MusicFreaks

Tag: Joy Division

  • Australian Prime Minister Apologizes For Saying He’d Have Sex With Kylie Minogue

    Politics often seems to operate on a bizarre collision course between serious policy and pop culture absurdity. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is certainly a figure who has navigated the sometimes thorny path between governing and public perception, demonstrating that even the highest office can be subject to the whims of celebrity culture.

    The story of Albanese’s recent public moments is a perfect example of this friction. It began with a flash of controversy when the Prime Minister drew attention—and some serious political backlash—by wearing a Joy Division T-shirt. A seemingly innocuous choice quickly ignited a firestorm of bad-faith outrage among observers.

    But the public scrutiny didn’t stop there. The spotlight shifted again when the focus turned to a different kind of celebrity drama, revealing another instance where political blunders met pop culture intensity. This time, the attention was drawn to an apology concerning a rather bold and intimate comment involving Kylie Minogue.

    This follow-up event demonstrated that navigating the line between public life and personal expression is complex. Whether it’s a band t-shirt or a highly charged personal remark, these incidents underscore how tightly interwoven our political figures are with the broader world of entertainment and celebrity.

    Credit: Stereogum

  • New Order’s Morris, Gilbert Not Touring For ‘Foreseeable Future’

    In a move that brings a sense of quiet reflection to the storied career of New Order, founding members Stephen Morris and keyboardist Gillian Gilbert have announced a pause on their touring activities due to personal health reasons.

    This decision comes as the group prepares for a significant milestone: their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 14. The news arrives draped in an air of bittersweet nostalgia, prompting fans and observers to reflect on the enduring legacy of a band whose influence stretches back to the revolutionary sound of Joy Division.

    The statement confirmed that Morris, 68, and Gilbert, 65, are unable to perform “due to personal health reasons.” The message was delivered by the founding members, accompanied by expressions of regret from Bernard Sumner, Phil Cunningham, and Tom Chapman, who noted that the circumstances made touring impossible.

    While the focus is understandably on their health and time, the backdrop for this news is rich with history and complex relationships. New Order’s journey in the last decade has seen a notable reduction in live activity, reflecting a slower pace of life for the group. In recent years, the band has played fewer than thirty shows annually, underscoring a deliberate shift away from relentless touring.

    The anticipation surrounding the upcoming Hall of Fame induction adds an intriguing layer to this pause. It might serve as a moment for reflection on the decades of creative output and the evolution of the group’s sound.

    Adding another layer of complexity is the potential dynamic between Morris, Gilbert, and former bassist Peter Hook. Hook, who was fired from the band in 2007, has maintained a noted history of friction with the members in the press. This context suggests that this period of reduced activity may be more than just a temporary health break; it could signal a time for reevaluation.

    When asked about the future, Morris offered a wonderfully pragmatic perspective. In an interview from 1985, he reflected on stardom and the pursuit of success, stating that while there is no desperate need for fame, all one truly desires is the means to continue moving forward. He noted that the focus should remain on simply carrying on with the next thing, rather than chasing illusions of stardom.

    Ultimately, this announcement serves as a reminder that even legendary acts navigate their paths through personal challenges. As New Order looks toward their legacy and the future, the silence surrounding their immediate touring schedule is punctuated by an enduring story of rock history, resilience, and the complicated bonds that define a career built on noise and emotion.

    Credit: Spin

  • New Order announce that Stephen Morris & Gillian Gilbert “won’t be touring for the foreseeable future” due to “personal health reasons”

    A pause in the music world seems imminent as New Order announces a significant shift in its touring plans, citing personal health reasons for the founding members, Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert, stepping back from the road.

    The news sends ripples through the community, particularly concerning upcoming performances. Specifically, the band confirmed that they will not be touring for the foreseeable future, meaning they will miss the opportunity to perform at Fauna Primavera in Chile this November.

    “Bernard, Phil and Tom are really sorry that Stephen and Gillian can’t join us this time, but unfortunately the circumstances make it impossible,” New Order stated, acknowledging the difficult decision behind the change.

    This temporary separation immediately alters the lineup for live performances. At the upcoming show, Bernard Sumner will be the sole original member of the group on stage. The band has undergone several changes over the years, reflecting shifts in time and personal circumstances.

    The history of New Order’s lineup is quite a fascinating timeline of musical evolution. Phil Cunningham joined the group in 2001 when Gillian was unable to tour. Later, when original bassist Peter Hook departed in 2007, Tom Chapman stepped in to fill that crucial role.

    Gillian Gilbert later rejoined the band in 2011, and Cunningham remained a constant presence throughout this period. While there is currently no official word regarding who will be handling the drums for future shows, the focus remains on the creative direction moving forward.

    Despite this change in touring status, the musical legacy continues to evolve. Meanwhile, Peter Hook is charting his own course, taking his band The Light on the road this fall. He will be celebrating the history of New Order by playing their 2001 album Get Ready in full, along with a second set of iconic songs from both New Order and Joy Division.

    Credit: BrooklynVegan

  • Multiple New Order Members Step Back from Touring Due to Health Reasons

    The legacy of post-punk titans continues to shine, as New Order and their legendary peers are set to celebrate their place in music history. Alongside Joy Division, the duo is being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year, cementing their enduring impact on the genre.

