Peter Hook

Here’s the event page content for Peter Hook at Edinburgh Corn Exchange:

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Peter Hook & The Light: The Joy Division and New Order Set Celebrations

Edinburgh, get ready for an unforgettable night of post-punk and new wave anthems as legendary bassist and co-founder of Joy Division and New Order, Peter Hook, brings his electrifying ‘The Sound of Joy’ and ‘The Power of New Order’ sets to the historic Edinburgh Corn Exchange on Friday, 14 November 2025. This isn’t just a concert; it’s a sonic pilgrimage through the foundational sounds of two of the most influential bands in modern music history. For fans who have followed Hook’s iconic journey from the gritty streets of Manchester to global stages, this is a rare and cherished opportunity to experience the very fabric of these seminal works brought to life with unparalleled passion and authenticity.

Peter Hook & The Light have established themselves as the definitive interpreters of Joy Division and New Order’s groundbreaking catalogues. Far from being a mere tribute act, this is the inimitable artist himself, driving the music forward with his signature basslines and commanding stage presence. The ‘The Sound of Joy’ set will delve deep into the dark, brooding intensity of Joy Division, performing the entirety of their two studio albums, Unknown Pleasures and Closer, alongside a selection of B-sides and singles that cemented their place in musical legend. Following this cathartic journey, ‘The Power of New Order’ will ignite the venue, celebrating the shimmering synth-pop and dance-rock brilliance of New Order with a generous selection of their most beloved tracks. Prepare for a night that traverses the emotional spectrum, from profound introspection to unadulterated euphoria, all delivered with the raw energy and musicality that only Peter Hook can provide.

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About Peter Hook

Peter Hook is a name synonymous with the very genesis of post-punk and the subsequent evolution into influential electronic dance music. Born and raised in Salford, Manchester, Hook’s musical journey began with the formation of Joy Division alongside Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner, and Stephen Morris. His distinctive, melodic, and often high-pitched bass playing became a cornerstone of the band’s unique sound, providing a driving, often dissonant, counterpoint to Curtis’s haunting vocals. Joy Division, despite a tragically short career, left an indelible mark on music with their intense, atmospheric sound and critically acclaimed albums like Unknown Pleasures and Closer. Hits such as “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” “Transmission,” and “Atmosphere” remain timeless testaments to their groundbreaking artistry.

Following the tragic death of Ian Curtis in 1980, the remaining members reformed as New Order, a transition that saw them embrace synthesizers and electronic beats, forging a new path that would define the sound of the 1980s and beyond. Peter Hook’s basslines continued to be central to New Order’s innovative sound, adding a vital groove to their burgeoning electronic experimentation. Under his stewardship, New Order achieved massive global success with a string of iconic hits that bridged the gap between indie rock and the burgeoning dance music scene. Tracks like “Blue Monday” – one of the best-selling 12-inch singles of all time – “Bizarre Love Triangle,” “True Faith,” and “Regret” showcased their ability to craft pop perfection with an experimental edge. After his departure from New Order, Hook continued to explore his musical vision with bands like Monaco and his own critically acclaimed solo work, but it’s his continued dedication to performing the classic material of his formative bands that has cemented his legendary status. His ‘Peter Hook & The Light’ project allows audiences to experience these iconic songs performed with the raw energy and personal connection only the artist himself can bring.

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Venue Information

Edinburgh Corn Exchange is a versatile and historic entertainment venue located in the heart of Edinburgh. Housed within a beautifully restored Victorian building, it boasts a grand and atmospheric setting perfect for live music performances of all scales. The venue offers a unique blend of heritage charm and modern amenities, providing an exceptional experience for both artists and audiences. With its spacious main hall, it can accommodate a significant crowd, ensuring an electric atmosphere for Peter Hook’s highly anticipated performance.

For complete venue details, including information on accessibility, travel, and facilities, please see our dedicated venue guide.

