PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT 2025 “GET READY” TOUR: FROM NEW ORDER TO SOBRIETY, ‘BE CAREFUL THE CLARITY IS BLINDING’

In the second segment of our interview, we shift gears as Peter Hook delves into plans for touring in 2025 with his band, The Light, for the “Get Ready” tour. You can read part one of the interview here.

Released on August 27, 2001, in the UK and October 16, 2001, in the US, “Get Ready” marked New Order’s seventh studio album and their first in eight years since “Republic” in 1993. The album, featuring singles like “Crystal,” “60 Miles an Hour,” and “Someone Like You,” blended alternative rock with electronic rock elements. Dedicated to the late manager Rob Gretton and produced by Steve Osborne, the album received widespread critical acclaim.

Peter Hook reflects on past project challenges, the magic of live performances, and the importance of maintaining that magic on stage. He shares personal insights on a 16-year sobriety period, and his creative processes and expresses pride in having his son join him on tour.

We continue with Peter opening up about past challenges with his projects and the conception of “Get Ready”. “So, New Order split up and Barney went off as he wanted to work with other people. He did electronic and I did Monaco and honestly, I thought we were done. There were the usual bullshit issues that you get in a group, like equal pay and other politics, and we eventually split. It was very acrid between us, but what happened was Rob Gretton was getting inundated with offers because we never officially announced our split. He had an offer to headline Reading for quite a bit of money. £350,000, to be precise which was a significant amount of money in 1993. He managed to get us all together, usually, when you get people together you can’t keep the acrimony up. I still wish we could get together because when you do it through lawyers the bitterness is still there. But that’s what happened, we got together it melted away the resentment. We came to an agreement and we decided to do another record. Steve and Jillian were off doing what Steve and Jillian do, I didn’t know then and I don’t know now.“

He smiles wistfully. “Barney and I ended up doing most of the work on the record, with Stephen and Gillian joining when they could. It felt just like the old days, especially after our initial success. As you know me and Barney started the group the morning after seeing the Sex Pistols together. We were sat there me with my bass and him with his guitar and that’s how all of this began. It was actually quite nice to get back to that, especially after how fraught ‘Republic’ was. So it was a honeymoon period for a while, but when we started playing again, things returned to normal. It was all a bit sad and it took a long time to come to the end. Part of it was me getting sober because you look at things completely different. A friend Andy said to me…

‘Be careful, the clarity is blinding’

“And he was absolutely right. I was sober for 16 years, now I just do celebrations.”

His eyes sparkle as he shares a hearty laugh while reminiscing about the challenges of enduring hangovers. He expresses his excitement for his birthday celebration tomorrow and feels he shouldn’t waste his last day of being 68. As the conversation flows, he passionately describes the enchanting experience of live music, explaining how the electrifying energy of the crowd and the soulful melodies create unforgettable moments that linger long after the last note fades away.“Playing it live always enhances the audience’s experience of the album, it really does. I’ve learned this by performing ‘Unknown Pleasures,’ ‘Closer,’ ‘Movement,’ ‘Power, Corruption & Lies,’ ‘Low-Life,’ ‘Technique,’ and ‘Republic.’ When we played these albums live, it was absolutely wonderful, and I loved it. With ‘Republic’ which I absolutely hated when we came to play it live as no one had ever finished it, but we finished it.”

“After the split and the painful experience that followed, I didn’t want anything to do with the “Get Ready” record; I was just like, ‘Ugh, keep it away from me.’ However, once I listened to every track, I realised that I had done well with it and enjoyed it. I had made a vow to play every Joy Division and New Order track that we’d written, and this is me on my way to accomplishing that. I’ve done really well with it and really enjoyed this journey. I think the fans have as well, after all, they’re still here.”

Hooky believes strongly that live performances breathe new life into music. “Listening to an album live is more user-friendly than listening at home or in the studio. You get the energy live, you can let an album lapse when you’re listening at home and sometimes it’s just playing in the background. The tracks can be written in this way, but the live performance conveys the intended sound.”

Reflecting on the production process, he says, “I was present during the production of the record, which was the first one produced by someone else. Previously, Barney, Stephen, Gillian, and I had produced all of our other albums together. The new producer, Steve Osbourne, was a lovely guy, and I really enjoyed working with him; however, it wasn’t exactly to my taste. When I listen to it now, I think, ‘Hmm, I would have done that differently.’ Now, I have the opportunity to create music my way. I’m left wondering if that’s right or wrong, but that remains to be seen, so I’ll just have to bide my time!”

In a heartfelt turn, Hooky shares personal news. “I’ve got my son with me. He’s having a hiatus from Smashing Pumpkins. He’s been playing bass with them for eight years now. Oh my God, when I watch some of the gigs he plays, it’s incredible. He’s done really well with this as well. He doesn’t listen to a thing I tell him and it’s great” He laughs and beams with pride.“Having him on tour adds a whole new dimension. He’s very dedicated, and it’s wonderful to share the stage with him. It’s like watching the next generation carry the torch forward.”

As we wrap up, Hooky contemplates the future of music and performance. “There are so many talented artists out there now. It’s a different world, but that’s what keeps it exciting. The essence remains the same, the connection with the audience, the energy of live music. That’s why we do it.”

Looking ahead to The Light’s 2025 tour, he exudes optimism. “It’s going to be something special. We’re bringing new elements to the show, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience it. It’s all about keeping the spirit alive and sharing that with as many people as possible.”

Peter Hook’s story is all about love for music and determination. From surviving band dynamics to accepting music going through changes, he is that rocksteady icon who refuses to give in to anything but inspiration. Having his son in tow and on the cusp of yet another tour, Hooky is living proof that music is not only work but a journey of victory, challenges, and moments that remain with you for all eternity.

As we’re sadly forced to wrap things up, I’ve made a classic blunder I logged into my personal Zoom account instead of our business account! Now, thanks to my 40-minute limit, I’m forced to implement a “speed dating” approach to finalise the interview.“Don’t worry, If we go platinum, I’ll buy you a subscription,” Hooky laughs.

One thing is clear through his whole chat, Peter Hook is not just looking back but is actively shaping the future. His focus on innovation, his commitment to mentoring young talent, and his passion for performing on stage are truly inspiring. The “Get Ready” tour is set to take fans on an exhilarating journey through beloved memories, featuring an energetic mix of classic hits.

The Peter Hook & the Light experience goes beyond nostalgia; it is a captivating demonstration of the transformative power of music, Peter Hook is a force of nature, relentlessly redefining the landscape of music with his groundbreaking approach, fearlessly pushing the boundaries of his craft and inspiring generations to unleash their creativity.

TICKETS

Peter Hook & The Light have announced three UK dates for April 2025 where they will perform the New Order album Get Ready in its entirety, alongside a selection of the most seminal tracks from the rich back catalogues of both Joy Division and New Order. The dates will see the band play Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse, their biggest home town headline show to date and their first in the city for two years, London’s Troxy, their first date in the capital since October 2023, and Bristol’s Marble Factory. Tickets go on sale on the 11th September at 10AM GMT. The band will also be appearing at Scarborough Spa in May at the 2025 Rebellion Festival in August.

Peter Hook & The Light – Live