    This milestone is underscored by exciting upcoming plans. The band has recently confirmed they will be returning to Chile for a highly anticipated performance at Primavera Sound’s Festival Fauna in Santiago this November, bringing their storied sound to South America for the first time in seven years.

    However, as plans for the spectacular festival unfold, there has been an adjustment to the live lineup. Keyboardist and guitarist Gillian Gilbert, along with drummer Stephen Morris—who have been married since 1994—have announced they will be taking a step back from performing live at this time.

    New Order issued a heartfelt statement regarding this change, expressing regret that these circumstances make their participation impossible. They apologized to the fans, acknowledging that due to personal health reasons, Gilbert and Morris will not be joining them for the Festival Fauna show or future tours in the foreseeable future.

    The exact details surrounding their health issues remain private, but the announcement highlights the human element behind the music. While the dates for the performance remain fixed, the focus shifts to supporting the band as they navigate these personal challenges.

    The question now turns to the future lineup: who will step in to fill the roles of Gilbert and Morris? While details are pending, the message sent by New Order emphasizes that the spirit of their music remains strong, regardless of physical limitations. The focus shifts from the specific personnel to the lasting impact of a group that has defined a generation of sound.

    Credit: Exclaim!

  • Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert aren’t playing live with New Order “for the foreseeable future”

    When a band announces a pause, it often sends ripples through the music world. For New Order, the news has been that drummer Stephen Morris and guitarist Gillian Gilbert will be stepping away from live touring for the foreseeable future, citing personal health reasons.

    This announcement marks a significant moment for a band steeped in post-punk history, reminding us of the complex tapestry woven by its members. Morris was a crucial rhythmic force in Joy Division alongside Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Ian Curtis, before the formation of New Order following Curtis’ passing in 1980. Gilbert joined the fold shortly after, becoming instrumental in steering the band’s evolution from post-punk into the wider landscape of electronic music.

    The current live configuration of New Order has been centered around Sumner, Morris, and Gilbert since the band’s return in 2011, a period that has seen them solidify their unique sound. This lineup shift brings a fresh perspective to their ongoing story, particularly as they look toward their future performances.

    The narrative of New Order is also intertwined with the history of Peter Hook, who departed the band in 2007. While a full and final settlement regarding ownership and assets was reached in 2017, the relationship between Hook and the core members has remained an interesting subplot. Hook himself has commented on the situation, suggesting that music, like life, sometimes demands separation, even when strong ties exist.

    In a lighthearted reflection on these complex dynamics, Hook joked that perhaps Oasis could act as peacekeepers for the estranged bandmates, imagining them uniting to play classics like “Transmission“ and “Blue Monday“.

    Despite the current hiatus in touring, New Order remains vibrant, continuing to celebrate its legacy. The band has recently announced a remastered collection, “The Best & The Rest Of New Order”, set for release on July 17, which features classic singles alongside rare remixes.

    This period of reflection comes as the band celebrates milestones in music history. The members—Ian Curtis, Gillian Gilbert, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, and Bernard Sumner—are all slated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year, a recognition that acknowledges their profound and lasting influence on the genre.

    Gillian Gilbert’s role in the band’s trajectory is particularly celebrated. Artists like Kelly Lee Owens have widely championed her contribution, calling her a “synth queen” whose presence in the 80s and 90s was iconic and deeply cool.

    Beyond New Order, Morris and Gilbert have continued their creative partnership outside the band as The Other Two, releasing albums like “The Other Two & You” in 1993 and “Super Highways” in 1999.

    New Order’s ongoing commitment to their sound is evident in other recent releases; Joy Division, the band’s predecessor, also recently announced “Eternal”, a massive new live recordings box set that captures the band’s influential career. The story of New Order continues to unfold, rich with history, artistry, and enduring musical impact.

    Credit: NME

  • Joy Division getting 16-disc live box set ‘Eternal: Live’

    The legendary sound of Joy Division is being unearthed in a stunning new package with the release of Eternal: Live, a monumental 16-disc box set that promises to redefine how fans experience the band’s live legacy. Released via Rhino in September, this collection is not just another compilation; it is the definitive archive of the band’s performances, meticulously sourced from rare materials spanning decades.

    Eternal: Live draws its power from an incredible trove of material, featuring audio drawn from audience cassettes, soundboard tapes, and broadcast recordings, all expertly mastered at Abbey Road Studios. This effort provides the first official collection of live recordings ever released by the band, offering an unprecedented look behind the curtain of their iconic performances.

    The sheer scope of the archival material is staggering. The box set features fourteen CDs, each documenting unique dates and venues that capture the raw energy of Joy Division’s evolution. For instance, some tracks feature audio from seminal shows at places like Les Bains Douches in Paris, the Plan K concert in Brussels, and performances at the Apollo Theatre in Manchester.

    Diving into the tracklist reveals a rich tapestry of history. One disc captures a performance on March 1, 1979, mixing audience recordings from multiple sources, while others document shows at Acklam Hall in London and The Factory in Manchester. This multi-faceted approach brings unheard moments—including previously unreleased sound desk recordings and unique audience interactions—to light.