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What to Expect

Prepare for a night that transcends mere performance and dives headfirst into pure sonic immersion. Peter Hook & The Light’s ‘The Sound of Joy’ and ‘The Power of New Order’ sets are meticulously crafted to honour the integrity and raw power of these legendary songbooks. You will be transported back to the formative years of post-punk and the vibrant dawn of electronic dance music.

The first half of the evening is dedicated to the profound and often stark beauty of Joy Division. Expect a complete traversal of Unknown Pleasures and Closer, performed with the intensity and authenticity that defined the band’s brief but monumental career. This is your chance to experience tracks like the existential dread of “Disorder,” the driving urgency of “She’s Lost Control,” the introspective “Candidate,” and the ultimate anthem of despair and defiance, “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” delivered with the visceral emotion that only Peter Hook can evoke. The setlist will also weave in essential B-sides and singles, offering a comprehensive sonic portrait of Joy Division’s enduring legacy.

Following a brief intermission, the mood shifts as ‘The Power of New Order’ takes centre stage. This segment is a jubilant celebration of New Order’s pioneering spirit, blending their atmospheric rock sensibilities with pioneering electronic experimentation. Get ready for the infectious, pulsating energy of “Blue Monday,” the anthemic euphoria of “Bizarre Love Triangle,” the dancefloor-filling grooves of “True Faith,” and the sophisticated pop craftsmanship of “Regret.” The setlist will draw from the band’s most iconic albums, showcasing their evolution and unwavering commitment to pushing musical boundaries.

Peter Hook’s performance style is legendary. He is a frontman who commands the stage with a magnetic presence, his distinctive bass playing at the forefront, not just a rhythmic foundation but a melodic lead. His vocals, raw and impassioned, carry the weight of experience and a deep connection to the material. The band, “The Light,” are seasoned musicians who understand the nuances of these tracks, playing them with precision, power, and a palpable sense of enjoyment. This is not a passive listening experience; it’s an invitation to engage, to feel the music resonate through you. The show is expected to run for approximately two and a half to three hours, including the intermission, offering an extensive and deeply satisfying journey through two of music’s most revered catalogues.

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FAQs

Q1: Will Peter Hook be performing songs from both Joy Division and New Order at this show? Yes, absolutely. This special event features two distinct sets: ‘The Sound of Joy,’ dedicated to the entirety of Joy Division’s studio albums and key singles, followed by ‘The Power of New Order,’ celebrating the iconic hits and fan favourites from New Order’s illustrious career.

Q2: Is this a Joy Division tribute band or Peter Hook performing his own material? This is not a tribute band. Peter Hook himself, a founding member and co-songwriter of both Joy Division and New Order, is performing. ‘The Light’ is his current band, comprised of accomplished musicians who play these seminal songs with his direct involvement and supervision, ensuring an authentic and powerful rendition.

Q3: How long will the performance last? The show is expected to run for approximately two and a half to three hours in total, including a short intermission between the Joy Division and New Order sets. This allows for a comprehensive exploration of both catalogues.

Q4: Will Peter Hook be playing his signature basslines prominently? His signature basslines are not just prominent; they are often the driving force and melodic centrepiece of the songs, both from Joy Division and New Order. Peter Hook is renowned for his distinctive, high-register bass playing, and you can expect to hear these iconic parts delivered with the skill and passion you’d expect.

Q5: Can I expect to hear “Love Will Tear Us Apart” and “Blue Monday”? You certainly can! “Love Will Tear Us Apart” is a cornerstone of the Joy Division set, and “Blue Monday” is an absolute must-play in the New Order segment. These are just two of the many legendary hits you can anticipate hearing performed live.

Q6: What is Peter Hook’s general approach to performing his past material? Peter Hook approaches his past material with immense respect and personal connection. He views himself as a custodian of these songs, aiming to present them with the same energy, emotion, and musical integrity as they were originally created. His performances are known for their raw power, his commanding stage presence, and a genuine engagement with the audience who hold these songs dear.

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