Peter Hook

Peter Hook & The Light: The Joy Division and New Order Tour at O2 Academy Leeds

Get ready for an unforgettable night as legendary bassist and co-founder of Joy Division and New Order, Peter Hook, brings his acclaimed ‘The Joy Division and New Order Tour’ to the iconic O2 Academy Leeds on Saturday, 29 November 2025. This is a rare and electrifying opportunity to witness a true luminary of the post-punk and alternative music scene perform the seminal tracks that defined a generation, live and in their full glory. Hooky, as he’s affectionately known, will be delivering a career-spanning set, diving deep into the revered catalogues of both his iconic bands, promising an evening of raw emotion, driving basslines, and anthemic choruses that will resonate with long-time fans and new devotees alike. Don’t miss your chance to experience the sonic architect behind some of music’s most enduring and influential songs.

About Peter Hook

Peter Hook is a name synonymous with the evolution of modern alternative music. Born and raised in Salford, Manchester, he rose to international prominence as the bassist and co-founder of Joy Division, a band whose raw intensity and introspective lyrics laid the groundwork for much of the post-punk and gothic rock that followed. Alongside Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner, and Stephen Morris, Hook crafted a sound that was both bleakly beautiful and undeniably powerful, producing timeless classics like “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” “Transmission,” and “Atmosphere.” His distinctive, melodic basslines became a hallmark of the Joy Division sound, often carrying the melody and providing a driving force that was as integral to their music as the vocals.

Following the tragic death of Ian Curtis in 1980, the remaining members reformed as New Order, a band that would go on to achieve even greater commercial success while masterfully blending post-punk sensibilities with emerging electronic dance music. New Order’s innovative fusion of rock and electronic sounds produced a string of global hits, including “Blue Monday” – still one of the best-selling 12-inch singles of all time – “Bizarre Love Triangle,” “True Faith,” and “Temptation.” Throughout both bands’ careers, Hook’s distinctive vocal contributions and his signature high-strung bass playing remained a vital element.

In recent years, Peter Hook has embarked on a highly successful solo career under the moniker ‘Peter Hook & The Light.’ This project sees him revisiting and celebrating the vast and celebrated back catalogues of Joy Division and New Order with meticulous dedication and palpable passion. Performing these legendary albums in their entirety, he honours the original spirit of the music while injecting his own seasoned energy and a fervent commitment to delivering an authentic live experience. His live shows are renowned for their unyielding energy, passionate performances, and the sheer joy of hearing these seminal tracks brought back to life by one of the original architects.

Venue Information

O2 Academy Leeds is a premier live music venue situated in the heart of Leeds city centre. Housed within a Grade II listed building, formerly the historic Yorkshire Bank, it offers a magnificent setting for concerts, boasting a grand interior and excellent acoustics that enhance the live music experience. With a capacity that allows for an intimate yet energetic atmosphere, the O2 Academy Leeds has become a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant nightlife and a must-visit destination for music lovers across the region. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for an evening that transcends mere nostalgia; Peter Hook & The Light’s ‘The Joy Division and New Order Tour’ is a visceral celebration of groundbreaking music delivered with an electrifying passion that only the original artists can truly capture. This is not a tribute; it is a direct conduit to the sonic landscapes that shaped alternative music history.

The setlist for this tour is meticulously curated to offer a comprehensive journey through the iconic discographies of both Joy Division and New Order. Expect to hear the raw, emotional power of Joy Division classics such as the universally recognised anthem “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” the haunting intensity of “Atmosphere,” and the urgent drive of “Transmission.” Hooky’s signature basslines will be at the forefront, delivering those unmistakable melodies that have become etched into the collective consciousness of music fans worldwide.

Transitioning into the New Order era, the performance will ignite with the groundbreaking synth-pop that defined the 1980s and beyond. The iconic electronic pulses of “Blue Monday” are guaranteed to have the entire O2 Academy Leeds moving, while tracks like the shimmering “Bizarre Love Triangle,” the dancefloor filler “Temptation,” and the infectious “True Faith” will showcase the band’s evolution and enduring appeal. Hooky’s own vocal contributions to these New Order anthems will be a highlight, bringing a unique character and raw energy to familiar favourites.

Peter Hook’s performance style is as distinctive as his bass playing. He is a commanding presence on stage, embodying the spirit and intensity of the music he is performing. He engages directly with the audience, sharing anecdotes and a genuine enthusiasm for the songs that have been the soundtrack to so many lives. His band, The Light, are accomplished musicians who demonstrate a profound understanding and respect for the original material, expertly replicating the intricate arrangements and sonic textures that made these songs legendary, while also infusing their own dynamism into the live setting.

The concert is expected to be a substantial and immersive experience, with a typical set duration of around two to two-and-a-half hours, encompassing both Joy Division and New Order material. This allows ample time to delve deep into the respective albums being celebrated, ensuring that fans hear not only the smash hits but also some of the deeper cuts that fans cherish. Be prepared for an emotionally charged evening, from the stark introspection of Joy Division to the euphoric, dance-driven optimism of New Order. It’s a night that promises to be both a powerful reminder of the past and a vibrant celebration of music that continues to inspire.

FAQs

Q1: Will Peter Hook be performing entire albums from Joy Division and New Order? A1: Yes, Peter Hook & The Light’s ‘The Joy Division and New Order Tour’ is renowned for performing full albums from both Joy Division and New Order. While specific albums for the 2025 Leeds date are to be announced, past tours have seen them meticulously play through seminal records such as Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures and Closer, and New Order’s Power, Corruption & Lies and Low-Life. This format offers fans an immersive experience of these landmark LPs.

Q2: What is Peter Hook’s role in Joy Division and New Order? A2: Peter Hook was a founding member and the bassist for both Joy Division and New Order. His distinctive, high-strung bass playing style was a crucial element of both bands’ signature sounds, often carrying the melody and providing a driving rhythmic and harmonic foundation. He also provided lead vocals on several tracks for both bands.

Q3: Is this a tribute band, or is it Peter Hook himself performing? A3: This is not a tribute band. Peter Hook himself, one of the principal architects of Joy Division and New Order’s music, is performing live with his band, The Light. This is a unique opportunity to see one of the original artists behind these legendary songs.

Q4: What can I expect from Peter Hook’s performance style? A4: Peter Hook is known for his energetic and passionate live performances. He is a charismatic frontman who connects with the audience, often sharing personal anecdotes. His band, The Light, are accomplished musicians who meticulously recreate the original sounds while bringing their own live dynamism to the performance, ensuring a powerful and authentic show.

Q5: Will Peter Hook play songs from his solo career as well as Joy Division and New Order? A5: The focus of ‘The Joy Division and New Order Tour’ is specifically on the music created during his time in those two iconic bands. While Peter Hook has a solo career, this particular tour is dedicated to celebrating the comprehensive catalogues of Joy Division and New Order.

Q6: How long is a typical Peter Hook & The Light concert? A6: A typical concert by Peter Hook & The Light typically lasts between two and two-and-a-half hours. This generous duration allows them to cover a substantial number of songs from the albums being performed, often including encores, providing a full and satisfying experience for fans.