    The visual experience is equally compelling. In addition to the exhaustive audio collection, the box set includes two DVDs featuring over two and a half hours of live footage. These visuals include highlights from major gigs, such as the Plan K Brussels concert, performances at the Manchester Apollo Theatre, soundchecks, and a new edit of Joy Division – A Malcolm Whitehead Film.

    The visual artwork accompanying the music is equally thought-provoking, featuring photography by Anton Corbijn and Kevin Cummins, alongside notes from Simon Armitage. The packaging itself showcases striking design by artists including Warren Jackson, Peter Saville, Howard Wakefield, and Brett Wickens, anchored by cover art photography by Wolfgang Tillmans.

    Further enriching the cultural context surrounding the band is the ongoing public exhibition, Ian Curtis: Insight, which opens today at the Voltz Clarke Gallery in New York City and runs through July 22. This exhibition offers a deeper exploration of the life and legacy of the late vocalist.

    Eternal: Live stands as more than just a collection of songs; it is an act of archival rediscovery, providing fans with a raw, unfiltered, and beautifully documented journey through the powerful history of Joy Division.

    Credit: BrooklynVegan

  • Joy Division Announce First-Ever Live Collection Featuring Previously Unreleased Recordings

    Joy Division Celebrates Half a Century with Historic Live Recordings

    The post-punk giants Joy Division are marking an extraordinary milestone this year, converging two monumental events: the band’s 50th anniversary and their upcoming induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. To celebrate this powerful duality, the legendary group is preparing to offer fans an unprecedented look into their live legacy through a brand new collection of concert recordings.

    These historic milestones provide the perfect backdrop for a deep dive into the band’s enduring influence on music and culture. As the celebratory season unfolds, the post-punk legends are setting the stage for a retrospective that captures the raw energy of their performances across the decades.

    At the heart of this tribute is the official release of Eternal (Live), a robust 14-CD set that serves as an invaluable archive of their live sound. This collection features audio drawn from sixteen distinct live performances, offering listeners a profound glimpse into the band’s evolution and raw power during their most iconic eras.

    The release of these recordings is more than just a compilation; it is a monumental act of preservation, ensuring that the visceral experience of Joy Division‘s live music remains accessible to new generations. It allows listeners to reconnect with the intensity and atmosphere that defined their sound and cemented their place in musical history.

    This initiative not only honors the band’s history but also sets a new standard for how legacy acts engage with their audience, turning historical achievements into tangible, unforgettable experiences for fans worldwide. The celebration promises to be a potent reminder of the seismic impact post-punk had on the landscape of rock music.

    Credit: Stereogum

  • First Joy Division Live Anthology Due In Sept.

    Four decades after their defining, atmospheric sound captured the landscape of Manchester, the legendary post-punk band Joy Division is finally opening up its vaults for the first time with Eternal (Live). This sprawling 14CD/2DVD collection is not just a retrospective; it is the definitive concert anthology, meticulously gathering audio from sixteen rare performances, offering an unprecedented look into the band’s brief but transformative live career.

    Eternal (Live) represents years of dedication, sourcing material from audience cassettes, soundboard tapes, and broadcast recordings. These fragments were then masterfully brought together and newly mastered at Abbey Road Studios, ensuring that the raw energy of those live shows is preserved in pristine clarity.

    The collection features an incredible array of history. It traces Joy Division’s journey from their early 1979 performances all the way through to their final show on May 2, 1980, at High Hall in Birmingham. Fans will discover previously unreleased concerts, including sessions held at London’s Hope & Anchor and Acklam Hall, alongside unheard recordings captured from seminal venues like Manchester’s Factory, London’s Lyceum, and the Moonlight Club.

    Beyond these rare concerts, Eternal (Live) preserves pivotal moments in the band’s evolution. It contains performances of material that would later define their studio albums, including live takes of songs from Unknown Pleasures and Closer. Perhaps the most poignant inclusion is Joy Division’s final concert at High Hall, where the group performed “Ceremony” live for the first and only time—a performance that would later become an enduring cornerstone for New Order.

    The collection extends beyond audio, featuring more than two-and-a-half hours of compelling film footage across two DVDs. Highlights include the previously unseen Plan K concert from Brussels, expanded shots from the Apollo Theatre in Manchester, and a newly edited version of Joy Division — A Malcolm Whitehead Film.

    The physical release is stunning, housed in a 12-inch box featuring striking artwork from artists like Warren Jackson, Peter Saville, Howard Wakefield, and Brett Wickens, complemented by cover photography by Wolfgang Tillmans. The accompanying booklet offers deeper context, including notes from poet Simon Armitage and photographs by Anton Corbijn and Kevin Cummins.

    The announcement arrives at a moment of deep interest in Joy Division’s enduring legacy. Amid ongoing recognition for the band, which will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year, and the public focus on Ian Curtis—the subject of an ongoing exhibit—Eternal (Live) offers fans an intimate and exhaustive window into the powerful, unforgettable world created by Joy Division.

    Credit: Spin