Peter Hook

Peter Hook & The Light: A Sonic Journey at Eventim Olympia, Liverpool

Prepare for an unforgettable evening as legendary bassist and co-founder of Joy Division and New Order, Peter Hook, brings his critically acclaimed show to Liverpool’s iconic Eventim Olympia on Thursday, 13 November 2025. This isn’t just another gig; it’s a meticulously curated sonic exploration, a testament to a career that has soundtracked generations and redefined the possibilities of post-punk and dance music. Hooky, as he’s affectionately known, isn’t one for standing still. He’s bringing “Peter Hook & The Light” to deliver a performance that delves deep into his seminal catalogue, promising an intimate and electrifying experience for fans old and new. This is your chance to witness firsthand the raw energy and melodic genius of a true musical pioneer in the heart of his adopted city, Liverpool.

About Peter Hook

Peter Hook’s indelible mark on the landscape of modern music is undeniable. As one of the founding members of Joy Division, he, alongside Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner, and Stephen Morris, crafted a sound that was as bleakly beautiful as it was groundbreaking. His distinctive, melodic basslines, often played in a higher register, were a cornerstone of the band’s signature sound, providing a driving, often haunting, counterpoint to Curtis’s introspective lyrics. Hits like “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” “Atmosphere,” and “Shadowplay” remain touchstones of the post-punk era, their influence echoing through countless bands that followed.

Following the tragic death of Ian Curtis, the remaining members formed New Order, where Hook’s bass playing continued to evolve, embracing synthesizers and the burgeoning electronic dance music scene. New Order became pioneers of the fusion of rock and electronic music, achieving global superstardom with anthems such as “Blue Monday,” “Bizarre Love Triangle,” and “True Faith.” Hook’s energetic stage presence and distinctive vocal contributions were vital to the band’s immense success throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.

After departing New Order, Peter Hook embarked on a solo career and formed “Peter Hook & The Light.” This project has seen him meticulously revisit and perform the entire back catalogues of both Joy Division and New Order, often in their entirety, to rapturous applause from devoted fans worldwide. These shows are more than mere retrospectives; they are passionate reinterpretations, delivered with Hooky’s characteristic ferocity and commitment. He’s not just playing the songs; he’s breathing new life into them, sharing the stories and the visceral emotion behind the music that has defined his extraordinary journey. With a discography spanning decades and a reputation for electrifying live performances, Peter Hook remains a vital and compelling force in music.

Venue Information

Eventim Olympia is a historic and much-loved music venue nestled in the vibrant heart of Liverpool. With its ornate architecture and intimate atmosphere, it provides the perfect backdrop for a night of powerful live music. The venue boasts a standing floor area and tiered seating, offering various vantage points to soak in the performance. Its rich history and reputation for hosting legendary artists ensure a truly special gig experience. For complete venue details, including accessibility information, bar services, and getting there, please see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare yourself for an evening that is less about a casual run-through of hits and more about a deep, immersive dive into the iconic music of Joy Division and New Order, as curated and powered by the man who helped create it. Peter Hook & The Light are renowned for their commitment to delivering these seminal albums with an almost reverential yet fiercely energetic approach.

The setlist for this special event will likely focus on the band performing entire albums from Peter Hook’s illustrious past. While specific album announcements are eagerly anticipated, past tours by Peter Hook & The Light have seen him dedicate entire shows to albums such as Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures and Closer, or New Order’s Movement and Power, Corruption & Lies. This allows for a comprehensive journey through the sonic evolution and thematic depths of these influential records. Expect to hear the foundational anthems that shaped a generation, performed with the same passion and raw power that defined their original release.

Peter Hook’s performance style is as distinctive as his bass playing. He is a commanding presence on stage, a whirlwind of energy, often engaging directly with the audience, sharing anecdotes and expressing the pure joy of playing this music. His vocal delivery, while drawing on his signature style, is infused with a mature gravitas that adds another layer of emotional resonance to the familiar lyrics. His signature bass playing remains the powerful, melodic engine driving the band, a constant reminder of his unique contribution to these songs.

A typical Peter Hook & The Light performance is a substantial offering, usually lasting around two to two-and-a-half hours, including an intermission. This extended duration allows for a thorough exploration of the chosen albums, often culminating in a powerful encore featuring a selection of other beloved tracks from his extensive catalogue. This is not a night for passive listening; it’s an invitation to participate, to feel the music resonate through your very core, and to witness a true icon revisit his legacy with electrifying intensity.

FAQs

Q1: What era of music will Peter Hook be performing? Peter Hook & The Light are known for performing the entire catalogues of Joy Division and New Order, often dedicating shows to specific albums from these iconic bands. Fans can expect to hear material that shaped the post-punk and early electronic dance music scenes.

Q2: Will Peter Hook be singing lead vocals? Yes, Peter Hook takes lead vocal duties for many of the songs he performs with Peter Hook & The Light, in addition to his signature bass playing. He also shares vocal responsibilities with other band members on select tracks, creating a dynamic vocal performance.

Q3: Are there specific albums that Peter Hook & The Light will be performing at this Liverpool show? While the exact album(s) will be announced closer to the date, Peter Hook & The Light have a history of performing seminal Joy Division albums like Unknown Pleasures and Closer, and New Order albums such as Movement and Power, Corruption & Lies. Keep an eye on official announcements for confirmation.

Q4: How long is a Peter Hook & The Light performance usually? A typical performance by Peter Hook & The Light lasts approximately two to two-and-a-half hours, including an intermission. This extended set allows for a comprehensive performance of the chosen albums, often followed by an encore.

Q5: Is this event suitable for long-time fans of Joy Division and New Order? Absolutely. This event is tailor-made for long-time fans. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the music that defined these legendary bands, performed by one of their principal architects, with a dedication to authenticity and passion.

Q6: Can I expect to hear Peter Hook’s iconic bass playing? Peter Hook is renowned for his distinctive and influential bass playing. His unique melodic style is a cornerstone of the music he performs, and you can expect his powerful basslines to be at the forefront of the live show.