapsulate everything that makes what Peter Hook and the Light are doing so special. To breathe life into these songs in a way that evokes their power unlike anyone else. It’s truly special. Once again, after closing with “Love Will Tear Us Apart” and bidding us all good night, I walked to my motorcycle, overhearing a conversation between two other concertgoers: “Honestly, I think that was better than seeing New Order.” “Yeah, I think so too.” I couldn’t suppress my smile as I rounded the corner.
