Peter Hook Notes Ongoing “Hostility” in New Order and Fans’ Complaints About Bad Cover Version Group

Peter Hook’s Reflections on New Order

Peter Hook stated that with New Order, there remains a sense of “hostility,” revealing that fans still discuss the Bad Cover Version group with him.

The bassist co-founded Joy Division, which later reformed as New Order following the death of frontman Ian Curtis. Hook departed from New Order in 2007 due to friction with his bandmates and a series of disputes.

• Read more: “It seemed to me that we were changing the world”: inside the original strength, corruption, and a lie of New Order”

Critique of Current New Order

In a recent interview with I’m Paper, Hook shared his thoughts about the current iteration of New Order, which replaced him with Tom Chapman on bass. “I don’t think they are New Order,” he remarked.

“They don’t sound like them. I recently watched how they play songs online, and they’ve just thrown away the bass lines and are playing them as a strange, bad cover version of the new track,” he added.

Hook continued, “So, hostility is obviously still there.” When asked if he believed his former bandmates were trying to replace his role, he responded, “Well, do you think that makes the song better?”

He noted that he still receives messages from fans about New Order. “They say: ‘You don’t hear the bass!’,” Hook said. “It’s clear that there’s a certain complacency that’s being accepted. But I am, obviously, much higher than all of this.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_FBSTXJR9W

Legacy of Joy Division and Future Plans

Hook also criticized the remaining members for not publicly acknowledging Joy Division’s nomination to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, with both bands appearing on the long list for 2025.

“I think this is an insult to the fans of both groups,” the musician stated.

However, Hook confirmed he plans to attend the ceremony if both groups make the shortlist. “I tell you, I will be there,” he said. “But I think I might be on my own.”

Jokingly, he said, “I believe they tried to get a boxing ring and three pairs of gloves. Right into MMA!”

Reflecting on the tragic death of his former bandmate Ian Curtis, who died by suicide in 1980 at just 23 years old, Hook admitted, “We did not mourn enough. I wish we had grieved for him more. But we were allowed to overlook this because we were so young.”

• Read more: Soundtrack of my life: Peter Hook

When asked how they dealt with the loss, Hook recalled, “Literally, all we did was gather as a band in a pub and sit there. Then we simply launched into New Order and somehow moved on.”

“It’s like getting rid of old photos of your ex-girlfriend, ‘No, I never had anything to do with that!’”

New Order and Joy Division received a joint nomination for Rock and Roll glory in 2023. Hook noted that the induction could serve as an “olive branch” between him and his estranged former bandmates.

In 2017, New Order and Hook reached a full and final settlement concerning their previous disputes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0mzwesaqq

In 2019, Hook reflected on his last show with New Order, describing it as “one of the most unfortunate nights of my life.”

The 10th and latest studio album from New Order, *Music Complete*, released in 2015, is the first full-length project from the band that does not include Hook’s contributions.

Nevertheless, the bassist continues to perform new material with his project, Peter Hook and The Light. This week, the band will play the entire 2001 New Order album *Get Ready* at British concerts. You can find the remaining tickets here.

At the end of 2024, New Order examined rumors about an impending new album and plans for a world tour in 2025, but no official news has emerged yet.

Earlier this year, they performed their classic single “State of the Nation” live for the first time since 1987 during a show in Japan.