Peter Hook & The Light

Peter “Hooky” Hook was the bassist for the English post-punk band Joy Division and New Order. Perhaps one of the most important artists for British post-punk, now touring with his own band The Light, he continues to sell out shows performing handfuls of classic tracks that are simply so important to fans. Humble onstage, the frontman leads his tight backing band as they begin the night with Joy Division's 'Dead Souls'.

The Unknown Pleasures tour focuses on Joy Division's two albums and a selection of New Order's discography. Beginning with a proficient rendition of six Joy Division tracks played almost back to back, the only break being the majestic 'Closer' by New Order. The audience applaud manically as they watch on beneath the gloomy stage lights as the band reanimate the hypnotic classics such as 'Atrocity Exhibition'. Continuing on from this, Peter Hook conducts his musicians in a rendition of New Order's brilliant 1986 release 'Low-Life' in full and fans simply watch in awe as they see the album brought to life.

Their encore features some of the most well known tracks from the two band's careers, the likes of New Order's 'Temptation' and 'True Faith' are performed with the synth tinged guitar led melodies and each note bounces round the room. A truly momentous performance of 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' rounds off proceedings and leaves fans chattering about what they've just seen all the way out of the venue. About to embark on a huge US tour, Peter Hook plays beautiful homage to his two former bands in this intense live show, a must see.

We got there early as thankfully the start time was well publicised at 7:10. The sets were broken down into three; joy division, new order brotherhood and new order low-life.

The joy division material was fresh and left no doubt to me that if it were released last week i would find it just as amazing as i did on first discovery. The band were solid and didn't stray much from the original versions. So, JD set was great.

I wish i could say the same about the middle set. Same complaint I had about NO the first time around way back when. Watching great musicians stand around while a sequencer does the heavy lifting does not do it for me. The third set was an improvement on the second.

The drummer was great. I'd humbly suggest Hooky drop the drum machine and sequencers and just let the band play!

Criticisms aside, we had a great time, sound was brilliant and the venue was very cool. I'd recommend fans of either band should check it out.

I had to go to this show for obvious reasons, Joy Division albums in their entirety!!! I did have a bit of trepidation when I realized that the show would be about three hours long but when all was said and done I was sad that it was over. They had a brief, maybe ten minute, sort of intermission between the New Order set and then again between the Joy Division Albums. This was a great idea, it allowed people to regroup, use the restroom, grab a beer, send a text, what have you. As for the music (the important stuff), obviously PH's voice is a bit deeper than what you are used to for New Order songs but I still enjoyed that set. As for the Joy Division albums, they nailed it. I feel very lucky to have heard and witnessed this show. I would go again and am tempted by the upcoming Athens show.

What a show! This is the 3rd time I have seen them at the Venue and they just go from strength to strength. The fact that the crowd gets bigger and bigger each year is testimony to their performance. They were on stage for nearly 3 hours playing Substance double album in its entirety. After a short 10 mins rest they were back on to smash their way through another 8 or 9 Joy Division tracks. Hooky gives his fans true value for money. I saw New Order last year and I have to say that Peter Hook and the Light do it bigger and better and for half the price!I have never seen a crowd so animated and appreciative. Roll on next year when they return (I hope!)

It was great to hear all these songs live which the "other New Order" don't ever seem to play.
Highlights were Ceremony, Everything's Gone Green, Temptation, Transmission, Digital and, of course, a glorious rendition of Love Will Tear Us Apart. Peter can't sing that well and he doesn't even seem to pay the bass that much any more (he leaves that to his son!) but he is an icon and his place in music history is assured. One minor gripe is that the show is perhaps too long at 2 and a half hours. I know the point is to play the Substance albums in full but he could just play a selection of the more minor hits.

Started at 8:15, later than what was told previously (thank God), between FB posts and the Webster Hall front desk info... played for 2 and a half hours, a lot of early & classic New Order and then Joy Division.. it was truly awesome. A lively, happy crowd. Danced, fist pumped, and sang the entire time. Hooky is amusing.. he also likes to take his shirt off and throw it into the crowd at the very end. The sound system was LOUUUUD but that is the only way. I'd love to see him again. A+

It was an amazing performance of all the classic New Order and Joy Division songs from the Substance albums. Everyone present was blown away. Peter Hook also interacted with the audience by showing us his bass playing, as if he were inviting us to learn to play. He also seemed to be subtly encouraging us in other ways, without saying much. He seemed pleased when people knew all the words.

what an amazing gig, enjoyed the new order stuff but i was really there for the joy division material which was totaly amazing and at times quite emotional, so glad peter hook is doing these tours and it just shows how good joy division were and helps to remember ian curtis who had such talent and honesty. Thanks hooky. ps. The whole band were exellent and one of the best gigs i have seen.

The gig was amazing, hooked energy and passion is brilliant. The technique set list and delivery was sublime. Can’t say the same for republic, it’s just not that great an album and is was not as good as everything else. Amazing encore, amazing passion. Good bless hooky and the light- they’re light ran strong ... god bless you hooky

The show was awesome. Peter hook and his signature bass. He performed for 3 and a half hours. Performing many obscure songs fom new order days and after intermission peter hook and the light songs. Moby was also there and sang a couple tunes with the band. For me what a nostalgic trip back to the eighties and to my youth!!!